Keeping the rave culture alive in the midst of a pandemic - DNR Productions
The COVID19Recovery team met up with Nirvana Fernandez, founder of “DNR Productions “
an entertainment production company. Due to the social gathering restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the rave community has been negatively impacted through the cancellation of all events. Driven by his passion for the electronic music community, Fernandez established “ DNR Productions “ as a way to spread positivity through hosting drive in music events.
1. What inspired you to start DNR Productions?
As a regular attendee of live electronic music events, I understood the disappointment of the cancellation of all music festivals of Summer 2020. Taking inspiration from drive-in movie theatres, I started “ DNR Productions “ in July 2020 in an attempt to promote a sense of rave community in the midst of the pandemic.
2. How has the rave community been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the rave community has been negatively impacted as all music festivals of Summer 2020 had been cancelled due to social gathering restrictions. This is because music festivals play an important role in the rave community as these events bring together individuals in the community.
3. How successful has DNR Productions been so far?
After starting “ DNR Productions “ in July 2020, we hosted an event in September with Adventure Club and another event in October with Riot Ten and local artists such as Dr. Ozi. “ DNR Productions “ is currently planning on expanding to more large scale events for the upcoming year.
4. What challenges have you been faced with?
Starting out as a new company, there have been issues regarding immigration and the transportation of artists from out of the country. To combat this issue, “ DNR Productions “ has placed an emphasis on incorporating local Canadian DJs into the event line up.
5. Why do you think it is important to support local organizations/businesses?
Oftentimes, local emerging artists are overlooked at mainstream electronic music events. “ DNR Productions ” recognizes the importance of providing emerging DJs a networking platform for the artists to get scouted as well as for the rave community to appreciate more bass heavy artists.
6. What are your future goals for DNR Productions?
For the upcoming year, DNR Productions has an additional 3 shows in the works where we are planning to accommodate for a larger scale audience of up to 800 attendees. In the future, DNR Productions also plans to collaborate with nightclubs and continue hosting outdoor concert experiences.
As the pandemic has socially isolated the rave community during these unprecedented times, DNR Productions aims to provide a sense of community and a spotlight for local emerging DJs.
Thank you Fernandez for giving us the chance to share the story of DNR Productions! Check out DNR Productions at their Instagram: @d.n.rproductions