Next up in our Last DJ Set series, where we’re talking to a wide range of artists about their final gig before government-ordered lockdowns and travel bans went into effect in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is Andrea Ljekaj.
We caught up with the Croatia-based DJ/producer and asked him to look back on his final set before clubs and festivals shuttered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When and where was your last live performance?
Andrea Ljekaj: Suicide Club in Berlin on the 22nd of February for the Berlin Gets Physical night.
How did it go?
It was a fantastic night spent with friends and artists from the label who all played great music.
What was your mindset going into it? Where had you played previously?
I try to be super ready for what is happening on the dance floor, both with my mind and music. Before this gig, I spent a nice evening with my label mates and had some time to rest before performing which was really important for me. The night before I played in Hamburg, and previously all around Croatia, Europe, U.K. and the Middle East.
Did any tracks, in particular, go over especially well during that gig?
Yes, that night I tested a couple of my unreleased ones and played Tamo and all of them did a good job. But the highlight was when I dropped Peggy Gou’s remix of Shakedown’s “At Night.”
What is your best memory from that gig?
When a friend came to me while I was playing and said, “This is the best DJ set I ever heard from you.” It was really nice to hear that.
Everyone can’t wait for clubs and festivals to begin again. What do you miss most about performing? How are you keeping your skills sharp?
I really missed dancing with people and playing music these [past] five months, but I had more time for other things, like being with family and working on my music. This weekend I’m finally back on the road, playing a few festivals in Croatia, and the first one on the schedule is Slurp! festival in Martinska, Šibenik, where we are going to have our first Get Physical stage takeover.
What have you been working on during the lockdown? How can fans support you right now?
[I’ve been] mostly [working] on my health and music. New EPs and remixes are coming out this year on Get Physical Music and on the Elements label [run] by Jonas Rathsman. I’m still working on my first mini-album which I hope to release in early 2021. Fans can support me by buying my music on Beatport or with donations here.
Any last words on your last gig?
Big thanks to my Get Physical family for making this happen! Great memories.
image by Dimal