INTERVIEW: ALEGRA
IN MY OPINION, ALEGRA IS ONE OF MELBOURNE (IF NOT AUSTRALIA’S) BEST PRODUCERS…
It’s always easy to spot someone who’s in the world of music for the right reason, Chase Glendenning is one of those people. Known amongst the Melbourne nightlife as ALEGRA (which translates from Italian to ‘joyful’), he has been chipping away, refining his sound, patiently waiting for the world to discover what he has on offer - and believe me when I say what he has is special.
Drawing inspiration from artists like Stephan Bodzin, John Monkman, Solee and Boris Brejcha, ALEGRA’s sound is melodic, driving, emotive and provocative. His latest offering has come in the form of 5-track ‘Lost Moments EP’ which was released on Recovery Collective. Impressively, the EP reached #10 on Beatport’s Melodic House & Techno chart as well as #54 overall which is a huge feat for an emerging act. He also recently supported Stephan Bodzin and showcased his skill at Babylon, Rabbits Eat Lettuce and Rainbow Serpent Festival.
We got in touch with the laid-back producer to discuss the meaning behind his music, mind spew, performing live, and upcoming releases…
Hey ALEGRA! Thanks so much for your time with us, how are you and how was your weekend?
Hey guys, no worries at all thank you for having me. My weekend was great I had some time at home with my family and relaxed.
You’ve been steadily releasing records for the past two years. When did you really find your style? Was there a moment it all “clicked”?
Yes, I have been, which is nice, it had been a while since I released anything. I found my style mid-2017, before that I was making prog and psytrance - I think almost too proggy. I wasn’t getting anywhere in that scene.
I decided to mix things up and slow down the BPM of my writing. I went and purchased my first synthesizer and started to write my Mood EP, which was released at the start of 2018 through my favourite label Recovery Collective. After that, I feel like I had something good going so I have let it take me on the journey.
You recently released Lost Moments EP with Melbourne record label Recover Collective. Tell us a bit about it, what’s the meaning behind the name and tracks?
Yes I did, and I'm shocked at how well it's done, it's cracked the top 10 in the Melodic House & Techno releases chart and #54 in overall of Beatport. It is definitely the most significant achievement for me so far.
I try and base my track and album names to whatever is happening in my life at the time of making them, relationships etc. I was in-between jobs, and I had a bit of stuff going through my head. Locking myself in the studio was making me sane. 'Feeling Isolated', 'Down Under' and 'New Found Love' are perfect examples of that. I like to think of it as mind spew.
You also have a live show, how have you found the comparison between DJing and performing live?
Alegra supporting Stephan Bodzin in Melbourne
The difference between playing live and doing a DJ set for me is very significant. There is much less stress when DJing but it is much more satisfying to perform live.
Having the instruments with you on which you produced the track is awesome. You can improvise, and, instead of pressing stop and start on a CDJ, I think people get way more engaged in what I'm actually doing. Earlier this year I played a live set at Babylon with all original music, and I was blown away with the dance floor. There is no better feeling than having people dance to your own music.
What’s your writing process like?
My writing process always starts with writing melodies on my synthesizers over a kick drum, catching the vibe of the track straight away. I just do what I feel at the time. As I said earlier, mind spew.
Can you tell us about any new upcoming releases?
I have a four-track EP coming out in the next couple months on Friday Lights Music, a Swedish record label ran by Kirill Diamandy. It features three originals from myself and one remix by Dangur. And a remix coming out of Recovery Collective's 5-year compilation as well. I have heaps more tracks currently in their last few sessions to be finished and sent to some labels.
Where can we find you playing next?
Revolver Upstairs 27/10/19 for the Primitive People party
