AMSTERDAM:In normal times, Dutch disc jockey Oliver Heldens performs for thousands of fans at electronic dance shows around the world.
But with festivals cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 25-year-old has spent most of 2020 in lockdown producing music and streaming sets online.
Heldens, ranked by DJ Mag as the world's No. 8 for 2020, is one of a growing number of Dutch DJs to become household names. The global dance music industry is worth billions of dollars annually, including concerts, royalties and equipment.
An estimated half a million people tuned in to Heldens' set before the Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix in July, while fellow Dutch DJ Tiesto performed at the Olympic Games opening ceremony in Athens in 2004.
In 2013, Dutch King Willem-Alexander joined Armin van Buuren, another top DJ, on stage during a concert marking his coronation as monarch.
Such big-ticket events present a stark contrast to the dance business of today, with social distancing curbs forcing the closure of dance venues, many of which are struggling to survive.
"The whole year basically got cancelled," Heldens told Reuters at his home studio in Amsterdam, where more than 400,000 people visited the world's largest electronic dance festival, ADE, last year, and clubs are now seeking state aid.
"I see a lot of people around me having a hard time. For the whole industry it's very difficult," he said.
Instead of touring, Heldens has released new songs, started another record label, hosted a weekly podcast and livestreamed from Amsterdam's prestigious 19th century Concertgebouw.
"I definitely miss the shows and the festivals and travelling, but at the same time, luckily, I haven't been bored at all," he said, detailing remix projects for Jamiroquai, Katy Perry and Justin Timberlake.
By staying in touch with fans, who have held stay-at-home raves while he played online sets, Heldens hopes to keep spirits up during hard times.
"I am very happy to contribute in any way to that."
'PUNCHING ABOVE ITS WEIGHT'
Heldens, whose songs have been streamed online more than 2 billion times, recalled embarking on his musical career when he was studying Greek and Latin at high school in Rotterdam.
"On the day of finishing my final exam, I flew straight to New York to play a main stage set at Mysteryland on the Woodstock grounds. That was a pretty epic contrast," he said.
Mysteryland, which attracts around 100,000 revellers to an annual 3-day festival, was one of the first major Dutch dance events to go international.
Last year, Dutch DJs exported more than 150 million euros' worth of business, said Marten van Garderen, the principal economist at ING bank who follows the industry.
"We saw exports grow fourfold in 10 years. ..and this year had been looking like another good year until COVID-19 emerged," he added.
Van Garderen calculated that the top 10 DJs make roughly 200 million euros ($237 million) per year, half of them coming from the Netherlands for nine years running.
"This is a good example of how a small country can punch above its weight," he said. "We have the right climate for festivals, in which a culture was created for DJs and that became a self-fulfilling prophecy."
While 2021 is unpredictable, there is hope that electronic dance events will spring back to life. If not, "there will still be a lot of new creative music to listen to," Van Garderen said.
Reuters
Wed Nov 25 2020
Dutch DJ Oliver Heldens performs during the Ultra Music Festival Miami, Miami, U.S. March 31, 2019. File image via REUTERS
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.