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 L.A., the Australian EDM talent Cassian (aka Cassian Stewart-Kasimba).
What’s it like where you’re living? How have you spent the lockdown? I’m in L.A. at the moment. Not strictly locked down, but definitely keeping to myself more than usual. Apart from the lack of touring and socializing, my routine is pretty similar to normal. Lots of studio time.
Have you lost important gigs, or income-producing work? If so, very briefly, what kind? With the release of the album, Laps, my team had put together a pretty amazing world tour, which has all been cancelled. It’s unfortunate, but there are people in far worse situations and we have no choice but to push forward. The fact that we could get such a great tour booked in the first place felt like a huge step forward and something I’m really proud of, in spite of it not actually happening, if that makes sense.
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? I’ve always done a lot of mixing and production for other artists. So when touring shut down, I found myself in a lucky position to still be able to work. It’s a tough time, especially for artists who rely heavily on touring income. I’ve always stayed away from letting money influence decisions and, with the lack of touring, I’ve been thinking more about how to still connect with people and share music, as opposed to trying to replace the income.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? What’s the latest from you? The album has had me spending more time doing promo-related activities more than normal – but apart from that, I’m actually getting more studio time now than ever. So, in that sense, this time has been really constructive for me. My newest release is “Imagination” feat. Tora (Yotto Remix).
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? I was surprised by how quickly social distancing felt normal. Really hard to imagine being in big crowds or meeting lots of people right now.
Have you done anything online? Have you seen anything that impressed you? I’ve streamed a few DJ sets, a production Q&A and threw an album listening party on Zoom. I haven’t been able to catch too many live, but I really enjoyed Yotto’s streams from his kitchen. Hayden James, Meduza and Dom Dolla have all done some sets with really high production value, as well.
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? Yotto posted a screenshot of some of his track titles on Instagram: “Isolation,” “Off the Grid,” “Personal Space,” “Counting Down The Days,” “Wait,” “Walls,” and “Waiting Here” [laughs].
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? For me, making music and exercising feel like the only two things keeping me sane. Different for everyone!
To check out more Life in Lockdown interviews, click here.
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