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.
For the short-term (hopefully), DJ Times will be presenting the questionnaire responses from talented music-makers from all over the world. Here’s an installment from the Left Coast and Western Europe – EDM wizards KSHMR and Yves V, who collaborated on 2019’s “No Regrets” feat. Krewella:
What’s it like where you are? At the moment, I’ve rented a house outside of L.A. to work on new music. As a producer, I tend to be anti-social as it is, so not much has changed.
Have you lost income-producing work? Well, being a DJ, the way that I make money is by playing shows. Those shows require large amounts of people to be gathered so, yes, I’ve lost money. But you can’t miss what
you never had, so no biggie.
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? I’m making music, so, yeah in a perfect world, it will produce income… but more importantly, I’ll get to share a new project with the fans.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? I’m working on new music, specifically an EP.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? Just how much you can get done when forced into isolation. When the noise of the outside world is quiet, I can really buckle down and focus on what made KSHMR in the first place, which is the music.
Have you considered doing anything online during this time? I think I will do some live streaming soon, celebrating the launch of the new website Dharma Worldwide where I offer producers lots of tools to help with their music.
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” and The Doors’ “People Are Strange.”
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? Take this opportunity to spend time with the people that are close to you and embrace the externally imposed break. Make the most of it and remember the simpler things.
What’s it like where you are? In Belgium, it’s been escalating for a while, like most of Europe. But now we’re fully on lockdown. It’s a confusing and uncertain time for everyone, no one is exempt and we must support each other in our communities.
Have you lost income-producing work? I will not be touring for at least the next two months, maybe even longer as a precautionary measure, as the music industry does not know how it’s going to unfold.
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? I’m always in the studio producing and my latest single on Spinnin’, “Not So Bad” with Ilkay Sencan, has been getting great support all over Europe and beyond from radio and our fans. So it’s always great to be able to connect with our music if we can’t in-person. Lots of new music coming soon!
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive?
Taking some rare downtime with my family and loved ones, trying to turn a negative situation into a positive one, so that I can feel inspired and creative, to then be the best I can be both in and out of the studio.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? The whole situation has
been full of surprises, but I’ve noticed more and more how much music can bring us all together. It’s not surprising, but to see everyone rally together with the #saveoursummerinitiative, free downloads, interesting
live streams and content that is different than usual for fans, really shows the power of music.
Have you considered doing anything online? Seen anything you like so far? Yes, and we have some exciting ideas – watch this space! I saw Luciano has been doing a Living Room Series, which is super cool.
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? The Clash’s “Should I Stay Or Should I Go.” But right now, please stay at home!
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? Surround yourself with loved ones, if you can. Stay at home, stay creative and take time for your mental and physical health as a priority right now – who knows where we’re headed? Look after each other!
To check out more interviews, click here.
DJ Times Magazine is copyright © 2020 by DJ Publishing, Inc. www.djtimes.com
