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 South Coast of England, the Portsmouth-based techno talent Reset Robot (aka Dave Robertson).
Reset Robot, Portsmouth, U.K., Whistleblower Records
What’s it like where you’re living? Portsmouth isn’t exactly top of everyone’s list to visit, but I think it’s real hidden gem. We’ve got a great beach and loads of space near the seafront, which is great in the summer. We were locked down, unfortunately. In last year’s first lockdown, I spent most of the time enjoying the sun with my family. I also taught myself how to bake bread.
Did you lose important gigs, or income-producing work? I had already slowed right down on the touring a while back to concentrate on family life, but I did have a gig cancelled at Watergate [in Berlin]. I do a lot of studio engineering and co-production, which has continued, but slowed down slightly.
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? I’m always writing new music, which is fun, and as I said… I’m doing a lot of co-production, so I’ve been OK.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? For example, any releases during this period? My latest release is a six-song EP, “Atomic Concept.” I’ve been releasing steadily and still have a lot more music to come out. During the pandemic, I have released on We Are The Brave, Truesoul, Drumcode, and my own label, Whistleblower Records.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? How important human contact and socializing is. It’s crazy how much we all take for granted, as the lockdown has really made me stop to notice the small things we can no longer do.
Have you done anything online recently? Have you seen any DJ video streams that impressed you? I’ve been trying to stay clear of social media. I’m a lot happier when I don’t get sucked in to all of that. One of my friends My Cat Snoop has got a great new live-stream/mix series. His first one is awesome, so I’d really recommend checking that out.
Any themed tunes recommended for the moment? It’s unreleased, but look for Idiolect’s “Everything Has Gone Weird.”
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? Learn something new, try something new, and look after your body and mind!
To check out more Life in Lockdown interviews, click here.
