Pink Lemonz Interview
Age : 29
Country of Origin : Singapore - (though of mixed parentage - Dad is Italian/English/Indonesian and Mum is Dutch/Portuguese)
Occupation : TV Producer / DJABOUT DJ'ing AND YOURSELF
Tell us a little bit about yourself ?
I worked with MTV Asia for 5 years as a Producer - that relationship has since ended and I start my a new tenure at a Media / Production House in Jan 2002 in Singapore.
Was based in Manila Philippines for MTV Asia for 2 years and was part of a team that set up MTV Philippines and launched their 24 hr channel.
I read and collect books (all sorts of books), comics and furniture books.
I am devoted to my two cats Whiskey and Bruni.
My buddy David and I have conceptualised The Flower Party we're looking to have it as a monthly gig in Singapore David (of Bone PR) takes care of planning and details while I front it and do the networking.
I hate reptiles - snakes especially.
I never know how to answer when I'm asked to tell a little about myself. I'm too complicated, complex and compartmentalised...Tell us a little bit about your childhood and how it has influence your work and what you are now ?
My childhood was a mixture of outdoorsy activities(courtesy of dad) and books & food (courtesy of mum). My parents were both very involved in bringing up my brother and I though I didn't see my dad too much because he travelled alot for work.
Nonetheless, there was always a big sense of security within the family - even from a young age I knew that all hell could break loose in my life, but I'd still have a warm family nucleus to run back to. How my childhood has influenced my life/work is really from the lessons my parents thought me - from my dad, it was, 'if any one person steps on your one toe, you step on
both their feet!' - and THAT has alot to do with my sometimes aggressive nature. I tend to always have the loudest voice and if I'm unhappy about something, those involved will know. I don't hide my feelings well at all - though, I won't deny that my honesty gets me into trouble sometimes.
From my mother I learned how to be gentle and kind and to treat people with respect - she always says to me, 'Be whoever you want to be but don't ever bring harm to yourself or others'. I guess I carry these 2 lessons with me wherever I go and in whatever I do. So I guess you could say that I am an agressive gentle person from that!How long have you been a DJ ?
6 years
What is it about the career that attracts you?
It's not really my career at the moment, but it's something that I do. It's too tiring as a career - I did it for 3 1/2 years straight and must have aged like a bitch! Playng a set is like telling a good story, you're essentially weaving music together and taking people on a journey to your own little planet, and when they follow you, there can be no bigger trip - now THAT'S attractive. The free drinks and interviews don't hurt either. DJ
ROCK STAR!What is the most unforgettable moment in your DJ career?
There have been several but i'll just give you 2.
1) Playing in Koh Phangan, Thailand to a bunch of acid heads who were expecting trance, but got warm soulful New York garage instead - and DUG IT! That was a funny moment. I was famous for a week on the island! Funny indeed.
2) My first full set ever (at Moondance) and when I ended and the lights came on, there were a great number of people who choked when they realised I was a girl (the console was very, very dark, so I guess people assumed it was a bloke behind the decks). Anyway, the catcalls that ensued afterwards was quite
tremendous.What inspires you ?
Everything I see, read, hear or touch inspires me. Color, textures, sounds et al... everything. And I always have a little notebook on hand where I jot down things that inspire me. And, my mother inspires strength in me.What / who is your greatest influence ?
Let's see how to answer this one. OK, i write poetry (and short stories when I have enough time) - so in that department, Anais Nin and Jeanette Winterson are my greatest influence. Musically, DJ's like Roger Sanchez and the Masters at Work collective inspire to no end. Though, my girlfriend often sits next to the console and helps me read the crowd when I DJ. If I'm playing like shit, she tells me, and she's usually right - so she's an ad-hoc influence.
What type of music do you play ?
My first love will always be Garage. But my set usually involves a mix of tribal house, deep house, latin house and tunes with big voiced divas on them ... depends on the story i want to tell that night.
Whats your favourite song to spin and where would you dream place to spin it?
'To Be In Love' - Masters At Work feat. India. No contest there. I've already played it everywhere I would want to.
In your opinion, what does it takes for a woman DJ to succeed in this industry ?
To be honest, I've never met an arrogant male DJ who makes me feel lesser (as a woman) than he is in the context of a DJ. As with everything else in life, if you're good at what you do, you will succeed in whatever arena you choose.
How do you compare yourself to other women DJ ?
I never compare myself to anything or anyone. I am very confident that I do whatever I do well. Competition is always good, but not comparisons.
Career Highlights ?
See answers 4 and 5
ON PERSONAL LIFE
Are you single or attached?
Monogamously attached for 5 years
If the government decided to legalize gay marriage, would you marry your girlfriend (if you're attached and gay)?
Absolutely
Favourite pick-up line?
Er, I've been out of the running for 5 long years - I used to have some, but not anymore.
How do you define beauty ?
Here, maybe my favourite quote by Aeon Flux can explain it, 'Light in the absence eyes, illuminates nothing...'
What is 'love' ?
Love is being able to be a shit hot DJ at a club and then going home, taking your contacts off, putting your big-ass spectacles on and resuming the cross-stitching you were doing in the afternoon - it's being comfortable with that and having your girlfriend say to you that you're the most beautiful thing in the world, and believing it. Love is absolute comfort.
