An insightful rendezvous between local singer-songwriters: Anya Alchemy, D’Arcy Spiller, and Jay Santilli.
In anticipation of Melbourne’s most awaited music and food festival, Hello Sunshine, we dive into an intimate dialogue with three of the city’s brightest musical talents. Set against the backdrop of Melbourne’s vibrant music scene, this casual three-way chit-chat offers a glimpse into the lives and musings of these remarkable artists.
Meet the Artists: Anya Alchemy, D’Arcy Spiller, and Jay Santilli, three distinct voices in Melbourne’s diverse musical landscape, share their perspectives on navigating the city’s music scene, the challenges faced by indie artists, and their excitement for the upcoming Hello Sunshine festival.
HELLO SUNSHINE 2024
- When: Saturday, 2 March
- Where: Caribbean Gardens, Scoresby, VIC
- Tickets: Available from www.hellosunshinefest.com.au
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Anya Alchemy
How do you find being a female singer songwriter in Melbourne?
I think that Melbourne is absolutely full of music and is the best place to be if you’re wanting to be a performing musician. I feel like everyone I know in Melb is in a band or plays an instrument, so it’s really easy to find your community of people with similar interests.
What are the main challenges facing indie artists?
I think, as a woman, I’ve really noticed that trying to get support spots opening for men is a real challenge as most male performers have male openers. This is slowly changing but is still a real obstacle that a lot of women face. I also think that the monetary factor of having to compete with artists that have a label paying for everything is also a big challenge.
Any tips for up and coming artists?
My mantra has always been to just keep writing. It only takes one song so if you’re writing everyday (even just little voice memos/one-liners) then your chances of breaking through are much higher.
Hello Sunshine has such an excellent Aussie lineup, are there any artists on the lineup that you’re particularly excited to see and share the stage with?
I grew up listening to The Veronica’s so I’m absolutely over the moon that we’ll be sharing the stage. I’m equally as excited for the more country acts such as Brad Cox and Pete Murray though!
Does a festival environment change your set much, how does it affect your performance and connection with the audience?
I think a festival audience wants upbeat music that will make them want to move. I’ve changed some of the arrangements of my slower ballads so that they’ll still have their place next to my faster songs.
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D’Arcy Spiller
How do you find being a Melb singer songwriter?
Honestly? I find it a little challenging at times. I’ve found that there are more artists in Sydney than in Melbourne. I heard someone say once that Melbourne is the live music and Sydney is the industry. The city and culture here in Melbourne is really inspiring though. A lot of the artists, producers and music directors I know have moved overseas for various reasons relating to the industry.
What are the main challenges facing indie artists?
I think due to such a dense market it’s hard to be seen especially so for those who are taking on the industry on their own. There’s also a lack of resources although there are platforms like Ditto now which are a big game changer.
Any tips for up and coming artists?
Some hard facts I learnt from labels were that you need to find your thing, your own sound and look. Don’t try to sound like your icons otherwise it’s going to be a short ride. Make sure you understand the business side of the industry cause it can be complex. Be prepared to work hard and understand that success won’t come overnight but keep going. There may be a time where you feel alone, don’t know who to trust and are unsure of the future. All I can say is trust your instincts, surround yourself with other artists and mingle. Lastly, anything is possible, do not be discouraged and enjoy your craft!!!
Hello Sunshine has such an excellent Aussie lineup, are there any artists on the lineup that you’re particularly excited to see and share the stage with?
I’m a fan of Bliss n Eso!! Their songs inspired me to write some of my first ever songs when I was 15/16 so I’m excited to see them. I love their story telling.
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Jay Santilli
You’ve got a gorgeous set of twins, will they be coming to HELLO SUNSHINE to watch Mama perform?
Aw thank you! They will definitely be coming along to Hello Sunshine. Any chance they get to see me up on stage, they want to be there.
Will they be most excited to watch you, or The Wiggles who are playing a little after you on the same stage?
I’d love to say myself but let’s be real, they are definitely going to lose their minds over seeing The Wiggles for the first time! They’re also pretty excited to see The Veronicas too. Which might be my influence haha.
How do you find being a female singer songwriter in Melbourne?
It’s really exciting to be an artist in Melbourne right now. There are so many opportunities for collaborating whether that be with performance, writing or recording and everyone is so supportive. The community here is really something special.
What are the main challenges facing indie artists?
I think the biggest challenge can be funding your career. Any normal career path you earn your wage and that’s that but it’s a whole different game in the music industry. You make money to put it back into your career, whether that be to record or put on a tour. It’s just a vicious cycle.
Any tips for up and coming artists?
Be Resilient! Know your worth. Practice writing and write with others. And make sure you always love what you do.
Hello Sunshine has such an excellent Aussie lineup, are there any artists on the lineup that you’re particularly excited to see and share the stage with?
The lineup is incredible! But I have to say The Veronicas! ‘The Secret Life Of Us’ album was one of the soundtracks to my teenage years so I can’t wait to see them perform! I’m also a HUGE Brad Cox fan and love the show he puts on for everyone!
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A Glimpse into Their World: Artist-to-Artist Conversations
Anya, D’Arcy, and Jay engage in candid exchanges, discussing topics ranging from tackling gender stereotypes in the music industry to their hopes for the future of Melbourne’s music scene.
Anya to Jay
How do you tackle being a mum and a musician at the same time? I feel like women have historically been told that you can’t do both and remain successful at both, what do you say to people who still have that mindset?
