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 Portugal, the German electronic talent Ninetoes (aka Özgür Yelmen).
What’s it like where you’re living? I’m in Portugal right now. I thought: “Why stay in Berlin in August when I could enjoy the sun here.” It’s super-nice and very calm here. I’m eating super healthy and discovering a new beach every day.
What gigs or income-producing work have you lost? How are you staying engaged in music? Yes, I lost the gigs, obviously, but the production is still going on. July and August were very busy with releases, by the way. I recently released my new “Quarantine Love” EP on my own imprint Head To Toe, and I’m super-happy with it. Before that, I released a single called “Parole” on Moon Harbour and an EP, “High Jump Yourself,” on Rawthentic Records, so that has kept me busy through the recent lockdown.
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? I’m just working on my music, like I did before. So, in that way, nothing has really changed. I’m sitting on a lot of new music from before the lockdown, which is not being released, so it keeps me busy. There will be a lot to hear over the coming months.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? Actually, I’m meeting more and more producer friends and we exchange a lot of knowledge and sounds. That is something that was almost impossible during all the touring pre-COVID and I’m really more active on social media and Spotify. I’ve just become focused more on these things.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? I’ve realized how productive it is to wake up at 8 a.m. and going to the gym. I’m feeling very well and fit, and I’ve started eating healthier than I was before. Less alcohol, more fruits and vegetables, such a big difference.
Have you considered doing anything online like a live-stream? Have you seen anything online that impressed you? I did two streams – Mixmag Mexico and Instagram – but it’s really not the same as playing live in front of people. So I’m not a huge fan of streaming, but we have to adapt in these different times.
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? Listen to my new music, call your parents daily and try to stay hydrated.
To check out more Life in Lockdown interviews, click here.
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