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 Australia’s capital city, the Canberra-based electronic talent Doppel (aka Andy McMillan).
What’s it like where you’re living? Honestly, it’s very peaceful. In Australia, we’ve only had minor lockdowns and a few major ones in the big cities for a few weeks at a time – but otherwise, we’ve been extremely lucky. In my city, Canberra, the restrictions have been minimal on our day-to-day lives, but travel restrictions are still very much in place. I’ve been spending most of my time writing music, cooking and wandering around in nature. I definitely don’t take it for granted.
What important gigs did you lose? Absolutely, my first international tour was canned due to COVID. I was about a week away from flying to Mexico when everything got shut down.
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? I’ve been very lucky to have played a few gigs here over the last few months as restrictions ease. The label I co-run, Open Records, has been pretty consistently releasing music, including my album, Eucalyptograph, as well. I’ve also been teaching Ableton Live/music production and have been working with a local dance company, The Australian Dance Party, on some dance/theatre productions.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? Writing and releasing heaps of music and taking good care of my mind and body, as well as practicing handstands.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? You really don’t need toilet paper, if you’re creative enough.
Have you considered doing anything online recently? I’ve done a couple live-streams. I do enjoy streaming because it’s fun to interact with the chat, but generally speaking I’m not the biggest fan. I love to feed off and interact with a crowd, so there is an element of that, but so much missing. I appreciate that there are so many crews that have held their communities together through them, however.
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? Eiffel 65’s “Blue.”
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? Paint the walls, let the madness flow, better out than in. Talk to your pets or your food, try to climb the corridors in your house. Listen to my new album. Seriously, though, I guess exercise is the biggest one and thank the stars we have the internet to stay somewhat connected.
To check out more Life in Lockdown interviews, click here.
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