I think it’s not for everyone, and that’s totally fine. I can definitely see how for some people the juggling act would be incredibly hard BUT I also think that if you want both bad enough, then why not give it a good crack? I don’t think it should be as Black and white as “Be a musician or be a mother” A key thing as well is what support you have around you, I’m very lucky to have an amazing support group around me. If I didn’t have them, this would be a completely different answer. My girls are starting to understand what mama does and they love seeing me on stage and following my dream, that paired with a husband who backs me every inch of the way is also a massive help.
Anya to Darcy
What do you think the Melbourne music scene is missing at the moment?
I think we’ve lost over 1000 mid sized live music venues since covid which were detrimental to up and coming artists. They were places that now bigger artists started off playing at and they created a community and creative space. The economy is making it really hard for live venues to succeed therefore sadly we artists suffer in return. High expenses means less spend per head unfortunately and I totally get why. We are in need of creative thinking, support for live music venues & opportunity. We need to shake things up and think outside the box.
What do you think the future of our music scene will look like/what do you want it to look like ?
I hope that Australian artist are given recognition internationally like G FLIP for example!! They are smashing it worldwide. I’d also like to see more female artists/bands at festivals too. I really hope that there’s a resolution for the struggle that up & coming artists are having at the moment due certain social platforms and streaming. The market is highly saturated too though, so you can put all the struggle on social platforms. It’s intense having to compete for things like festivals but I love that we have so much talent.
Jay to Anya
What is one thing you’d love people to take away from your live performances?
I’d love for people to feel like they’ve just had an “experience”, like going to the movies. You’re in your own little bubble, the “movie” is all you can focus on and then, if it’s good, you leave and feel like a tiny piece of you has changed. I’d like that 🙂
Sky’s the limit – If you could sit down and write with any artist/songwriter, who would it be and why?
I’d love to sit down with someone like Ryan Tedder and just see what’s his process is like in the studio. He’s responsible for so many hits and just being able to analyse everything he’s doing would be so cool.
Jay to D’arcy
Who are your biggest musical influences?
My biggest musical influences are eclectic. My moods change who influences my music regularly but that doesn’t mean it influences my music to change sporadically genre wise. I don’t know if that makes sense. It’s the detailed, carefully chosen lyrics, voice uniqueness (vibrato, husk) and powerful emotions that arise that will make me say yes you are either going to no doubt be the soundtrack playing in my dreams or playing in my car over and over. I’ll give you some names:
Matt Maeson
Teddy Swims
LP
Upsahl
Grandson
Labrinth
Lenii
Stephen Sanchez
Layto
Royal & the serpent
Do you believe an artist should only stick to one genre or are you all for artists being more fluid and playing whatever they feel?
Nahhh! I believe artists have different stages or “eras” if you will. Dua Lipa for instance has gone from disco to what she calls “dance crying. I’ll also just say that general mainstream genres are on their way out. You could once upon a time have been a punk/pop singer like yourself Jay and then swapped to country but as long as you have that one niche that one signature that lines up the switch I think why not? I’m diverting from indie/folk/pop to ‘dark/moody pop. I’m really excited to share the new stuff I’ve been working on.
D’Arcy to Jay
If you were to write a song about an important political, social or environmental issue, what would it be?
I think I would be more inclined to write about a social issue. Possibly about Poverty/people less fortunate than myself and the tragedy of it all. I guess something along the lines of a ‘We Are The World’ vibe.
What made you immerse yourself in the pop/punk scene before landing on the country/pop genre? Did changing to that genre help ground or find yourself in any way?
In my early teen years, I was drawn to the emo scene, envisioning myself as the next Hayley Williams, haha. When I transferred to a new high school in Year 9, I was invited to join a pop/punk band. This experience taught me a lot about performing and being part of a group. Eventually, it helped me clarify my identity as an artist. As that chapter closed, I began writing songs solo, reconnecting with the music I grew up listening to as a young kid.
What do you love most about performing live?
I love the exhilarating feeling of sharing my stories with people and forming connections through my songs during live performances.
And if you could do a tour anywhere in the world where would you do it?
Oooo! I would love to tour Europe/UK. I’ve had a number of friends do it and the crowds over there just seem to be amazing.
D’Arcy to Anya
How would you describe your music to a new listener and what is it you want the listeners to take from you music? You’ve been described as emo, hippie, cowgirl which I think is a totally new and awesome spin as a sub genre.
I would describe my music as pop country with a bit of spice but I also feel like emo, hippie, cowgirl sums it up pretty well. My main thing is that I love to tell stories so I’d love listeners to really delve into what I’m trying to say and create a movie in their heads.
You’re looking into a mirror that tells you the future. What do you see?
For myself? I see the music I’m going to put out this year doing really well, my dog walking nicely on the lead and a lot of changes as my circle and team grows. I’m so excited.
If you could have anything you wanted during a show what would it be (set up, lights, effects etc).
I want fire so bad or a t-shirt gun.
What are your favourite live music venues in Melbourne?
I love Rooks Return, Birds Basement and my local, Sooki Lounge.
With their infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication, Anya Alchemy, D’Arcy Spiller, and Jay Santilli embody the essence of Melbourne’s thriving music community. Catch them on Saturday, 2 March 2024, at Caribbean Gardens.
Tickets for Hello Sunshine are on sale now from www.hellosunshinefest.com.au.
