#296

[@darude]

My man, I salute you (and David & Ethan) for talking about this. There are so many levels to the DJ-producer lifestyle and work life and like you touched there, it’s hard for people to understand what all it entails and it’s hard to bring minor or even bigger challenges out in the open when it’s (seemingly) all the glitz and glamour that sells. Being fortunate enough to get to do this, we even ourselves think sometimes, but definitely the crowd thinks that we shouldn’t have anything to complain about. Being a dad & husband (in my case) brings certain considerations and limitations and I’m happy about that, there’s a voice of reason there that makes me check stuff, what I value more, and it makes me not put all my self worth reliant on my artist name and career accomplishments, which I think is a key to staying grounded AND having support for what you do. It only works if you give as well, ie. are able to say ‘no’ to things and choose your family and friends over a paycheck from time to time.

[@laidbackluke]

It's an honor to have you in the comments, Mr Legend (and who's still very active). Thank you for watching and thank you for sharing that!

[@electrictroy2010]

I think Avicii also damaged his body with too much free alcohol. Same thing happened with Fatboy Slim but he saved his life (stopped drinking) .

[@brendanssound]

The story of Avicii is certainly one that sticks out to me and wont ever be forgotten anytime soon and very closely relates to this topic.

[@freshtodeath88]

One of the issues with Avicii wasn’t that his management team was pushing him to do a lot?

[@brendanssound]

@@freshtodeath88 Dude was getting booked so hard he was getting physically ill at the idea of taking another call

[@freshtodeath88]

@@brendanssound Yeah, I don’t think he was surrounded by the right people.

[@laidbackluke]

Yes sir! And there's been quite the few DJs lost after him. That's why we should keep talking!

[@PUMPINGSHARK]

Avicii is the story why I began thinking about doing a podcast to not be reliant on alternative.. idk

[@chainlezmusic]

What a golden nugget! Never take a big decision in a emotional mental state or in an emotional situation. This is so true and important, it can save so much. Big decisions need time and often times people take the wrong direction without any self reflection. Like he said, it was his ego which ended it all, self reflection is in my eyes the best way to put the ego out of context.

[@The_only_Manny]

I’m not a superstar DJ, but I am a live events technician. Since I was a kid I’ve always wanted to do international big tours. Last year I got my wish, it was a 3 month European tour, with private jet and 5 star hotels. It was fun for about a month, it then hits you how much you miss your life and freedom and really made me realise my dream come true was not what I actually wanted anymore. I only do short tours now, but still have no regrets. I guess only a few type of people can sustain that lifestyle.

[@freshtodeath88]

There’s enough DJs for people not to constantly have to go on tour.

[@laidbackluke]

Thank you for sharing this Manny! That's so valuable! In my heavy touring days I only scheduled to be away for 2 weeks to then return home for a few days.

[@electrictroy2010]

I do a lot of travel where I’m in residence for 2-3 months (right now it’s Vegas). I make my hotel my home. I even call it “home”. With that mindset I don’t mind being away from my actual house .

[@djsfrenchcandy]

A few years ago during the Covid, David had mentioned that it was cool to be able to finally take a break (despite his videos around the world). But it looks like his demons have caught up to him again and in another video he told his manager to say yes to ALL the shows... It's all about choice isn't it ? Luke, you just know how to say NO to enjoy your family and recharge your batteries. As djs and a couple, we do our best to balance the personal and professional life (which is not easy, we admit). Being a fan of the dj world, we are interested in everything : personal and professional life to be inspired by the best. Thanks a lot Luke for all your videos, we follow you since 2006. We hope to meet you one day on the road 😘

[@OFFICIALDJFLASHBACK]

This is the correct take here. It proves that no matter how successful you can be, it doesn't mean anything if you can't enjoy it. David Guetta made the choice to tour as much as he does. Same thing with Diplo. I remember hearing about how Diplo was performing over 300 shows a year which is crazy to think when there's only 365 days in a year. It's good to see big DJ's open up about the reality of touring because it helps out the younger guys in realizing the sacrifice that it ultimately takes and also allows other fellow DJ's understand that we're all going through that struggle and we're not alone in facing it.

[@laidbackluke]

Thank you for this reply and thank you for the long-lasting support! To be honest, I make these videos for myself too. It's still hard to say no, especially when you love what you do!

[@electrictroy2010]

David said “no” to XS in vegas. He still does the dayclub but not the nightclub (not since 2020). I think playing until 4am and then again 3pm the next day was too much .

[@CompleteProducer]

Wow I love your commentary on all of this! I've been a big fan of yours for ages so it's kind of surreal watching this haha. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@laidbackluke]

Ethan, I'm so happy you caught this. Your video is immensely valuable and I'm so thankful you shared it with the world. Wishing you the best!

[@MickyStardust]

Real Eye opener!! I would want a good balance, I don't want get to the point that I am djing that much that I have no time to produce tracks, I need to keep busy so I ain't inside my own head so this appeals to me so much, it's a childhood dream what I need to accomplish, Thanks for this amazing vlog again @laidbackluke ❤️

[@candylanddjs]

MUCH LOVE!! It's been a wild journey but wouldn't change a thing

[@laidbackluke]

Great to see you in the comments, happy you caught this!

