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 NYC, the house-music OG, Joeski (aka Joe Flores).
What’s it like where you are? Obviously, here in New York City, COVID-19 is a very serious issue. We have been locked down for almost two months now. I am spending most of my time doing what I always do –working in my studio.
What income-producing work have you lost? I lost my full summer of gigs, unfortunately. I was booked for an Australia/Asia tour and numerous gigs in the U.S. and South America.
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? I have been keeping the Maya Recordings catalog going strong with new releases and doing some production consulting, as well.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? Pandemic or no pandemic, I have always been in the studio for over 10 hours a day… so my life has been business-as-usual, aside from not traveling and gigging.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? During this pandemic where the world is in turmoil, I thought my creative process would suffer. However, I feel just as inspired as ever.
Are you doing anything online? I recently moved my home studio to a new space where I will be continuing my Maya Sessions podcast via live-stream on all socials. I will also be doing a live stream at Brooklyn’s TBA club shortly.
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? Yes, Joeski’s “NY Strong.” This was a tribute I made to my city that I love so much during these hard times of the COVID pandemic.
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? Staying productive and inspired is the key to lockdown for me. It is so important to be grateful for your health and family during times like these.
To check out more Life in Lockdown features, click here.
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