INTERVIEW: Elizabeth Rose (Take 2)

A couple of days ago I spoke to Sydney's lovely 22-year old producer/DJ ELIZABETH ROSE about the release of her debut EP. Despite the Winter's chill that fell over the East Coast this last few days, she had already been out for a swim (albeit in an aquatic heated pool) with her 2-year-old niece.

When I asked her if she had fallen prone to the cluckies, she replied, “I'm getting into this stage where i'm watching home-birth videos on Discovery channel, it's really fascinating!”

We then moved on to her music. Here's what she had to say about Triple J, sexism within the industry and hundred-year-old samples.

You have received favourable reviews from a couple of Triple J's more well-known presenters – what are you thoughts on Unearthed as an avenue for unsigned artists to have their music heard and played, and how has Triple J helped your musical career?

I think Unearthed is great when you're starting out – it was 2 years ago I put my stuff on Unearthed. But I had exposure on FBI before that.

[Triple J have] always supported me from day one. I played at the digital Unearthed launch party at The Metro last year.

Somehow a demo of mine got around the Triple J office emails – and a track off my [upcoming and unreleased] EP got rotation, called 'Fight or Flight'. [The EP Crystallise] will be available to buy on Friday [NB: fellow Melbourne kids, it will be in Polyester Records and JB Hi-Fi].

There are a number of exciting producers out of Sydney – such as Flume and RUFUS. Is the scene in Sydney particularly conducive to creating good electronic music?

No, I think it's kind of the same. In Melbourne there's a lot of experimental underground electronic music. In both Sydney and Melbourne, there's a lot of electronic music, which makes it hard to stand out – and, as a woman, it's even harder.

The incredibly cool sample at the beginning of 'Throw Me To The Stars' – what is that?

It's a song called 'Guilty', by Al Bowlly (1930s).

I love the movie, The Shining, Stanley Kubrick's movie. They're in a haunted hotel in the 1920s, and this murder happened. There's a song by Al Bowlly playing in the background. And this is not the same song, but that was an inspiration for it.

How long have you been writing and producing music?

When I was a teenager, I wrote songs on an acoustic guitar and recorded them using Garage Band. My songwriting matured over the years. I started using Ableton Live [the software production program] in 2008 – which I also use for live shows.

I'm also a DJ now – I started that in april – and I love it. Triple J is supporting my DJ-ing stuff heaps too, which is cool.

So what's the deal there? Are you bezzies with Kingsmill?

No, I'm probably closest with Nina and Lewi. Nina had me do MixUp exclusives back in June – and [the set] was voted to be played again the next week.

Of the sexism on the scene, such as when buying hi-tech production equipment:

In general, music is a masculine thing I think. Production and DJ-ing is the most of all.

Upcoming Gigs:

DJ-ing next friday for Triple J House Party at Good God.

EP launch at Good God on the 2^nd November.

3^rd November – The Workers Club in Fitzroy, Melbourne.

Words by Rebecca McCann, check out her street on POSSE.COM

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