Recently announced as the Australian ambassador for the 2011 Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project (see more details HERE), we caught up with internationally recognised Australian DJ Anna Lunoe to chat about her new position – as well as her latest material with Ministry of Sound.
Thanks for taking the time to chat to us today! You’ve just done your third mix for the Ministry of Sound, the Clubbers Guide Spring 2011 Edition; can you talk us through your process for creating that?
Sure, basically it starts 3 or 4 months in advance, putting songs forward to be licensed for the compilation. Then Ministry go away and do all the legal side of things and then I get the approved tracks, mix them together as best as I can and that’s it! Some CD’s fall together easier than others. I think this one flows particularly well.
How does a mix like MoS translate into your live show?
This year’s disc will be very reflective of what people can expect from a club set from me. It’s all really accessible and fun. Definitely on brand with my club vibe! Live shows are very much dependant on the vibe on the night. At Splendour I planned for club but ended up playing a full hip hop and reggae/dancehall/moombahton set so you never know how the night will go!
The tour for said Clubbers Guide takes you everywhere, capital and regional centres; what’s been your most memorable crowd in recent memory?
There are so many but I was really blown away by Karratha and Port Headland. These are mining towns up north of Perth and due to restrictions, the shows had to be over by midnight, and I would be playing at 11 like it was 4am! People were actually going crazy, throwing their clothes around, jumping on top of each other and stuff, absolute bedlam. It was such an amazing reaction, they certainly were not taking the chance to let of a little steam go to waste!
Have you ever performed anywhere where you’ve felt quite out of place?
Haha a million places! That’s part of the job I think. It’s not for the faint hearted. A lot of the time I will be completely alone and know no one in the whole state, and you just have to turn up, say hello, shake the promoters hand then get onstage and do your thing.
You’re on board as the Ambassador for the 2011 Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Program, if you could choose one city to switch in Australia with another from around the world what/where would it be?
Hmmmmmm. This is really tricky, there are so many, but today let’s go with……. Berlin! My friends have all been over there lately and I was mega jealous hearing about the late night ways, ridiculous line ups and general artistic freedom.
What were your experiences like with the show last year in Sydney (switched with Brazil)
Last year’s show was super fun!! The dancers and soccer players made for a very carnivale vibe. This year, now that people are familiar with the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange concept they will be even more into it and excited to cut loose and party!
I understand FIFTY cities around the world will be involved! What cultures most excite you – especially the thought of other groups of people getting to experience them?
African music is something that excites me a lot. The use of percussion and raw drums and vocals really strikes a chord with me. I would love to see that harnessed accurately in another country, and spreading the awareness for different sounds. I think that even with the internet and the ease of sharing music, innovation and the crossing musical/ cultural boundaries is happening every day and creating new amalgamations of sound. It’s such an exciting thing.
How does the DJ scene in Australia compare to the rest of the world?
The DJ scene is unique. We have a real style when it comes to music. I feel like Australian dance music is pretty positive and uplifting as a general rule. It’s a pretty fair reflection of our cultural landscape (most the time!). The music is built for outdoor festivals! That’s how I feel anyway but I would very much encourage people to hit up the Smirnoff Australia Facebook page and tell me what YOU think the scene is like!
What else is coming up for Anna Lunoe in the near future?
Besides the Ministry compilation and national tour, I have been recording a lot of music and will start releasing it all very shortly, which is really exciting! There is also another USA tour on the cards for November/December, Parklife festival and fingers crossed for a couple of big festival tours over summer!
Article assistance by Andrew Wade. Learn more about the November Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project HERE.
