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At least that’s the theory suggested by Joe Muggs over at mixmag.

Touring is physically exhausting. No doubt about that. Even a DJ who plays most nights in his or her home town will feel the drag after a while. Everyone needs a break. Touring just amps up the physical wear and tear because you never really get a good rest. I don’t know too many people who can sleep comfortably on a plane. You’d have to be on a private jet equipped with a real bed in order to sleep well. Most of the time, DJs are crammed into a regular seat on a regular plane. Even in first class, with all the amenities of comfort, it’s hard to get well-rested.

So, for those DJs who are touring nearly constantly, or at least for a significant portion of the year, what does all the physical and mental stress do to their ability to be creative? Apparently, it kills it.

That’s why some DJs turn to alcohol and drugs as a way to jumpstart their creativity and force their brains to be on all the time. There have been more than a few DJs who went down that road never to return. Most DJs who’ve been around for long enough will give you one good piece of advice: pace yourself. Don’t try to do it all and be the best every minute of every day. Chill. Do something else entirely. Sleep. That’s what will keep those creative juices flowing.

Read about Carl Cox’s experience here.