13 DJs share their New Year’s resolutions

The closing of a calendar year is a big occasion for dance music. Blogs and radio reveal their top releases from the past twelve months, DJs deliver special ‘year mixes’ that highlight their favourite tracklists and the New Year’s Eve line ups are some of the best available.

One subject that often goes unnoticed is the goals and resolutions DJs set for themselves for the upcoming 365 days. 2016 has been a particularly dark year due to the revelation of some top names openly discussing the mental and physical toll that a constant touring schedule can bring. A dangerous mixture of drugs, alcohol, fame and lack of sleep can put even the most obedient of minds in a whirlwind of chaos.

We spoke to 13 DJs who collectively boast an in depth opinion on the ups and downs of life as a successful DJ. They tell us their their aspirations for 2017, in a world where self awareness and general well being are just as important as the music they play.

Skream

Where are you playing on NYE?

I’m playing Rhythm ‘N Vines in New Zealand.

What is your resolution for the New Year?

Make more music!!!

Did you set a resolution last year? Did you stick to it?

I don’t normally make resolutions as you normally decide to cut something out that’s bad for you but to be honest, I like all the things that are bad for me haha.

Wehbba

Where are you playing on NYE?

Festival in the South of Brazil.

What is your resolution for the New Year?

For 2017, I want to really focus on making more original music, because I always feel I don’t have enough! And also to get down the gym and get fit (but I say that every year).

Did you set a resolution last year? Did you stick to it?

Yes, I decided to focus on my own music and also my health. Trying to stop all the secondary activities. Certainly stuck to it I think, and the results are starting to show now!

Marco Bailey

Where are you playing on NYE?

This year I have been booked to play at Blend in Athens, Greece. Amazing venue, and the promoter Lorenzo is one of the best! It’s going to be a fun way to celebrate bringing in the new year.

What is your resolution for the New Year?

Try to stop all the hate in the world. Whether that’s possible or not I do not know. But there is too much hate in the world, enough is enough.

Did you set a resolution last year? Did you stick to it?

Generally I do not make resolutions for myself to be honest. Each year I always have goals for myself both professionally and personally, bettering yourself and giving your passion into everything I do is No.1 for me. I hope to bring some more of that love to more dancefloors in 2017.

Carlo Lio

Where are you playing on NYE?

Industria Copera in Granada, Spain. It’s such an amazing club, I can’t wait to celebrate the New Year there!

What is your resolution for the New Year?

Well I think everyone in this industry has similar goals when it comes to resolutions. For me, eating better and exercise, as they’re both things which are super hard to stick to when you are travelling all the time. It’s important though too, as we have to stay healthy and not get sick!

Did you set a resolution last year? Did you stick to it?

I usually have the same every year. I stick with it for a while, but then summer comes round and it all goes downhill a little!

Stephan Hinz

Where are you playing on NYE?

I’m having the pleasure of playing Awakenings on NYE at the Gashouder in Amsterdam.

What is your resolution for the New Year?

I’m not really a new year’s resolution guy…but I always sit down in the beginning of the year and try to write down what I want to do in the year ahead. I never read it again to be honest, but it helps me a lot because I’m actually prioritizing things for me for the coming year at that moment.

Did you set a resolution last year? Did you stick to it?

Ok, I read it again because of you guys :D I just checked and I’d say I did 80% of the things I wanted to do in 2016…but I’m also not too dogmatic about it, some things need more time, your priorities shift and most importantly I also want to be open for new things I couldn’t have imagined…it’s just a little guide for me and to rule out the things I definitely don’t want to do…and then life happens.

Enrico Sangiuliano

Where are you playing on NYE?

I’m heading to Cape Town for the first time and playing at Kinky Summer Party. Should be fun!

What is your resolution for the New Year?

As always, quality instead of quantity is something which I like to stick by. I’d love to work on something new for Drumcode and maybe a few interesting projects. I would also love to have some more time to actually see more of the amazing places I play.

Did you set a resolution last year? Did you stick to it?

My last and also reoccurring resolution and also my biggest one ever, was to be able to live a life from the music that I make and play, and I made it!