[@MusicandWanderlust]

Always a pleasure to watch your vlogs and hear your genuine talks

[@henryfong]

Like you Luke, I find martial arts (jiu-jitsu) helps me with this topic! I train all the time on the road anywhere in the world I can find a bjj gym 💪🏽

[@BASS.OF.SPADES]

For me it's VR Boxing. Easy to do everywhere

[@laidbackluke]

Henry! So happy to see you in the comments. I'm glad you saw this. I'm very happy to read you're still doing jiu-jitsu. I agree, it keeps you grounded and man, just full of life in general!

[@Tonylaces]

So cool to see other amazing producer commenting here! I love your music HF!

[@electrictroy2010]

I relax by watching Star Trek or Stargate reruns ;-)

[@HeadlinerMindset]

Thank you so much for making this video and furthering this important conversation. Mental health for artists deserves to have more attention and support. And this is where it starts!

[@DavidDiSabato]

Hey mate, thanks for the amazing content as always! You’re the one (anyway I can count people on my hands) who explain and put in the dish the topic in the best way ever. This is a big problem on music especially in electronic one. I was touring a lot couple of yrs ago, some small parties, some big events, festivals etc. The result was burning out my mind, I felt pressure ‘cause I couldn’t handle everything, I wanted to make my music (I started by this reason, love for production), but I had no more stumuli / inspiration / time for it, i felt like depressed for this, everyday more and more. There’s no secret for the problem, just feeling yourself and take the best way you think is the best. But always and only for YOUSELF! Thanks again for the video, love that!

[@PedroViguera]

It's great that such a TOP DJ as you @laidback Luke, speaks up and shares this type of content. Thank you for being so close to the floor...

[@ShelcoGarcia]

as always love this luke!

[@williamfranco7526]

I've met both luke and Ethan (a couple of times). They are both great people and we're awesome to talk to. They both gave great advice!!!!

[@joedriver2588]

Ethan's video is a nail on the head, but unfortunately you can tell people until you are blue in the face, and it usually doesn't do any good until you are faced with the situation yourself. Everybody needs to go through things themselves.

[@barkin_music]

Loved this video Luke! Much with my current state as an artist

[@theAnGle89]

Luke you will always be a great influence and inspiration, thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@DanLaDue]

I think the impact of focusing on health is another cool thing about the Skrillex resurgence, he seems happier and healthier than ever and it reflects in the music

[@marvomusic]

Excellent episode!

[@PUMPINGSHARK]

Lets all build podcasts like comedians & put each other on & do tours & shows because we want to. Why cant we replicate what comedians are doing.

[@VIVIDvlog]

Real talk right here

[@ddetongre]

Yes Yes Yes 100%. I never took a break for 15 years prior to 2006 and then I crashed and burned. I had panic attacks and breathing issues for 3 months.I returned for two more years and started to believe my own hype and eventually lost all my gigs before I got married. Home life teaches you to appreciate things more and I'm back djing and producing and starting fresh in Indonesia after leaving Australia. I'll will hit my 37 year dj anniversary on 16/4/23 🙌🏼

[@FRNKNSTNmusic]

Great vid about purpose and relationships and appreciation!

[@FRNKNSTNmusic]

Gratitude and Pride go hand in hand. We really gotta fix our language in our culture.

[@MIRTHEUZ]

Great reflexive video. I'm kinda worried and aware of this topic, right now I feel that necessity of getting my name out there, but what will happen once there? One shall work mental health. ❤

[@theaverageenjoyer9364]

Great to see you guys have the courage and bravery to talk about that stuff. Because of you guys giving us the insights, tipps and the sad truths its great to start the dj journey nowadays and feeling like being prepared for almost everything. Thank you guys you are all doing an amazing job. It helps and encourages massively 🙏🏻

[@r-test3668]

Whats the nameof the track for the outro??

[@official_abieks]

I had so much trouble just mastering the basics of producing and starting to get my career off the ground because of ego and mental health issues. Both of those things suddenly got worse about a year after I started producing, and it got to the point where I would often freeze up when I was supposed to start working on music. I had to spend a long time sorting out those personal problems and only now do I feel ready to have any kind of consistent output as an artist again. It was frustrating to spend all those years not even being able to put in the work, much less see the results. After seeing this video, though, I’m starting to wonder if maybe it’s a good thing that I had to go through all those struggles early. It’s better to deal with burnout and not knowing who you are in the safety of an obscure and consistent life than it is to deal with it in strange hotel rooms with thousands of people tracking everything you do and say. I’ve learned a lot about tackling the darker sides of my personality and now I have the tools to deal with those issues that were bound to emerge at some point or another.

[@freshtodeath88]

Could you make a video on the breakdown of how much a DJ makes on the road? The expenses and all

[@stevenshaneyfelt]

I can relate so much to Ethan (I don't have major success yet) but they way he explained "catching the bug" I also put in a lot of hours learning every day. its so cool to see him share about his struggle with pride. I remember when he quit there was something about Christianity mentioned. "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall," (Proverbs 16:18) came true there. Luke, I think this is one huge thing that has sustained your career, your humility has always been evident. much love

[@s.b.605]

Great great video Luke, very thoughtful

[@eddyt6127]

Thanks !!

