The Real E.S.T.’s Thoughts On Performing During COVID-19
Addison Jay AKA The Real E.S.T is a Colorado music producer that has been working with Mind Beam Productions to create a visual and musical electronic soulful experience. Throughout COVID-19, he has still been performing in venues, but the experience and act of performing is very different. This interview took place at the BlackBox venue in Denver, Colorado on October 2nd, 2020:
Q: How has your experience with performing change due to COVID?
A: “In my experience, the biggest difference when performing are the transitions between artists. Usually, when one artist is done with his set and another is ready to take his/her place, that act of transitioning would be as fast as possible so the crowd isn’t sitting there waiting. Now, venue employees are completely wiping down everything. From the equipment, to the tables, to even the greenroom. I do feel very safe and am proud of the venues for taking such care. I did play shows in other states and can say that Colorado is special for making their musicians feel sanitary and safe during the Pandemic.”
Q: Has it been hard to get a spot to perform at shows?
A: “Many of the smaller venues are in hard times. They are either close to closing down due to lack of money or are now closed or sold. Venues like the BlackBox in Denver are small, and there is enough space to have socially distanced shows. Lots of the bigger venues have the financial ability to stay open during these times without completely collapsing, and have moved on to promoting livestreams. Since they are a big venue, they promote big artists virtually. So, the opportunity to play at smaller venues is big, and this is a great chance for local DJs and producers to get their name out there. People are desperate for live music and are traveling to the smaller venues to see whoever, just to get a taste of that experience again. This has resulted in some new unexpected fans!”
Q: If you could change one aspect of socially-distanced concerts, what would it be?
A: “In my opinion, I think they should still allow dancing. Some venues, like the Mishawaka, will allow you to dance near your chair or near your table. At this venue, the BlackBox, you are not, by any means, allowed to dance at your table. If they could tape a circle around the tables, rope them off, or something to allow people to get up and socially-distance dance, that would be cool. I miss seeing people flailing their bodies to my music. It is reassurance that they are enjoying my music and is overall just fun to see and be a part of.”
Q: How is the overall atmosphere when performing at shows during COVID?
A: “The atmosphere is strange yet kind and appreciative. Sometimes I’ll be performing or at a show during COVID and look around and think, ‘Woah. This is our reality. How dystopian.’ Other times I’ll be looking out in amazement and love because even though our world is falling apart, we still persist with energy and love to have the little things in life that connect us and spread joy.”
To follow The Real E.S.T, visit https://www.facebook.com/RealEstablished
To listen to The Real E.S.T, visit https://soundcloud.com/the_real_established
To learn more about performances at the BlackBox, visit https://www.blackboxdenver.co/home
