When the Coronavirus shut us down, clubs and festivals ceased, and everyone was essentially forced inside with no definitive end in sight, DJ Times wondered: How is our tribe coping? How are DJs getting by? So, we sent out our “Coronavirus Questionnaire” to DJ/producers from all musical genres to find out.
During this period, DJ Times will continue presenting the questionnaire responses from talented music-makers from all over the world. Here’s our latest entry, this time from the Balkans, Serbia-based, tech-house talent Reblok (aka Goran Paradjina).
What’s it like where you are? We went into a pretty strict lockdown at first, which was really hard… although we’ve had similar situations in the past, as I grew up through two wars. So we are kinda used to emergency states here in Serbia. The recent lockdown was from 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday – you cannot leave your house for any reason whatsoever. Glad it’s behind us now.
How are you spending most of your time? Well, we are now out of lockdown, but I can’t say I’ve been producing much because I really wasn’t in the mood, to be honest. I was just watching movies, TV shows and similar stuff, mostly.
Have you lost income-producing work? I’ve lost plenty. I don’t have a single gig, nothing – and I 100-percent depend on music, so I don’t have any other income, unfortunately.
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? Yes, I have been doing mastering, mixdowns, and sometimes I help people finish their own tracks. I also give advice about the business side of the industry. This includes guidance to the people who seek it, since I have a plethora of top-notch labels behind me and offering my A&R services for various labels and make plans for their releases and many other things. Concerning music industry, I’m a very open person for any kind of mutual benefit and I am very transparent, someone who thinks life is too short for sugarcoating.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? I’ve got a slew of new tracks that I’ve been working on and will be releasing many tracks on many great labels upcoming. So, I’m proud of that, to be honest. My latest track, “Turn Off the Lights,” just came out.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? I realized how much I miss some people and some other simple things I couldn’t have. But you know what? That’s life – you don’t know you miss something until you lose it.
Have you considered doing any live-streaming? I actually haven’t considered it. I’ve been focusing my time on making music and helping others with mastering, mixdowns, A&R, and helping other artists.
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? Yaga’s “Bad Buzzer.” This one is unique and crazy, and it comes from my local mate. I simply love the tune and I think everyone should check it out. Also, Deorro’s “Amanecer.” It’s simply magic for my ears, something different. And then, there’s Ben Kim’s “Crazy Doll.” It’s wicked – love the bassline/vocal combo.
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? It’s really hard no matter what you do. Many people are so depressed about this situation, but do whatever makes you happy.
To check out more Life in Lockdown interviews, click here.
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