interview: alison wonderland
Fresh off releasing her debut single to rave reviews, life seems pretty sweet for classical musician turned DJ/producer, Alison Wonderland. She’s a regular face at festivals, sharing lineups with some of the music industry’s key players, and is steadily gaining a name for herself with her party-ready sets and ear for the hottest sounds. Lip spoke to Alison Wonderland in the lead up to September’s Efterski Festival, where she’ll appear alongside Hermitude, Bleeding Knees Club and World’s End Press.
When people aren’t familiar with you, how do you describe your sound?
Eclectic
You have a background in classical music. Do you think this has added something extra to what you do now, and how you approach music?
Definitely . I am pretty hypersensitive to what I hear when it comes to music – it helps not only with finding interesting ways to mix, but also with my production and song writing. I am lucky that I have that classical music education stamped into my brain.
You’ve played some pretty amazing festival and support slots – which has been your favourite?
ALL OF THEM. I always have the most amazing time at festivals – it’s a real rush. I can’t compare it to anything else in the world.
It’s only been in the last few years that women have been getting national recognition in Australia as DJs and producers. Why was it such a boys club before, and what’s changed? Do we still have a long way to go in that respect?
I don’t know why it was such a boys club. All I know is that I want the term “female DJ” removed. That is sexist in itself. I have never heard “male DJ” before.
I’ve always just let what I do speak for me. Not my appearance or anything like that. Girls getting in this profession to become “famous” and market themselves around “sex” is what gives legitimate artists bad stereotypes to battle with.
Who are your favourite female DJs/producers at the moment, either up-and-coming, or already established?
Locally, my friend Elizabeth Rose is doing exciting things. Internationally I love Maya Jane Coles, TOKiMONSTA, Syd Tha Kyd and Cooly G.
Get Ready has been meet with a really positive and excited response. How does it feel to have your first single be so well-received?
It makes me happy. I was really nervous to release my own music. I’ve been writing for a while and I guess when you release something that is your own, not a remix or a mixtape, you tend to care more about what people think. I’ve been overwhelmed by the positivity and support I have received. It’s nice.
Is there a certain song in your arsenal which totally unifies a crowd and represents that peak dancefloor to DJ connection?
Jump around? Everyone jumps. Pretty literal!
In your perfect set, what’s your ultimate opener and closer?
Opener? Hmmmmm depends where I am playing – I love something that makes an impact but I can’t choose just one.
Closer? I usually end my set with something a little self-indulgent – once I played Bohemian Rhapsody.
Can you tell us a bit about the Efterski festival?
To me, the best thing about it is the lineup. World’s End Press and Hermitude are up there as some of my all time favourite artists. I’m even getting a little starstruck thinking about being able to watch them perform again!
What’s next for Alison Wonderland?
More music to be released! That is what I am most excited about.
The Efterski Festival runs from the 12th to the 14th of September, at Thredbo.
Head to http://www.efterskifestival.com/ for more details
