We caught up with everyones favourite Aussie DJ to chat about her set for LIFELINE LIVEFEST, her experiences as a Lifeline Australia Ambassador, the importance of live music and so much more!
Image: Vasili Papathanasopoulos
Aussie superstar Delta Goodrem and dance floor sensation DJ Tigerlily are joining forces with Lifeline Australia, taking to TikTok for a two-day series of LIVE streamed fundraising events. Dubbed LIFELINE LIVEFEST, the event is set raise funds to train more volunteers for the service's crisis hotline, whilst also offering a much needed burst of live music amidst national lockdowns.
Lifelife Australia is a national charity that provides all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services, something more important than ever as the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns take their toll. Throughout the pandemic, Lifelife Australia's highly trained volunteers have been there 24/7 for anyone who needs them.
The LIFELINE LIVEFEST will be running on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 August from 7-8pm AEST on TikTok, via each artists' individual accounts. For more details, head here.
You’ll be performing an exclusive live set on TikTok over the weekend for LIFELINE LIVEFEST! What can audiences expect from the show?
I’m going to be playing a fun, accessible set for everyone. Millions of Aussies are locked down in their homes at the moment, so keeping that in mind, I’m going to play some funky house tunes as well as some fun sing alongs that everyone will know. Got to keep the vibes HIGH!
The performance is presented by Lifeline Australia, and is set to raise funds to train more volunteers for the service's crisis hotline. How important do you think services such as Lifeline Australia are, especially in the current lockdown climate?
Lifeline’s service is imperative for the health and wellbeing of so many Australians right now. Just one look at the number of calls that lifeline are receiving every day is an indication of that.
What drew you to joining the initiative?
I’ve been a lifeline ambassador in the past and really respect the work that they do for Aussies. I’ve done many initiatives with them before, I even flew to New York and ran the New York Marathon with them 5 years ago. Mental health is something that is very important to me from personal experience and I want to continue to support Lifeline and the fantastic work that they do.
How have you approached crafting a set and overall live experience for the current socially distanced, live-stream format of performing?
It’s definitely very different creating a set when you have a crowd online compared to when you’re in front of hundreds or thousands of people. However, I really enjoy it, as it challenges me both creatively and from a performance perspective. There isn’t anyone in the crowd that you can energetically react to or rely on, so you really have to bring the energy and the good vibes yourself. I like to keep the format of my show really open so I can be flexible with what I play - I have a rough plan in my head, but always end up winging it!
The past eighteen months have taken its toll on the music industry, specifically the touring sector, but also in terms of making that in person connection with audience members and creating a shared feeling and experience. How important do you think live music is not only for yourself as a musician showcasing their art, but also for the audience members who resonate with your music?
There isn’t anything quite like that in person connection that you get from going to a live music gig. It’s something really special that unfortunately can’t be replicated by anything digital. It’s made me really appreciate live music, and the fantastic 10 year career that I had before COVID hit. The arts and music industries have been really affected by COVID; not just financially, but emotionally too. It would be really nice to see the government support us creatives in a way that other sectors are supported, as so many musicians, artists, and performers slip through the cracks.
What lasting effects do you hope audience members walk away with after attending one of your performances?
Always a smile on their face and the memory of a fun night. I play music that feels good, is fun, and makes you want to dance. If you’re a music elitist you’re probably not going to like my shows, but if you want to sing along with the whole crowd, get excited when you hear an epic throwback, and maybe get some champagne thrown on you, then you’ve come to the right place.
Could you share with us what has been your favourite concert you ever attended and why?
One of my favourite concerts was Creamfields in 2010, right before I started DJing. It was the festival that really changed my life and inspired me to take action to change the trajectory of what I was doing. There was something really magical in the air that night, and I remember watching my favourite DJ play, while it poured with rain, and I’m pretty sure I was crying happy tears! Take me back!!
What do you have in store for the rest of 2021? Can we expect new music?
Yes! New music is ready and waiting to be released. As well as a tour which is very exciting. I’ve just dropped the flyer on my Instagram. I’ve just completed two weeks in Quarantine at the Howard Springs Facility in Darwin, and I’m now embarking on a 3 month tour around the states of Australia that aren’t in lockdown. I feel very grateful that I am able to continue to work, and even though I know I will be homesick, seeing people smile and dance every weekend will make it all worth it!
RAPID FIRE
Biggest influences?
Moby, NERVO, Loni Jane, Grace Beverly, my partner, and of course, my family.
Dream collaboration?
Dua Lipa.
Album that has had the most impact on you?
Deadmau5; For Lack Of A Better Name. Moby; Play. Six60; Six60. Dua Lipa; Future Nostalgia.
How do you define your musical style in 3 words?
Commercial Electronic House.
Best song of 2021 so far?
Love Tonight - Shouse.
If you could create the soundtrack for any film, which one would it be?
The Intouchables.
Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus?
BOTH?!
What was the first song you loved to sing?
Holding On - Atomic Kittens.
A song you would love to cover on tour?
Destination Calabria - Alex Gaudino.
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
Yellow Card; Ocean Avenue.
First concert you went to?
Jack Johnson in Centennial park when I was 13!
Best concert you have been to?
Fleetwood Mac.
First album you ever bought?
Spice Girls - Spice World!
Would you rather be a Spice Girl or a Backstreet Boy?
Spice Girl.
If you were a Spice Girl, what would your spice nickname be?
Tiger Spice.
Most memorable show you’ve ever performed?
Tomorrowland in Belgium.
Guilty music pleasure?
Michael Buble Christmas Special.
If you could support any artist on tour, who would it be?
Dua Lipa.
An artist you think has had the most influence on the music industry.
Michael Jackson.
What advice would your current self, give your future self, for a year from now? The only moment you have is now. Breathe it in and enjoy it.
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
When I was about 13 at a blue light under age disco, I knew I loved the DJ and their music, and wanted to give it a go!