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 Left Coast, the L.A.-based electronic talent ALRT (aka Irad Brant).
What’s it like where you’re living? I live in Hollywood, but I’m originally from Israel. I’ve been trying to create as much as I can through this lockdown, while also trying to continue the grind for my project. I spend most of my time in my studio, which is also in Hollywood.
What income-producing work did you lose? I basically lost all income I planned to make in 2020 – festivals, club shows and touring.
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? I’m actually creating sound sample packs that I sell through my website. I mentor a few artists and also do feedback sessions for new artists.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? For example, any releases during this period? Well, I have decided not to stop releasing music! I just released my latest track, “Touch Me” on Deadbeats, which appears on my forthcoming, sophomore EP, “NRG Vol 2.” The EP will be released with Deadbeats March 12. Pre-save the EP here.
In the studio, what’s your set-up? I use EVE Audio SC208 monitors, RME Babyface Pro soundcard and a MacBook Pro laptop. My favorite DAW is Ableton Live. I recently upgraded my studio and soffit-mounted my monitors. The room is acoustically treated, all measured, and sounding great.
What’s your creation process in the studio? I usually start with the theme or motif of the track and then I go from there. I never start from building the drop. I think it makes the creation process way more fun and interesting, and I never know how the drop will end up.
What’s your typical DJ set-up? I like to use four Pioneer CDJ-2000s and a Pioneer mixer. I choose that route just because it’s easy to work with. I prepare everything in rekordbox, and once I’m doing a show I can mix easily between tracks with hot cues.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? I realized how much I miss human interaction. You take it for granted, but once it’s gone, you understand how important it is for the soul.
Have you done anything online recently? I’ve done a few streams with Insomniac and Deadbeats, which are all on YouTube. I also recently did a JOYRYDE Park N Rave stream playing on a car!
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? Queen’s “The Show Must Go On.”
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? My one piece of advice is: It will pass! Like everything. As humans, we are tough! We can get through this together!
To check out more Life in Lockdown interviews, click here.
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