How are you going to define your new normal as a DJ/producer?

Well, that was unexpected. 

It’s certain to say that I don’t think anyone was prepared for the effects of the global pandemic over the last 18 months or so. However, in challenging times there are always lessons to be learned and the pandemic has given us a chance to do exactly that.

With any long term habits, when you return to your familiar environment and way of life it’s easy to just fall back into routine and carry on as you did before without question. But now that dancefloors and music venues across the globe are reopening this is YOUR time to invent a new normal in the nightlife industry. Let’s drop the hustle culture, stand against discrimination in the scene and cultivate a life of wellness in dance music.

I invite you to question your current reality. 

“Emm Captain, you want me to question my safe comfortable reality...are you fricking mad?”

I know! But trust me it’s not as bad as you fear. 

I’m going to walk you through some simple journal prompts to help you begin uncovering your inner feelings and motives in dance music after the pandemic. The new aspects of your life that you want to prioritise, the old habits you would like to change, and the actions you’re ready to take. 

💬 New Text Message from The Captain: Hey hooman! In my #mentalhealthawareness Insta live series I spoke to the wonderful DJ Tara and she shared some insightful views on the nightlife industry post-pandemic. You can watch our chat here!

What was your ‘normal’ life as a DJ/producer before the pandemic? 

Think back to how your life was before the pandemic. For many people in dance music life was hectic and fast-paced. Working the 9-5 and trying to squeeze in studio time and live DJ gigs at the weekend. Plus general life admin! I feel tired just reading that.

It’s fair to say that most of us were in a state of auto-pilot but is that really the best way to live? Did it allow for your full creativity to flow and for you to truly feel content within yourself?

During the pandemic, what did you become most grateful for?

In a chaotic life-changing experience our priorities change. We often become more grateful for basics such as our health. Or, in the experience of having our freedom taken away, we start to miss things that we took for granted in our day to day lives before. 
Consider the things you missed most and the things that you gained that you are grateful for.

Something a little like this...

For DJ/producers, the closure of nightclubs was devastating. It’s where you connect with people through music, it gives you a sense of escapism from daily stresses and it’s your safe space to express yourself. 

However, spending weekends at home, you got the pleasure of spending more time with your family and loved ones. As well as perhaps having the opportunity to finally get into a consistent sleep routine and cut down on your alcohol intake. And I can imagine that you felt so much better for it! Physically and in your mental health and wellbeing. 

What are your priorities in life at this exact moment in time?

So now that you are in a state of gratitude, take a second to list your top 3 priorities in life. 

For example, family, music and financial stability. Whatever feels right to you.

How are you prioritising the chosen three aspects of your life in your current actions and decisions?

Family: are you still spending evenings together as you did in lockdown, or have you fallen back into the habit of spending all your time in the studio and missing out on precious memories?

Music: are you regularly and effectively investing your energy and money into your dance music career? Or are you struggling to overcome procrastination in the studio and complete tracks for release? 

Financial Stability: with the return of live DJ gigs and the nightlife industry opening up, are you working on your money mindset? Allowing yourself to invest in your DJ/producer career and charge your worth. 

So, I ask you, with all of the above considered what do you want your new normal to look like?

Are you ready to say ‘no’ to the relentless hustle culture? Allowing yourself to focus on cultivating a career in electronic music that prioritises your mental wellness and doesn’t sacrifice your time spent with loved ones. Because despite the myths of the music industry this is possible. You can live a life of wellness in dance music on your own terms. It’s not some kind of UFO conspiracy theory, I’ve seen it with my own eyes!

It requires having a clear vision, trusting in yourself that you are worthy of a fulfilled life and taking consistent action.

That sounds like a lot, I know. So let me guide you with your first step to a new normal in dance music. Check out my free Electronic Wellness Resources Library full of mindset shifts, practical tips on creative blocks such as procrastination and more. This is the perfect place to start your journey to greater mental wellness and a successful DJ/producer career.