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 west of England – the Somerset-based, tech-house talent Will Clarke.
What’s it like where you are? Honestly, I live in the middle of nowhere when I’m at my place in the U.K., and it’s always pretty chilled. No one really lives here. However, yes, we’re on lockdown like most other places… only leaving the house to exercise or get food essentials. Most days, I’m just in the studio working on new music, cooking some good dinners and trying to not get in my head about this whole situation.
What income-producing work have you lost? All the gigs. Of course, every show/gig is important to me when it comes to giving the people that come to my shows what they want. It sucks for them that they didn’t get the chance to come to my shows. Income-wise, yes, lots of income has stopped coming in. However, its life. I’m lucky that I saved some money and can keep going for a little time. I feel sorry for the people that completely lost their jobs and are left with nothing.
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? Yes, and no. Remixes are coming in; however, I’m not really doing anything off the back to just bring money in. I’ve spent a long time in my career making sure that everything I do I’m really passionate about and I really don’t want to get caught in the trap of just doing things for money. I will, obviously, if it came to it – but, touch wood, I’m not there yet.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? For me, spending time with my parents – they are on the same property. It’s been really important. Currently working on a couple of business ideas outside of music industry that I’ve wanted to do for a while. I’m still writing on a daily, however, struggling with that a little, as I know I need to push myself to write something bigger and better. That’s a constant battle I have with myself, though, not just due to corona.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? I don’t think I’ve realized anything; however, it’s solidified my thoughts on how important community is to everyone. Although nowadays a lot of us don’t live in the here-and-now, for me, it’s made me realize to enjoy the moment because you don’t know when it’s going to be taken away.
Are you doing anything online? I’ve considered it. However, out here in the sticks my internet connection sucks so bad that it’s not going to be an enjoyable experience. Also, I feel like so many people are doing live-streams I’m trying to work out what I can do that will add value to others in this time and also for when this is all over.
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? The Prodigy’s “Out of Space.”
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? Keep safe. Keep locked up. If you can, FaceTime your friends and family. It is a huge thing for me that has helped to keep connection with people. Also, remember that this will eventually be better, just a blip in the matrix.
To check out more Life in Lockdown features, click here.
