INTERVIEW: DJ EMIA - 'The Northsiders'
The complete embodiment of the local music scenes niche creativity, Emia is taking Melbourne by storm…
First things first. If somehow your social media feed has not been inundated with reposts of ‘The Northsiders’ video series, in particular, the one featuring our newest local hero and all-time favourite selector Emia, then stop what you’re doing, and enjoy.
Yes, you're welcome. Hiding in plain sight, Emia is the breath of fresh air we've all been waiting for. Undoubtedly a creative visionary, Emia personifies what sets Melbourne apart from the rest of the country. It's artists like Emia that relentlessly do their part to contribute to our cities cultural identity and authenticity. Whether it's her Cooked Chook records imprint, her unique retellings of time spent at the notorious Berghain, or her humble share-house dwelling in Brunswick, there's something about Emia that almost everyone can affiliate with. In a totally relatable, cool, and 100% serious way.
Taking time out from her hectic schedule, we were lucky enough to chat to Emia about important issues like the key to throwing a really good party, what hidden gems lie just north of the CBD, and essentially all the social/cultural factors she harbours that are too underground for Resident Advisor.
But seriously, if you’re a little confused about just how legitimate Emia is as a person (because let’s be real, she’s a little TOO good to be true), all we have to say is Carpe Diem. And remember to never take anything too seriously…
‘Rotary mixers just feel so much better than digital ones, although I’ve never actually touched one.’ - DJ Emia
Emia and her housemate at PBS
Tell us about your first experience with dance music…
I was a doof baby, and have been going to festivals for as long as I can remember. My parents used to put earmuffs on me, and I remember feeling the vibrations through them. I’ve been living to the beat of the rhythm ever since.
How did you know you wanted to become a DJ?
I always loved music growing up as a doofer, but never considered it as a career path. It wasn’t until I was at my friend’s 18th at the Stoned Crow on Brunswick Street and got invited behind the decks, that I knew I wanted to be a DJ. It was incredible watching him play to a packed room, and having everyone just stare at us. Getting free drinks and free entry is also a huge benefit that most people don’t have.
If you had to recommend some under-rated hidden spots in the Northside, where would you recommend?
I am probably biased because a lot of the places I go around the Northside are owned by my mates. Paradise Alley is great for a drink, Northside Records and Johnston street are good for getting the fingers dusty, N.Lee Bakery for the best Banh Minh on Smith Street, Viet Rose & Shop Ramen for all the noodle heads out there, and you’ll always see someone you know at Marquis of Lorne.
Your co-run imprint label Cooked Chooks was a project born at kick-ons one day with your housemate. How is that project coming along?
Since the documentary came out, we’ve been getting a shit tonne of demos made and they are all 100% vinyl. We’re still trying to figure out the best route for us, just because going digital seems like a bit of a cop-out. Our vision is to represent some of Melbourne’s most in-demand, underground and independent artists.
What is the key to throwing a really good party?
There are a lot of important elements you need to consider when throwing a party. Turntables, rotary mixers and Funktion Ones are essential, especially on the Northside where it’s all about those warm analogue sounds. Rotary mixers just feel so much better than digital ones, although I’ve never actually touched one. A DIY approach is essential if you want it to be authentic. You should also get someone to design a sick poster that you can pop up around town and online. It can also be fun to spike the punch once every blue moon just to spice things up.
Do you guys have any gigs coming up?
Our friend just got a job as a Christmas casual at Myer and passed on their managers email, so we’re putting together a mix and hoping she’ll book us to play in the basement store soon. It’d be sick to headline there on a Saturday afternoon before Christmas. So many great records and parties have come from basements and I reckon playing there would be pretty similar to the Mercat (RIP). Things are looking up for Cooked Chook Records.
Who would you say were some of your artistic influences?
Jeff Mills changed everything for me and I was also heavily influenced by Kylie, Madonna, Carl Cox and Holger Czukay. My upbringing was also pretty unconventional and my parents were always playing records and smoking weed, so that had a huge impact on me.
What track would you play to a dying dance-floor?
‘Murder On The Dancefloor’ lol.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about DJs?
I reckon that you’re always getting laid, which I can confirm is definitely not true. Also that we’re all drug dealers.
There’s been a lot of parallels drawn between Melbourne and Berlin’s music scene. What, if anything, do you think Melbourne could learn from Berlin and adapt within our cities own culture?
I don’t know if you saw Resident Advisor’s ‘Real Scenes of Melbourne’ doco, but I think that we’re currently producing some of the world’s best music. If you wanted to, you could see live music every night of the week in Melbourne, which is rad. One thing we could adopt from Berlin is more 24 hour licensed venues and fewer shit politicians.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists and musicians?
I’m all about encouraging younger DJ’s to only play vinyl. It’s also important to make sure you’re getting into it for the music and not because you think it will make you ‘cool’. I’d highly recommend moving to Melbourne if you’re serious about a career as a DJ too.
