Nightlife Under COVID Pt. 2 - The DJ Perspective with Chicago-based DJ Silkee (Shannon Curry)

Everyone is well-aware of how hard the restaurant industry has been hit from government-mandated COVID-19 restrictions. Bars have even more restrictions, and the nightclub segment has been impacted the most. Even if they have great food, clubs aren’t thought of a dining meccas, so offering carryout and delivery isn’t the financial crutch that it can be to restaurants. And limitations on capacity and social distancing requirements make it extremely difficult for these establishments to do what they do best - create experiences where people can get lost in the music and dance the night away in a sea of like-minded revelers. This is the second episode in our “Nightlife Under COVID” series where we’ll sit down with club owners, DJs, and promoters to better understand what they’ve been experiencing. 

Our guests today is Chicago-based Shannon Currie, AKA DJ Silkee.  Like many of his fellow DJs, he found himself out of work when the government mandated that all bars and restaurants (and other businesses) shut their doors in mid-March due to the coronavirus.  After two months and feeling a bit stir crazy, Shannon decided to dust off his turntables and throw a party for his neighbors in the South Loop by setting up on his balcony.  His neighbors emerged on their balconies to check out what was happening, grab a mimosa, and dance along.  For several months, this was something that we looked forward to - a DJ set from noon to 2:00 PM every Sunday.  After realizing he had an audience that wanted to know who they were listening to, DJ Silkee put out a banner and decals on his windows; which is how we tracked him down for the podcast!  

Shannon’s story isn’t very different from most people in the service industry, and especially those whose jobs revolved around nightlife.  Chicago taverns were severely restricted if they didn’t serve food, and all other bars and restaurants had to stop alcohol sales at 11:00 PM and could have a maximum capacity of 25% indoors if they did serve food.  Not a good recipe for having DJs.  Fortunately, DJ Silkee was able to pick up a few gigs from his innovative and much-appreciated balcony party sets.  He had time to sit down with us to tell us how he’s adapted and innovated to survive and hone his craft in the shutdown.  If you’re looking for a DJ for your bar, nightclub, or private party, see below for his contact information.

Don’t forget to check out the other episodes in this series where we’ll interview Club Owners, DJs and promoters to hear how the coronavirus pandemic has affected them personally and professionally as well as their vision for what’s next.  Stay tuned to What’s On Tap as we discuss the issues affecting the hospitality industry!      

This episode featured:

DJ Silkee: Email: shannonsc85@gmail.com, Chicago South Loop Day Party w/ DJ Silkee on Facebook or Instagram

Joseph Sheahan, Cofounder & CEO, TappedIn and Host, What’s On Tap, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Apple Podcast, Spotify, LinkedIn