Thoughts on Quarantine, Virtual Events, and Booking DJ Kara
[updated]
Hello everyone, I hope you have been taking care of yourselves, staying positive, and healthy. This quarantine/lockdown has been quite unexpected, especially when running a DJ business. While most in-person events are having to be postponed or cancelled, many are getting creating and still holding events but virtually!
It has also been really interesting and great to see all of the virtual events, and live DJing start to take place. I feel so blessed that as a DJ, we are still somewhat able to work in this new climate. While it has been quite a learning curve, exploring OBS, Restream.io, Webcams, iRigs, and Zoom, it is pretty cool to still be able to share and curate a musical environment in my living room! It definitely different, but its cool!
I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to DJ with Microsoft for their Virtual MBAS (Microsoft BizApps Summit). It was my first official Virtual Event, and wow, it was really cool to be a part of. Below I have some photos from the event!
Here is a little Bonus! - a behind the scenes video of me getting interview during the event!
As Microsoft is an industry leader in technology, and with this pandemic bringing us together through technology, this event was an honor to be part of. Also it was very cool to see how they actually put it together.
If you are curious, they streamed me in using their meeting software called Microsoft Teams. I was able to connect my irig to my computer for audio, and connect wired earphones to the irig to be able to hear the interviewer and production team (they were all the way in Seattle). Then I used a logitech webcam for video.
The Microsoft event was the first time I had an opportunity to DJ virtually, however as the lockdown continued, I have had the opportunity to DJ many other events including the following:
Young People For - 4 Day Virtual Summit
Stagewing App- Virtual Launch Party
Imagine Productions - International Women’s Film Festival Closing Party
AIB Nation - Virtual Book Expo
Instagrad - Virtual Graduation Party
On top of getting to DJ live with Microsoft and other companies around the country, I have been DJing live on Instagram & Twitch. Currently I have set a schedule of going live almost every Tuesday and Thursday at 12pm PST. I didn’t know what to expect when getting into it, but after starting, I saw how amazing it was to be able to directly connect with my followers. I have been having so much fun curating and setting mid-day/happy hour vibes for people all over the country and even world. Who would have known going live would connect you to so many people worldwide, people I would have never been able to connect with otherwise. Follow my accounts to tune in!
Also you can check playlist below for past mixes from my lives if you would like to feel for my style.
I think its safe to say that none of us were planning for this pandemic. For me it has caused a sort of rollercoaster of emotions in regards to my DJ business. Its also quite scary in regards to the health safety of loved ones.
However while its been an emotional, unexpected, and quite interesting event happening to the entire world, we are so fortunate that there is technology that can do all of these cool things to still bring us together. These inventions have allowed the opportunity to adapt and somewhat still be able to work and do that I do …. DJ! ….. Its not perfect, and definitely different not being able to actually see who I am DJing which helps me connect and read crowd. But it is something, and I am thankful for that. (there are unfortunately still issues with obtaining rights to music and playing copyrighted songs on certain platforms - but I hope there are some better options soon)
Anyway, in conclusion, I have decided to embrace this new world for now and I am so excited for the up and coming virtual DJ opportunities in the months to come.
If you are looking for a DJ for your next Virtual Event Contact me !
