How many 22 year olds can claim they have two successful EP’s, have toured nationally as a club DJ and as a live act, worked & shared bills with artists such as Calvin Harris and New Empire just to name some, produce electronic dance music and write his own songs, well Aaron Lee better known as Northie can say just that. After emerging from the Central Coast of Australia, Northie has been working hard to pursue his love for music and gain his strong fan base. I caught up with him.
For someone who has never heard of you, how would you describe 'Northie'?
It's club music, it's punk music, it'll make you wanna dance your face off but is also full of heart (and sugar).
How did this all begin for you?
I grew up around lots of good music and learned to play a few instruments because of my Dad. Through school I was in pop-punk bands, and then also grew a personal love for electronic music and hip hop. I spent a lot of time inside unlike most kids at school. But playing video games all day and night eventually turned into learning how to DJ and making music on my PC. The PlayStation got the boot! After 18 I started touring as a club DJ and working for dance record labels.
What’s the story behind the name ‘Northie’?
I recently found out it's a derogatory term for someone from northern India. But mine was unfortunately a bogan nickname that stuck. Let's roll with it.
You have two EP’s (Lost My Mind and The Restless And Young - Both available through iTunes & Northie’s website); Can you explain the process of writing and recording these EP’s? Was this a solo endeavour?
I was inspired to write these in a time when I was facing a lull in regards to writing club music. I was a part of some all ages shows and also working closely with bands... it really took me back to my roots and I always wanted to give singing and an electronic/rock fuse a go - so these two EPs were the outcome.
They were independent, solo endeavours as far as writing/producing (besides a few noted collaboration songs), but when I started doing shows off these releases I put together a "Northie live act" (band), and had some friends play with me. This has recently been narrowed down to just myself and my good friend Nathan Moss - and we have a pretty sweet 2 person "Northie live electronic act" now. It's actually more efficient and easier to build bigger, more interesting sets.
Are there any plans for your next EP or album?
I will definitely be aiming to do a 3rd artist release of some kind this year. At the moment I am packed out with a lot of (exciting) remix and production work, and doing prep for some live gigs and festivals.
You’ve worked and played shows with many big names, which artists were your favourite why?
- I couldn't not say my Dad; he is a country/rock n roll musician and a very well respected one too. I've heard some of the biggest names from his generation just brag to me about how talented he is - and he sure is! Plus he is to thank for becoming musical.
- Benjamin Plant (Miami Horror), Matt Colwell (360) would have to be 2 people that stand out to me - both have great persistence to attain their goals and weren't afraid to do things differently. They've also done very well in building on the identity of their artistry I think, instead of becoming linear and content in one place or caught up like a lot of artists can.
- The New Empire boys are also great inspirations; they put foremost their relationships with people before their own gain. I think humility is a rare but very important thing to find in music these days.
- Australian DJ legend Kid Kenobi who I've looked up to as a DJ since I was young, I am now working with him and his record label. He has a very down to earth and encouraging attitude that I love, another important thing I think a lot of artists can lose amongst success.
- Finally a great bro of mine, Losty. He was Australia's first rave MC, a real pioneer of his niche here. But besides that he's done so much musically and in business. No one I know has harder hustle, will, positivity and determination than this guy. I've learned a lot from him and he's a huge inspiration to know. His hip hop band, The Hav Knotz, have been doing big things recently too, look out!
Where do you think the heavy electronic genres ("bass music") like dubstep are going?
I think Bass Music is in a prominent peak at the moment, sounds like Dubstep and a new genre "Moombahton" are going to be around for a bit longer. I believe the club industry has a lot of influence on the pop industry, so mainstream music will always tail closely behind these sounds and keep them in the light a bit longer.
I'm known to embrace theses sounds quite a bit myself at the moment because I've found a lot of production value in them that I'm inspired by. But really as long as it remains melodic, hooky, well produced and sounds big, I don't mind what it is.
Describe how Northie performs shows.
I'm known more as a club DJ when it comes to performance. And being an electronic producer I want to build this medium of playing foremost as much as I can, and then put more concentration on the live act once I am hitting a broader audience. I think an upside to being in the electronic music scene but being able to pull off a live act too is there is a greater medium for things like festivals, and more touring options.
What are your plans for the rest of 2012?
I have some goals set, so just working towards them. Just building more and more on the identity of "Northie" and working more with good people. Greater Touring establishment is ideal but I feel I just need to write more music first - because really, there's no point in touring unless you have good songs people will want to hear!
Where do you hope to see ‘Northie’ in 3 years?
Foremost - just being level headed and making smiles :))))) Musical accolades are secondary, I've learned not to expect certain things, but just be motivated in knowing wherever I am it will be great. After all, the wind could take us anywhere!
Thank you to Aaron Lee for having a chat, we wish him the absolute best with his music and his future.
Tori Hyland
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