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DJ Mag Top100 DJs
56
ATB
17
Somewhat inevitably, DJs’ reactions to the global handbrake placed on touring have run the spectrum. At the extreme ‘silver lining’ end though, you’ll find ATB. Right as lockdown really started to hit everywhere, something else was starting to kick round at his. “The birth of my son was my absolute highlight this year,” he says. “As I was at home a lot due to the Corona crisis, we could follow every little step in the development of the little one. For me, the greatest thing has been being there every day and being able to see him grow.”
Musically, there has been the occasional toe-back-in for Andre. Aside from plenty of studio time, he performed and streamed a second Under The Stars show. Recorded at (his local) Bochum Planetarium, the astrologically themed set was once again released as a limited edition mix-compilation. By and large though, in 2020 Andre (and the now expanded Tanneberger clan) have taken their stay-home luck where they’ve found it.
 
 
What three things have most helped you through Coronavirus Lockdown? 
“My wife, my son, and the new Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.”

What lessons should the industry learn from this crisis? 
 
“The crisis showed that everyone loves art and it's a fundamental part of day-to-day life that is heavily missed when it's taken away. However, artists along with many other cultural workers will be the last to return to their profession but are receiving less support from governments than many other sectors. The industry needs to learn that we cannot rely on government support anymore and we have to carve out our own support system for global crises like this one.”
 
 
What steps need to be taken to address the racism in the dance music scene? 
“I believe that the dance music scene stands for openness and tolerance. These are the roots of the scene, with no place for racism in such an environment.”
 
 
What industry changes are you personally pushing for to make the dance music scene more inclusive? 
 
“I think music lives from the fusion of different styles and cultures. This creates something new again and again. I don't think we should change much at all, but rather use this message and the power of music as a voice in order to show the world that we are one — regardless of our birthplace, faith or skin colour.”