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 the crisis, DJ Times will be presenting the questionnaire responses from talented music-makers from all over the world. Here’s our latest installment, this time from Spain, the Barcelona-based techno talent Andres Campo.
What’s it like where you are? Here in Barcelona, we’ve been on lockdown for awhile now. It’s very strict here with rules about going out at all. I am fine, though, and have discovered that my living room can be turned into lots of things – a bar, yoga room, boxing ring, a conference center – its mad! I also am lucky to have my studio here, too, so at least I can spend time mixing, producing and keeping up with music – thank God.
How are you spending most of your time? The days are shorter when you are on lockdown, right? They seem it, as they are only 16 hours and I am sleeping about eight, which isn’t normal for me, as I am always on the road. I now also have hours of raiding the fridge and another hour watching memes. Then, any time I have left I spend with friends and family. I try to do music also, but damn… I am not really feeling that creative these days to be honest.
Have you lost income-producing work? Yes, all of it. No gigs/pain – no gain
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? Yes… I mean, I am making music. But as everyone knows, that will not make me rich or pay the bills. Well, maybe it does if you make a chart-topping pop hit, but that’s not my style of production and I stay true to what comes out of any studio session. I do not make music for the masses, so that means no mega-pay-outs. All my money and living is made from touring, so it’s a worrying time for everyone. But I am trying to channel all this into some good music.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? Reconnecting with myself. This is something, I think, that no touring DJ makes the time to do. I have been thinking about where I am and if it’s what I need. We have a lot of time to think and think and think. But maybe let yourself do that, look into yourself and really figure out what you need, don’t need and what you might change after this is all over. I think we all need to learn something, otherwise… what did you spend your quarantine doing? It’s time to make changes.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? Yoga, for sure. I am not normally doing it at all, but I am starting to enjoy it. I also have started a love for cookies. Maybe that’s not too good, and I need all the yoga to be able to balance that out. It’s weird to me that I have never really connected to my neighbors either, and now I know all their names, and we talk and help one another. I think this applies to nearly everyone. I love them. They have been very supportive to everyone in our community, and that’s what’s making this all a little more bearable.
Are you doing anything online? Have you seen anything that impressed you? I’ve done some, actually, and I have some more planned. One of the streams was me at home playing all the tracks, which I listened to from my early days. When talking about other streams, I have to admit I have tried to stay offline as much as possible, as the news is a little depressing. But to be biased, I did watch my girlfriend play a really deep and melodic set, which was crazy good. She isn’t a DJ, but maybe that makes it all the more reason why I liked this more. It’s encouraging so many people to be more public about their talents, and not being afraid to give it a go with an online audience. She was so good I think someone is secretly teaching her!
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? How about “Isolation” by Joy Division? [laughs] Here in Spain, at the moment I hear a lot of people playing “Resistire,” which translates to “I Will Survive.” It’s an old tune from Duo Dinámico. It’s not my favorite song, but has a sense of purpose these days. Also, maybe Simple Minds’ “Theme For Great Cities.” It’s on my Spotify playlist, and its quote apocalyptic.
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? Try not to poison your mind with all the shit that media is saying on a daily basis. If you constantly see what’s being talked about, it’s just depressing. Everyone is speculating so many things. No one knows what will happen – no one. Connect with yourself, invest in your own time learning or doing something new. You have all the time in the world, so put your mind to a new skill. And, of course, wash your hands, stay home, call your friends and stay safe, amigos!
To check out more Life in Lockdown features, click here.
