FAST 10: Aldonna
One of Melbourne’s fastest rising talents steps up to the plate for the next instalment of our female-focused Fast 10 series…
With her long dark hair cascading past her shoulders and a grin permanently glued to her face, Aldonna has the dance floor on lock as she enthusiastically jumps up and down behind the decks. The contrast is striking: she is the bubbly, warm antithesis of the dark and moody ambiance that comes with Revolver Upstairs' infamous "cage". Her sets are fun, and Aldonna isn't afraid to dip into the archive and play tracks released before she was even born. I watch on in delight as she dips between old-school, trance, deep house, and techno in a set that's both nostalgic and refreshing. It is no surprise she's quickly gaining a solid reputation amongst Melbourne's dance-floor aficionados.
Her selective prowess is demanding promoters attention, too, recently clocking support slots for Papa Smurf's three sold-out showcases at Bourke Street Courtyard, and playing everywhere from Glamorama, to Colour and Xe54. A deep dive into the world of production has seen her original works identify as moody, rich and bass-heavy peak-time chuggers, perfect listening for your late-night into early morning antics. She's undoubtedly one to watch - if not for her vivacious demeanour, then for the skill and finesse she exhibits, which well surpasses her relatively limited industry experience. Fresh from a hot streak of gigs, Aldonna took some time out to talk to us about who she looks up to, the best advice she's ever received and more...
1. THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE MY MUSIC:
Uplifting, spontaneous, old-school-incorporated.
2. A FEMALE ARTIST EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW:
Merve.
3. A TRACK I’M EMBARRASSED TO LOVE:
4. THE LOCAL INDUSTRY NEEDS MORE:
Gender equal line ups, warehouse venues/parties, food at parties!
5. MY DRINK OF CHOICE AT A GIG:
Water.
6. WHAT EMPOWERS ME:
Seeing people close to me reaching for their goals and succeeding in life, and also looking back and seeing how much I have grown personally and professionally over the years.
7. THE BEST GIG I’VE EVER PLAYED:
This is a tough one. It’s a tie between my set at Revolver Upstairs on Good Friday vs Easter Sunday 2021. Both were pretty insane, but I think Good Friday takes the cake being my first time playing at the venue - it’s a moment I’ll never forget. Everyone was so lively and I also got to play a couple of my original tracks to a crowd for the first time, so that felt pretty special.
8. IF I WASN’T IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY I WOULD BE:
A horticulturist, which is actually what I do from Monday-Friday.
9. SOMEONE I LOOK UP TO IS:
Peach, Mall Grab, Octo Octa, Patrice Baumel. And my beautiful friends Marli & Bella Claxton.
10. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED:
I have a couple pieces that I hold close to me. To trust in divine timing! To know that everything happens exactly as it needs to when it needs to. To live through love and compassion, not fear. To remember “everything is temporary”, which helps when you’re not feeling so great, but also helps you not take things for granted and live in the present moment.