DJs face an increase of online abuse due to COVID-19
Coronavirus has turned the music industry on its head, with most events cancelled or postponed this year. Instagram has become the new clubbing scene, with DJs relying on live streams and videos. But the internet isn’t always the nicest place – and some have become victims of more online abuse than usual.
And the hate doesn’t end at their taste of music. Trolls have been seen to pick on everything from their appearance to the way they dance. So, how are they coping with it?
Tech house DJ, Emma Knight, 41 (@djemmaknight) explains how nasty comments left her feeling “sad” and questioning whether she should continue her music career.
Abode resident, Ellie Cocks, 27 (@ellievcocks) has also received hurtful comments – on one occasion calling her “ugly” and her music “boring.” Her response? “I try not to take it too personal and […] focus on the positive things that are said.”
Social media allows bullies to conceal their identity – something which isn’t always possible at events. Cocks says: “You’re more likely to see [it online] as opposed to hearing someone saying negative things in a club.” However, she makes it clear that hate isn’t limited to social media, and how it depends on the “time, place and what the vibe is at the time.”
She says: “I think maybe live streams could have more negative comments, in regard to it not being as exciting as actually being there in a club.”
It’s not just clubs and music labels who’ve been hosting streams – clothing brands and meme accounts have also jumped on the bandwagon, creating a wider audience.
23-year-old DJ, AmyElle (@amyelledj) has received “belittling” remarks online, which left her feeling “angry” and says how they “stick with you far more than the positive comments.” She believes that DJs are more likely to receive hate online, in comparison to an event: “Dependent on the live stream, anyone - fan or not can watch – and voice their opinion.”
In 2018, Instagram added a feature where users could block offensive comments from live videos, post and stories - but this doesn’t always mean brands have it turned on.
8.9 million jobs in the UK were put on furlough this month, according to Statista. With the UK’s nightlife put on standstill – it’s put an inevitable strain on the music industry.
Ellie’s career has been impacted “massively” due to no income from gigs. She says: “I try to stick to the positives and believe we’re all in this together and hopefully [we] can all pull through together and bring the dance music scene back to life!”
The positivity and community is evident. Whilst the pandemic may have increased online hate – socials have also become a support network.
Although AmyElle’s live events have been cancelled, she’s been using the extra time to produce music and “build a strong network online with other DJs.”
DJ and producer, Jini Cowan, 29 (@jinicowan) has kept busy during lockdown and says it’s the most creative she’s been in her whole career. She has also taken the time to “motivate” other people to make music: “I’ve been busier with work than I’ve ever been, but I’m all about the positivity.”
With pubs expected to re-open on June 22 – the future of nightlife looks promising. Though clubs are predicted to be one of the last businesses to go back to normal.
Written by: Megan Milstead