Work From Home is a new vertical dedicated to life and culture in the strange and unprecedented situation of self-quarantine that many of us are dealing with right now. From what to watch to how to get a fit off and how to not think about anything, this is our guide to the great indoors. For updates on the spread of Covid-19 and how to keep yourself safe and informed, consult WHO and the CDC.
In the days of isolation-induced boredom, musicians and DJs alike have taken to Instagram and Facebook to treat us all with live performances and sets.
D-Nice's #ClubQuarantine, for example, racked in over 100,000 viewers — even celebs like Rihanna, Diddy, Michelle Obama, and Bernie Sanders were in the virtual audience. During his nine-hour-set, the Bronx native played Childish Gambino's new track "To Be Beautiful," as well as older jams from Lil Jon and Stevie Wonder.
Other musicians soon followed suit, with Erykah Badu announcing her own Quarantine Concert series, where fans can tune in and watch her perform for just $1. James Blake, meanwhile, recently accepted requests for a free Instagram live show, where he covered songs from Frank Ocean, Billie Eilish, Radiohead, and more.
Scroll down for all of our favorite digital gigs so far.
Erykah Badu
Last week, Ms. Badu announced Apocalypse One, a live interactive experiment straight from her bedroom. This past weekend's performance saw the singer perform tracks voted by fans via a poll, accompanied by a live band. Fans were able to "get in" by signing up on her website and paying $1.
D-Nice
D-Nice's self-isolation party really set the bar high. Not only was the virtual guestlist star-studded, but the DJ played for nine hours straight, too. The party was so successful that D-Nice has now teamed up for another live set in partnership with Michelle Obama, kicking off today at 6:30 pm EST. Find out more here.
James Blake
In a similar fashion to Badu, Blake performed songs suggested by fans. Performing live from his own living room, the UK crooner sang a cover of Frank Ocean's "Goodspeed," Billie Eilish's "when the party's over," as well as songs by Bill Withers and Joni Mitchell. The show went live yesterday and had around 26,000 remote attendees.
Questlove
D-Nice's format is so popular that he's collaborating with fellow artists (remotely that is). Case in point: Questlove's recent DJ set. Taking place last night, Questlove's set was all about the slow jams. "Slow Jamz. Slow Wine. Slow Grind."
Sway Calloway
Sway in The Morning host, Sway Calloway, is using his social media platform to showcase rap talent. Yesterday, Calloway hosted #BedroomBars, a live freestyle session featuring Merkules and Chris Webby. The live show will return on Instagram this Friday at 7 pm EST, and fans will have the chance to join Calloway's Live to show off their freestyle skills.
Swae Lee
Last weekend, Swae Lee live-streamed a free Instagram from his studio. Apart from performing his hit songs, the rapper was so dedicated to giving viewers a realistic experience that he thanked fans for the sold-out show, pretended to bring one on "stage," and even attempted to crowd-surf.
Snoop Dogg
Though Snoop Dogg may be mostly known for his career as a rapper, he's a DJ too, going by the name of Snoopadelic. Yesterday, DJ Snoopadelic took over the official Levi's account and played jams by Young MA, Yo Gotti, and many more.
Timbaland Vs. Swizz Beatz
Last but, certainly not least, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland's beats show-off was exactly what we needed during this self-quarantine. Yesterday, the two mega producers went on IG Live and had a face-off, playing some of their favorite beats and songs they've produced. The producers show off had over 20,000 fans tuning in and, according to all the Twitter reactions, it was a tough one.
