Who the fuck is Alice, you ask? Alice Stands hails from Roscommon town and creates high-heeled electro pop for people who like to dance. Admittedly, it’s an unusual combination. Citing her influences as 90s dance tunes, rave and Sonic Youth, Alice speaks with Connected before she scampers off to San Francisco in the fall (as her new homeland might say).
If I had to pin it down I’d say acid pop – but that’s open to interpretation. I love dance music, I’m interested in taking the classical traits of a pop song – catchy riffs and simple lyrics – and combining them with a more sculpted sonic edge.
How important is style and image to you as a performer?
I think style and image is an extension of personality, which is very important as a performer. It’s another way to express oneself.
Are your stage outfits any different to your civilian clothes?
I don’t have costumes, though I’d very much like to with time! I dress up on stage; I love shoes, particularly stiletto heels.
Have you any recording plans?
I’m writing and producing songs in between gigs, expanding my live set all the time. I’m getting ‘The Game’ professionally mixed by Ger McDonnell, who has worked with Def Leppard, Manic Street Preachers and Martha Wainwright.
What kinds of synths do you use?
At the moment I use soft synths with a midi controller. I love vintage synths and there’s nothing I’d love to collect more when I have the time, space, money and roadies to carry them!
Your sound isn't very "Irish". Have you spent any time abroad?
From talking to people, there’s a very vibrant music scene all around Ireland. I’ve experienced Dublin first-hand where there’s a diverse music scene and lots going on. There are great opportunities for bands and DJs to play every night of the week. Independent festivals are cropping up more and more. Growing up, Knockcroghery in Roscommon had its own version of Woodstock called ‘Knockcroghstock’ – that wasn’t very “Irish” but it was a lot of fun and very colourful. Those two elements are very important to me when writing music. I have lived abroad. I lived in New York on a J1 one summer of college. I would be influenced by the New York music scene. There’s a certain edge, an attitude, a frankness that captivated me growing up. My music would be influenced in that way.
Describe a live Alice Stands show.
The show is constantly changing. I’m solo at the moment, where I play synth live, trigger drum beats and samples and sing with treated vocals. I’ve had guest vocalists join me and I’m very interested in collaborating with musicians, artists, dancers and DJs. I’m building up towards a theatrical performance, influenced by cabaret, dance and the circus – an ‘Alice Stands Tea Party’. I’m very interested in dance music, but feel where a lot of dance music lacks is the visual appeal of the performance. There’s nothing more electric than seeing live musicians on stage playing off each other and this is what I’m working towards.
How does your song writing process go?
An idea comes to me in some way, I start singing lyrics off the top of my head or a musical riff. Other times I could be practicing the piano on a song and get bored and start playing around with chords and land on something I really like. Different synth sounds inspire me – I might write a riff because I love the sound. After that, it’s trying to get as many ideas down as possible and arranging it as best as I can. Then leaving it for a while and coming back to it with no expectations.
Thoughts on Lady Gaga?
I think she’s a really interesting character. Growing up in New York and experimenting in the Downtown music scene there has to be something worth sharing in that. It would be amazing to tour with her sometime!
Alice Stands has a weekly residence in Eamonn Doran's on Wednesdays and is playing Upstairs in Whelans on 15 August with Heathers and Hooray for Humans.
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