Uner

Where are you playing on NYE?

Well usually during Christmas time I try to stay at home in Spain and play somewhere close to my family, as its important for me to spend Christmas with them. This NYE I have a gig in the north of Spain in Gijon. I really like NYE, so as always I will be doing a special set.

What is your resolution for the New Year?

My resolution for 2017 will be as an artist, to focus part of my time to compose a classic musical album with a piano. I have been classically trained since I was young and this is a huge passion of mine. Personally, enjoying a little more free time with my family and friends.

Did you set a resolution last year? Did you stick to it?

Yes I did make one I am sure, but I now can’t remember. So really I think that says enough about whether I stuck to it or not!

Jon Rundell

Where are you playing on NYE?

30th Dec at The Warehouse Project in Manchester, 1st January at Tobacco Dock in London.

What is your resolution for the New Year?

Never made one, don’t see the point, I just try to improve on something bit by bit every day instead.

Did you set a resolution last year? Did you stick to it?

See above!

SHADED

Where are you playing on NYE?

I will be playing in the Dominican Republic, playing 2 shows on the 30th and the 31st in Santa Domingo and Santiago. I have been there once before and it was an amazing party, so I am looking forward to going back. Nothing like being in the tropics for the holidays!

What is your resolution for the New Year?

Get back into my more health conscious ways of the past! I used to be very disciplined with what I put in my body. I firmly believe you are what you eat, and the DJ lifestyle is really hard on the body, both physically and mentally. So I hope to eat better and get back into yoga regularly too.

Did you set a resolution last year? Did you stick to it?

Yeah I did make about the same plan last year, and haven’t stuck to it at all. So that just gives me more motivation to succeed this time around!

Doorly

Where are you playing on NYE?

A pool party in the beautiful Byron Bay in Australia at a party my friends run. I’m playing the midnight set then straight on the first flight to Sydney to play the Space New Year’s Day party with Carl Craig and Heidi.

What is your resolution for the New Year?

Stop procrastinating so much so I can spend less time on my laptop and more time in the sunshine. I’m too easily distracted by videos of cats shitting themselves when they see a cucumber or the latest moronic thing Donald Trump has said that day.

Did you set a resolution last year? Did you stick to it?

I think it was to stop hanging around at after parties and actually get some sleep. I’ve definitely slowed down and managed to be a lot more productive in between (also probably squeezed in a few extra cat videos this year), everything in moderation though, if the vibe is right then i’ll still end up being last man standing!

M.A.N.D.Y.

Where are you playing on NYE?

We are playing a big party in Lisbon. We wanted to stay in Europe this year. And Lisbon is one of our favourite cities. Best seafood and beautiful beaches.

What is your resolution for the New Year?

Keeping on doing what we are doing, getting better at it, being conscious and continue to love life.

Did you set a resolution last year? Did you stick to it?

Seeing our friends and family a lil more. the resolutions always work great the first couples of weeks, but then something happens and you are back in your old routine. So we are still learning.

DJ S.K.T

Where are you playing on NYE?

I’m playing @ Starworks Warehouse, Birmingham and then Electric Brixton, London.

What is your resolution for the New Year?

I think just to try and be a bit more organised! Things have been so chaotic the last 2/3 years which I do love but I end up coming back to the UK with about 1000 things to finish or sort out!

Did you set a resolution last year? Did you stick to it?

I think I gave up setting resolutions when I was about 16. I never stick to them! Lol.

Alex Niggemann

Where are you playing on NYE?

I’ll be in Australia for New Year’s Eve playing in Sydney for CODE NYE at Greenwood with Guy Gerber and Mano Le Tough and NYD in Melbourne at Let Them Eat Cake Festival.

What is your resolution for the New Year?

Becoming more calm and taking more time for family and myself as this will give me more headspace to be more creative again.

Did you set a resolution last year? Did you stick to it?

I had a few. Living healthier and doing more sports. Didn’t work out for 11 months, but started in November – I plan to not postpone it again as a New Years resolution for 2017.