ALAMUSIC
The Bluesfest locals series will introduce you to the talented music makers from the Ottawa area performing at this year’s RBC Bluesfest. Come on out early to Bluesfest and discover some great new music!
ALAMUSIC
Sunday, July 6 – Wednesday, July 12 – Thursday, July 13
6pm to 9:30pm
Accora Village Spin Stage
Bio
ALAMUSIC is a Canadian DJ based in Ottawa, Ontario. Known for infectious energy behind the decks, she brings a funky mix of different styles of house and disco grooves to the dance floor. Since her music festival debut at Black Rabbit 2021 in Bristol, Quebec, she continues to create dance floor memories at events and nightclubs around the city including; Aurora Festive Winter Experience, White Rabbit Events at City at Night, Berlin at 56 ByWard Market, Blacklist at The 27 Club, Sunset Terrace: Day Party at Baba Bar, Sashay and Basscamp Music Festival. ALAMUSIC is also a monthly resident DJ at Afterlight – Ottawa’s underground lounge & listening bar.
Q&A
Who was the first person you told you were performing at Bluesfest this year?
It was the same person I always call first, my husband Tom. He has been my biggest supporter from the beginning and I love sharing this journey with him.
Please describe your sound.
My sound could be described as a fusion of infectious rhythms, uplifting melodies, and soulful vibes. I love blending various genres, including different styles of house, tech house, funky disco grooves, indie dance and more.
My ultimate goal is to make people fall in love with the music and experience the sheer joy of movement. My aim is to take listeners on a journey while creating an irresistible urge to dance and inspiring a shared sense of connection on the dance floor.
How did you get started on your musical journey?
Ever since I started to attend electronic music events in the mid 2000’s, I have always admired the ability of a DJ to control the dance floor, creating memorable experiences for people through the power of music and dancing. I’ve always wanted to know what that feels like, and create that experience for others.
In 2015, when I turned 30, I finally decided to treat myself to a used “Denon MC 2000” controller and start to learn how to DJ, but I would only play at home for my husband and two dogs.
It wasn’t until the pandemic that I truly went for it. During the lockdowns, I started watching DJ’s from Ottawa and all over the world live stream from their living rooms, creating connection and community in a time of isolation. Living through the pandemic made me realize that life is short and it’s never too late to go for what makes you happy.
At the beginning of 2021, I upgraded my gear and learned to use CDJs with a mixer and did my first DJ live stream on March 6th, 2021. From there, I started making connections with local Ottawa DJ’s (who have now become good friends) and started joining them for livestream events, each of us from our own homes. Once we could be in-person again, I was invited to play at events with the local DJ friends I made through connecting on livestreams. I finally got to experience what it’s like make people dance – it’s the best feeling in the world!
It’s thanks to the local artists and promoters who have given me the opportunities to build my experience and skills as a DJ that I am now performing at Bluesfest!
What’s your connection to Ottawa and the local music scene?
I grew up in Ottawa. In the mid 2000’s, I loved going to the jungle / drum & bass shows in Ottawa, and back then you would find me most weekends on the dance floor at what once was Babylon. It was local DJs/Artists like Jon Deck, ILLO, DJ Magnificent, Mz Revolution, Tribe Called Red (just to name a few) who were my earliest influences in what is was to be a DJ and create a community of music lovers.
Ever since I’ve decided to follow my heart and become a DJ, I’ve seen just how wonderful our local underground dance music community really is. I’ve made new connections and friends within the Ottawa music scene, especially within venues like City at Night.
What I love the most about our scene, is when you’re on the dance floor, everyone is equal. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you’ve been through or where you’re going, strangers become family on the dance floor – and you just feel free to be you.
We have an amazing flourishing underground music scene here in Ottawa, fostered by many talented local artists and promoters (such as; White Rabbit, MusicArtPpl, Basscamp, FMG Collective, and there’s many more) who truly care about building an inclusive community based on Peace, Love, Unity and Respect – the PLUR values.
I am proud to be part of the Ottawa underground music community.
What artists are you hoping to catch during this year’s Bluesfest?
I’m very excited to be playing on the nights of Tegan & Sara, Foo Fighters and Mumford & Sons – all artists that I was hoping to see perform.
Other artists include the amazing Shania Twain, and it would be fun to catch Pitbull and Ludacris.
Most of all, I always look forward to experiencing new music and meeting new artists –
that’s one of the great things about music festivals!
Any performances people could catch ahead of Bluesfest?
My next event will be the White Rabbit Block Party on July 22nd inside City at Night. I’ll be playing back-to-back with Tone A, one of the White Rabbit Residents, an incredibly skilled and talented DJ who has as taught me a lot about music and mixing. It’s an honour to be sharing the decks with him!