The dance music industry is doing everything it can to keep spirits high amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. DJs in Italy are throwing balcony parties, DJs in China are livestreaming sets, but how are the industry's biggest names coping during self-isolation?
Alesso Creates Big Room Tutorial
Whilst confined to his house, Swedish DJ Alesso is making the most of social media. After holding a Q&A session on his Instagram—during which he clapped back at a fan who claimed he wanted the 'old Alesso' back— the producer has now released a short clip showing how to build up a big room track.
In the video, Alesso jokes around by showing how the track can be created with just a few simple steps. He starts by finding a few chords and making "a nasty bassline", before playing "a melody with a lot of delay", adding "too many layers of the same melody" and so on.
Flume Calls on Artists to "Corona Collab"
Australian producer Flume has taken advantage of his time in self-quarantine by asking other artists to collaborate with him remotely. After posting the suggestion to his Instagram, he received responses from several high-profile DJs and singers, including Alison Wonderland, Diplo, Charlie XCX, Halsey, Oliver Heldens and more.
Last year, Flume released his mixtape Hi This Is Flume as well as his Quits EP, which was a collaborative project with Reo Cragun. Earlier this month he dropped The Difference featuring Toro y Moi and has promised to put a record out sometime this year.
Marshmello Shares Quarantine Mix For Fans
As more and more of us are trying to figure out how to bide our time at home for the next few weeks, Marshmello has thrown a lifeline for those in quarantine by putting together a new mix.
“Hey Mellogang, I hope you're all staying safe and healthy during these challenging times,” Marshmello wrote on YouTube. “I put together this mix so you have some music to help you get through your day. Please continue to care and support those around you in your communities. We are all in this together.”
DJ Snake Remixes Viral Cardi B Video
Last week, Cardi B broke the internet by airing her thoughts on the COVID-19 outbreak via social media. DJ iMarkkeyz was first on the scene to remix the viral hit, with his version “Coronavirus (Sh*t Is Real!), and now it's the turn of the snake.
Diplo Promises Nightly Livestream Sets
American DJ Diplo has taken it upon himself to social distance from his sons, after coming into contact with "hundreds of people in the past four weeks". The Lonely producer made the decision out of fear of his children's health, but also out of consideration for their grandmother, with whom they live.
As a way of promoting social distancing among his fans, the 41-year-old DJ has recently promised to deliver nightly live-stream sets that users can listen to from the safety of their homes.
“Last night I invited Rhye over for the first Corona Sabbath (We made that up because we we had iron on t-shirt letters… maybe it will stick). While we’re all in self-imposed quarantine and I’m grounded from playing shows I am going to get creative and make up random sets and shows live from my house.”
Alison Wonderland Releases Red Rocks VR Set
After finding out that all Red Rock concerts have been cancelled until May, Australian EDM producer Alison Wonderland decided to treat fans by posting her full 2019 Red Rocks set. The full video— which lasts over an hour— gives users a full VR experience by offering 360 views from the stage.
“Wow, a lot has changed since Monday when I announced Red Rocks. So I want to do something nice for you guys!!!" Reads the DJ's Instagram post. "So excited to release this footage from Red Rocks so you have something to watch while there are no events going on… IN 360!!!"
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