Tigerlily Interview

Tigerlily doesn’t exactly fit the mould of a prominent electro house DJ – firstly, she’s female, and secondly, she has bright blue hair. The self proclaimed half-mermaid and half-DJ is taking the world by storm with her regular sets at festivals around the globe and a public-voted position as #1 female DJ three years running. We caught up with the electrifying entertainer following the release of her single ‘Paradise’ to find out about what inspired her and what we can expect for 2016. 

Hi Tigerlily, where in the world are you right now? Can you paint a bit of a picture for us?

Hey guys, I’m at home in Sydney, Australia. I live on the beach so right now I’m looking out at the ocean. It’s dusk which is my favourite time of the day because the sky goes all pink and purple and the birds come out!

‘Feel the Love’ – What is the sentiment behind it and how has it reacted when you have played it out? 

It’s all about sharing the love and positive vibes. Nat Dunn (the vocalist) and I wrote the song about the connections between people that music is able to create. My favourite line in the song is ‘feel the love in our electric shine’… it just feels really good! I have been playing it out recently and it’s had such a great response. As soon as people hear the piano come in at the start they start to scream which is so crazy and cool for me!

Your track ‘Paradise’ featuring Meghan Kabir was big both in Australia and Europe; where did you film the beautiful video?

We filmed the video in Sydney at a beach called Little Congwong (which is actually a nudist beach) and the surrounding national park. Such a gorgeous part of the world.

You have such an incredible image, which is clear in the video. What inspires your look?

I just like to be me to be honest with you. I have a lot of fun with my image and don’t take myself too seriously. When I first died my hair it was all for laughs and to be a little rebellious, now it’s become an integral part of my brand. I work closely with an awesome Sydney based stylist called LauraLeStyle and she helps me create some wonderful and crazy outfits for shows and parties! My favourite brand to wear is Dyspena.

It definitely sets you apart from the rest of the crowd; do you get noticed much on the streets of Australia?

I do that’s for sure! One thing to think about if you are going to dye your hair a crazy colour is that people look at you differently wherever you go. It’s nice though, I like to meet all my fans and I think the hair is definitely a way that helps me physically connect with people in real life.

We had a chat back in early 2014, and you told us that your first festival experience was Stereosonic, so how does it feel to be returning to the Stereosonic stage this year?

I am so excited! For the first time in my career I’m doing the whole national tour which is super awesome! Stereosonic has always been my first and favourite festival and it holds a very special place in my heart. I’m very keen to grace the stage this year.
What do you get up to behind the scenes at festivals? Are there any backstage antics?

There are always loads of backstage antics…but what happens at Stereo stays at Stereo. Sorry!

The full line-up for Stereosonic is insane; are there any names on the line-up that have particularly inspired you? Who are your musical heroes in general?

There are so many artists on this year’s lineup that have inspired me. I’m really looking forward to watching Axwell ^ Ingrosso, as well as Major Lazer – I hear that they are amazing live. I have so many musical heroes. Deadmua5, Porter Robinson, Zedd, Savant, just to name a few dance producers…all the way to pop stars like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and local legends such as Troye Sivan and Tkay Maidza.

What else do you have planned in the coming months? We hear there’s an EP on the way…

I am about to embark on an Asian tour in November which is super as I LOVE that part of the world – Asian culture is so dynamic and rich. December is all about touring Australia and finishing off my EP which is set to drop around February. Then in early January I’m hitting the road to bring the SUMMER OF LOVE UNDER 18’S EXPERIENCE to every major city in Australia which is going to be out of this world.

Where are some of your favourite places that DJing has taken you? Have you played in the UK before?

I’ve never played in the UK before but pans are in the works for early next year (cough March cough!) I’ve been to so many places, Europe, Asia, America, and of course all over Australia. I’m so blessed and grateful that I have such a wonderful career that takes me all over this beautiful world!

Where will you be celebrating New Year’s Eve this year?

This New Year’s Eve I’m playing in Canberra which will be great! It’s one of my favourite cities in Australia to party in so I’m really excited!

Tigerlily Tour Dates

Saturday 14th November – Club Cubic, China
Friday 20th – Monday 23rd November 2015 – It’s the Ship 2015, Singapore,
Saturday 28rd November 2015 – Stereosonic 2015, Sydney,
Saturday 5th December 2015 – Stereosonic 2015, Adelaide/ Melbourne
Sunday 6th December 2015 – Stereosonic 2015, Brisbane
Thursday 7th January 2016 – Hotel New York, Launceston
Friday 8th January 2016 – Summer of Love, QLD
Sunday 10th January 2016- Hq, Adelaide
Thursday 14th January 2016 – Orange Whip Nightclub, VIC