Never Waste a Crisis!? – The Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on the Mental Health of EDM DJs

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis places an unprecedented strain on an industry already characterised by poor mental health due to challenging working conditions, including the difficulty of sustaining a living, anti-social working hours, exhaustion, and the inability to plan time and future. This article discusses the current mental health conditions of musicians in dealing with the exceptional situation through a retrospective perspective on those affected. Based on a qualitative interview study conducted with EDM DJs during the first lockdown in Germany, I use three exemplary cases to give insights into their individual experienced living environments and working conditions. I show how the COVID-19 crisis is related to their previous life situation, mental state, and personal self-perceptions as DJs. I further argue that the current crisis may not only have a negative impact on the (already poor) mental health of creative professionals but may also bring health-promoting potential.