Women in Electronic Music Showcase II

Perhaps the husky vocals, clever lyricisms and textured, chaotic beats in Melbourne-based duo ALTA should be at odds with one another. But some glimmer, some magic ingredient means these two, at times contrasting, instruments - Hannah Lesser’s voice and Julius Dowson’s production - fit together in a perfect juxtaposition, complimenting and allowing each other to soar.

What truly sets ALTA out from the accomplished Australian music scene is a blend of raw talent, a joyful music obsession and uncompromising hard work. Their ever growing output is a result of hours in their shared studio, a collection of synths, analogue recording techniques - from a Prophet8 to effects units and tape players - the complexity of their arrangements filters aspects of footwork, techno and R&B through a cacophony of odd percussion and even animal-call samples. Each single tells a story, a singular lyrical snapshot of some aspect of their lives, whether it’s the move from Tasmania to Melbourne in ‘Big Smoke’ or 'Moves' and 'Esses' turning everyday experiences with work and friendships into relatable anthems.

An electronic music specialist at FBi Radio, Andy Garvey is the voice of weekly radio show Pure Space. With an ear finely tuned to the workings of the diverse local and international dance music community, Andy introduces some of the world’s most interesting electronic acts to Sydney airwaves.

Her discerning taste and effortless on-air presenting style have also caught the attention of triple j where she has found a home at Mix Up, sourcing exclusive mixes from exciting acts from both locally and abroad, and presenting them across Australia every Saturday night. AlunaGeorge, Jayda G, Red Axes, and Roland Tings have already leant their selections to the show, yet Andy’s got her eye set on highlighting even more standout acts in the dance community.

Off air Andy continues to light the fire under packed club floors around Australia with her eclectic mix of carefully curated tracks. She’s recently warmed floors for Florian Kupfer, Julio Bashmore, DJ Zozi, Sleep D, Mall Grab, Cyril Hahn and Anthony Naples, and is a regular fixture at Club 77, Vibe Positive and Future Classic hosted events. 

Annie Bass' etheral and intoxicating music seems to hang in the air when you hear it - a perfect marriage between her heady voice and swoon-worthy lyrics. This accomplished vocalist, songwriter and producer is on the cusp of big things after receiving wide critical acclaim for her releases 'While I'm Waiting' and 'Don't Want’.

Adelaide-born and now Sydney-based, Annie's musical interest from a young age could probably be more accurately described as 'obsession'. From 5 years old she was composing music and writing songs for her family. As that obsession developed, Annie earned her chops performing in Jazz bands, an influence that still clearly comes through in her music today. After meeting Adelaide producer Oisima, she delved into electronic music, continuously working with him and other producers to develop her sound and own original tracks, resulting in an inspired fusion of garage-tinged electronica.

Music is all about finding that 'goosebumps' moment, a moment that is precious in its rarity, and a moment that Annie Bass delivers. Such emotion-filled music is cathartic for both the artist and the consumer, or as Annie sums it up - "As Erykah Badu said “music is my therapy”.

Linda Marigliano is a radio presenter, TV presenter, DJ and musician. She was born and raised in Sydney, Australia to an eccentric Chinese mother and an Italian father who is directly descended from Al Capone.

This pocket rocket has worked full time as a radio and TV presenter at the ABC’s Triple J. Linda has hosted the national Drive program on Triple J and has been a regular guest presenter on ABC TV. She’s MC-ed festivals, broadcasted live from national music events and hosted parties across Australia. 

As a DJ, Linda Marigliano has played throughout Australia at clubs, art galleries, special events and festivals. She’s DJ-ed alongside people including Tiga, DJ Mehdi, Daniel Avery, Ratatat, Simian Mobile Disco, and at after parties for the Big Day Out festival. Linda is a lover of dance music - her sets dip between tight techno, crisp house, italo disco and everything in between.

After spending 3 years living in London, touring UK/Europe as a musician and DJing around England's hot spots, Linda Marigliano has now returned to Australia and secured her booty clapping seat as presenter of Triple J's national new music releases program (6-9pm weeknights) "Good Nights w/ Linda Marigliano". She is a well respected authority on new music and emerging artists.

Born and raised in Brisbane, Australia, Sian “Miss Blanks” Vandermuelen is your local fashion icon, internet hooligan and femme fetale, serving up unapologetic and raw raps and a stage presence like none other. Between her hot style, fire lyrics and an ass to drop jaws, Miss Blanks’s presence on the Australian music scene is becoming harder to ignore. Miss Blanks has already made her stamp on the industry, having worked with Queens of Hip Hop, Salt n Pepa, as well as being recognised by Ying Yang Twins, it wasn’t long before realizing the spotlight was her very own calling. You can catch this BNE native, ripping stages, hosting parties, or just being your local hooligan.

Olympia Henshaw is a Sydney based composer, producer, and electronic musician known under her stage name Mookhi. Using a myriad launch pads, MIDI controllers and effects, she is able to build unusual and lush tapestries of sound live that are unique with every performance.

Her ethereal and ghost-like vocals are treated simply as another layer of sound, adding to the eerily beautiful collage of motifs and broken beats, both rich and complex in nature.

Following from the release of her standout single, ‘Foul Play’ (featuring Billy Fox), Sydney-­based producer, Mookhi has revealed her stellar debut EP ‘Lost & Found’ – a complete self-­produced and engineered effort recorded at the enigmatic musician’s home studio in Rockdale, NSW. ‘Lost & Found’ features five stunning eclectic cuts of down-­tempo electronica, which glimmer with elegance as they float effortlessly along. Song structure navigates with precision, held intact with ethereal beats and beautifully layered sonic textures – a record that showcases the 22-­year-­old songstress’ depth and ability to create.

Mad Carr aka SPORTS kicked off in late 2015 when she was hand-picked by FBi Radio and V Movement’s inaugural ‘Dance Class’. “Sportive” to mean playful and light-hearted, SPORTS plays a range of genres with an erratic optimism fuelled by her passion for the Australian music scene as well as the unifying nature of dance music. Since then she’s amassed a diverse resume of gigs over many arenas from warehouse raves to festivals such as FBi SMACS, Splendour in the Grass (as Falcona DJs), Secret Garden and Lost Paradise. 

Catch SPORTS spinning weekly on her show “STAMINA” on the digital dance music station Fbi Click where she supports and celebrates both local and international house & techno talent with a strong focus on a female perspective. 

SPORTS also spearheaded US based female collective NAP GIRLS Australian chapter which involves supporting women both on stage and behind the scenes in the music biz as well as various other projects that encourage women to converse and collaborate. 

The Jersey Club movement is being hailed by music authorities such as FADER and VICE, being the next big wave in dance music. Thankfully, this movement has found it's first lady to pave the way it into the future. UNIIQU3, born Cherise Gary began her music career as a sought-after vocalist in the club scene, and has recently solidified herself as one of the most electrifying producers in the game.

Various Asses is the most ambitious project from Melbourne’s revered electronic producer and drummer Raquel Solier ( Fatti Fra nces, Palm Springs). Fiercely fusing together haunted trap rolls, disembodied vocal snippets and drop-it-low percussive rhythms, Various Asses is one of the most powerful, groundbreaking and sophisticated electronic artists in the scene.