DJs are helping people to get through the dull days of quarantining and social isolation during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, by helping them to get their groove on from their balconies.
Many DJs are temporarily out of work with clubs, festivals and concerts being cancelled, and some are generously sharing their talents with the wider world from the safety of their homes.
This is particularly evident in Italy and Spain, where national quarantines have been imposed, meaning that the movement of the population has been restricted except for necessity, work and health reasons.
As this situation is likely to continue for a while, enjoying music al fresco from individual balconies may become the new form of partying. It will also cheer people up because they will be able to dance along at home, and those who don't live in apartment blocks are not being left out either.
Some DJs are also performing online live stream sets that can be accessed by anyone. These include DJ D-Nice’s 'Homeschool' sessions, which he has been hosting on Instagram live after having gigs at South by Southwest and Coachella cancelled. The first one was dedicated to the healthcare workers who are on the frontline saving lives.
These events can be used to benefit creators as well. Event producer Irvin Benitez plans to live stream a day-long digital party here featuring local DJs on 25 March. He hopes that people will donate to them in return for enjoying their music.
Those who are not fans of club music can enjoy other genres that are being freely offered. The Met Opera is streaming online operas, for example, and Bono and other musicians are entertaining fans online. We may have to keep our distance from one another these days, but at least we can still stay connected by joining the party from our homes.
Keep up to date with Lonely Planet's latest travel-related COVID-19 news here.