[@markromamusic]

I love these kinds of videos 👌

[@jaboozie9685]

Luke do you think david not being home is due to the label and if so how much control do big djs get over their own touring schedule

[@rodneypragasan]

Hi Luke, You a good man. Always full of fun

[@distillednoise]

It must be said, I think, that for some artists quitting or slowing it down, is not an option. Take for instance the underground club scene. A dj can get from 1 to 3k per night if you are really good and hyped, but that is not enough to make a fortune with playing shows and doesn’t allow an early retirement. Artists like Guetta put together enough money to decide what is best for them and which gigs to take a which not. As Ethan says, I really think at that point is a matter of ego not wanting to stop or slow it down. Guetta is a grown up man enough to tell his manager cut it down a bit

[@williamfranco7526]

Amazing!

[@freshtodeath88]

I don’t like the framing of “he is brave.” I think that we should simply be open about the reality of tour life. Period. Once you start a “lie” it’s hard to keep it up. That’s why I appreciate your honesty and transparency in your vlog. My question is why don’t DJs schedule around time at home or downtime in general? Do you think that your vlog is equally important for you and sharing it with us? We should be honest that tour life isn’t easy and it’s nor for everyone. Anyways I appreciate their honesty and I hope people understand what they are getting themselves into and plan for some time off.

[@laidbackluke]

You're right! Hopefully these videos can change the narrative. Before Avicii passed away, no one was open about this at all and we were all solo, fighting our demons in silence. This VLOG is indeed equally as important for me 🙏

[@andreabarbera5444]

In the end it almost always boils down to dj's being reduced to becoming money making machines for a lot of people around them. Most of them can deal with handling their personal wealth and artistic ambitions, but it's the pressure from the world around them that ruins them first.

[@djslepi]

This is nicest reaction video what i ever saw! :-)

[@FRNKNSTNmusic]

We need a diff word other than Pride to describe the negative aspect of hubris. Pride is the opposite of shame and is essential to daily life. We need to stop throwing that word out. It’s not working.

[@Anil-r8d7s]

Woow grt so many shows lots of money hope i get like this shows

[@youdj_app]

David is a digital nomad, and in this case, you don't have a dedicated home but several homes. It is completely liveable. They are many digital nomads, I am one of those for 7 years! It is actually exciting most of the time. Of course regular family life is not compatible. So not for everybody. David is the best, french like me! :D

[@rejoinslarepubliquedebourg1436]

The manager of Avicii made fun of him before and said "he is going to die". In the documentary on Avicii he said Tim didn't think about the people that were living off his back. Tells you all you want to know.

[@Dayfree.]

love this

[@kimvelarde8421]

I remember cookie monsta opens up about his mental health.

[@nathanbaigent7055]

Was a dj about 25 years ago and it’s not as easy as it looks takes up a lot of your time and energy did it for about 10 years Just in a couple of clubs in my area but my hearing isn’t good now plus I’m half deaf got called djmono

[@fasterdetail]

you have ability!

[@fasterdetail]

stay positive!

[@ItsWesSmithYo]

Artists often get treated like they are expendable and so the word on the street is you have to work harder and sacrifice more than next artist in order to stay at the top. This is ridiculous and unhealthy, a bit of a wacky machismo culture thing. There are however great examples of people that balance this and don’t fall for the “grind all day” mentality. If you ever get a big break, stand up for yourself, work for people with mutual respect and make sure you don’t miss out on life, or watch through a bottle as it passes by. Rave on 🙌🖤😎🍭

[@djmixxtreme3512]

10:29 I gotcha bro!

[@Somedei]

Thanks for this video, can we openly talk that if in this case David is out at least 8 months how is it possible he can get 1 single out every month, who are his ghostproducers and on that level how come they agree and for how much ? Would be a nice talk as well, amazing content. Blessings 🙏🏻

[@electrictroy2010]

He doesn’t work every day of the week. He probably has Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday to himself. (And extra days in slow January, February timeframe.) It’s also possible he makes a whole album of songs, but only releases one at a time. That’s been standard music production practice for decades .

[@D0x1511af]

seem like late AVICII story ...

[@mariits]

Poor guetta, working working or Workaholic !

[@joedriver2588]

Cry me a river. I'll live in a hotel for eternity to make the money David is making.

[@wolfgangdevries127]

DJs are so passé. There's simply no bravado to it.

[@djmathon]

Look at the people Turkey and Syria those people have nothing left after the earthquake if you are having a bad day and want to go complain then think about that. Then you realize how lucky you are.

[@AcidRai]

Dawid Guetta is fake dj

[@Grahamrobinsonvt802]

get out of here

[@user-Chikotillo]

David Guetta been doing this for his entire life, he’s good with Abelton and his shows are all sold out, i think its good indicator

[@AcidRai]

@@user-Chikotillo kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5XWpqRriaZ0adU this what he do for his entire life xD 😂😂😂