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 New Jersey, the Newark-based house master Kevin Hedge of the legendary duo Blaze.
What’s it like where you’re living? How did you spend most of your time? Yes, we were in lockdown. In the beginning, the lockdown was gripping. There was a certain amount curiosity surrounding how we would live and not be able to carry on as normal. My family really enjoyed the fact that we all had more time for each other. We spent at least the first few weeks just in the house and not going out for more than necessities. We have a young son, so I’m sure his mother loved not having to leave him and being able to home-school with him.
Did you lose important gigs, or income-producing work? Honestly, I did not miss much. Since the birth of my son, I have been more into just spending each day with him. So, gig opportunities were slowed down overall.
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? Any new releases? Yes, over the downtime, I was able to finish the single release, “Reach for the Stars,” which features Rick Galactik and it’s on DJ Spen’s Quantize Recordings. That release was actually started 15 years ago and I never got around to writing the lyrics.
In the studio, what’s your set-up? You could say my ProTools rig is vintage [laughs]. I am working on a HD4 ProTools set-up that is about 16-years old. But it works! It’s rock-solid!
What’s your creation process in the studio? I usually start with an idea of something I want to say. Then, I would work on the feel and mood of the chord progression. After I get a good feel for how the song wants to express itself, actual production will start.
What’s your typical DJ set-up? Honestly, I pretty much just go Pioneer. I like to use rekordbox and any of their media players work fine. I would use the DJM-750 or better as a mixer.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? What surprised me was how some people refused to take the guidelines seriously.
Have you done anything online recently? Yes, I do a weekly mix-cast on a platform (HMCONAIR.com) Saturday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. EDT.
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? I like to play Nat King Cole’s version of “Smile.” You have to smile, even though no one can see it because you are wearing a mask.
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? For inspiration, I re-read “The Alchemist.” It keeps me optimistic.
To check out more Life in Lockdown interviews, click here.
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