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 entry, this time from Paris, the former Cassius member and current acid-house maker Boombass (aka Hubert Blanc-Francard).
What’s it like where you are? It’s great, quiet and beautiful – the birds are here. I’m not locked down anymore and, as usual, I do music, I read, smoke and eat.
Have you lost important gigs, or income-producing work? Not really – I will do them later. Of course, I don’t have any more money coming in, but I’ve spent my life between the stages of have and have not, so I’m used to it.
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? I’ve finished an album and bought hundreds of tracks to play, so I’m not worried.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? I’m doing some promo for “Le Virage,” a new EP that I release on June 5. There’s already a single “Pour que tu” online. I also finished an autobiography, had a remix out on Kookoo Records (of Fabrikate’s “On and On”) and I am building my own label.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? That I could live without sex for a so-long period of time.
What have you don’t online during this period? Have you seen any DJ video streams that impressed you? I did some, and did, like, 40 live mixes on Instagram. It’s really fun, as it’s a direct show you have interaction with others. Although it’s strange to DJ alone in front of a telephone, but we are in 2020. When I was a kid I would have loved the idea! But I miss so much a real club… I love the Questlove show on Instagram. He’s like a musical teacher – I love and respect this man.
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? “I Want You” by Marvin Gaye.
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? Do sports. Read. Love the one you care about. Smoke weed. Do not watch TV. Do not watch Netflix. Learn something you don’t know. Try to understand what you don’t understand. Stay free.
To check out more Life in Lockdown interviews, click here.
