Tuning In: Jackin’ Across the World

by Nicky Roland

For this month’s edition I thought I’d cast a wider net and talk with and about some of the artists from across the globe that have become essential parts of my music listening and my social circle. My main focus is an incredible queer synthpop artist out of Tokyo, ladonna Rama, who you’ll be champing at the bit for once you dig your teeth into her music catalogue and art-house bondage flair.

“Extending reflections to something futuristic, almost post-human”, Ladonna Rama produces queer synthpop, campy electro and perverted pop. Originally from Sydney (Australia) and now residing in Tokyo, her electronic debut Ladonna Rama from 2014 “embodies the avant-pop of a pint-sized singing budgie on the edge of acceptability”. Described as “music to wiggle the ding dongs”, Ladonna’s second album Unzip the Chick appeared in 2016 with remixes by UK producer Hectic and Sydney DJ Matt Vaughan for house track I’m on a Mission and dom anthem fan fave I’ll Require Your Full Attention. Early 2021 has seen Ladonna releasing her third album “Animals” described as “feral, frenzied, trangressive disco” and a slew of remixes and other releases monthly!

Teetering between the performance art and queer club scenes, she’s supported Peaches, Christeene, The Blessed Madonna and Chicks on speed. She’s collaborated with Glitta Militia, the Hoopaholics, Motel sisters, Gang of she, the naked Barber, Ben drayton, Yiorgos Zafiriou, aaron Manhattan and Bunny Hoop star.

LADONNA INTERVIEW:

Ladonna, it’s an absolute pleasure to talk with you and feature you in the month’s issue of boiMAG. As I’m sure you know, I’m a huge fan of your music and art. You have a cutting Aussie sense of humor that seeps into everything you do, giving it a delightful twist of malevolence and cheekiness.

As mentioned in the introduction you originally hail from Australia; what brought you to Tokyo, and how long have you lived there?

It’s always been a hokey dream of mine to live and work in Japan since I was a kid. Twenty years ago I did a teaching degree with the aim of coming here to teach but I ended up in Hong Kong. About four years ago I realized I wasn’t getting any younger, I mean the grey hair was literally starting to show and if I was gonna do this I better get a wriggle on while I was still young enough to enjoy it. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. My parents and sister really pushed me and I wouldn’t have done it without their encouragement. I was too scared. They know me too well. My partner is also Japanese. We met about 9 years ago in Sydney, which was getting a bit boring for both of us, so it only made sense for us to give it a go here. We live in a cute little old apartment close to Shinjuku and I still have to pinch myself sometimes.

Your talent transcends across the audiovisual spectrum, who are some of the biggest influences for music and the visual arts?

I was a major Madonna fanatic from the age of ten in ‘84 when she hit the bigtime. I’m showing my age here! I mean I was really obsessed for many many years to the point where up until about 2012, which was the MDNA era, I was buying at least one Madonna item a day. My collection was massive and I’ve since sold most of it off as a way to recoup some money, reclaim my life (lol) and say goodbye to her and my obsessive behavior. It became a bit of a problem actually haha but she’s undeniably my biggest influence and she was foremost a very visual pop star. In my opinion the greatest pop star ever and there won’t be another cos that’s all over now. I feel sorry for the young ones who’ll never get to experience that excitement and magic cos all that stuff was such a big part of growing up and shaping identity for my generation. It’s a different time now with the way we consume media and how celebrity personas have shifted. Anyway, I have lots of other visual influences too, from all kinds of areas but I always go back to the other big charismatic pop stars I was in love with as a kid like Boy George, George Michael, Debbie Harry or Grace Jones. The usual ones for queers I guess.

When you get on stage, you transform into a glamorous, dystopian, rubber-clad vixen. What was the inspiration behind this persona, and how does it make you feel when you’re in character?

When I first started doing drag it was a little softer, then it got glamorous with a touch of ugly for a character I was doing called Cave Grrrl. Then I moved more into a trashy La Toya Jackson phase and the rubber/PVC/SM thing just stemmed from wanting to make that look a little more slick and together. But for me it’s just fashion and that’s what she likes to get about in. Being in character like that is obviously very empowering and freeing. People talk about it all the time and I can tell you that the very first time I did drag properly in public was one of the most liberating days of my life. I’ll never forget it. I’d been dressing up since I was very little but there was always a shame attached to it. I think most young queers are scared and insecure growing up and don’t feel like they have enough courage to get out there and really go for it for whatever reason. So to be able to live that dream or fantasy even for an hour or two is really quite something. I would recommend it for everyone, not just queers but for anyone who wants that little taste of freedom or liberation or just a bit of extra attention! I mean let’s be honest.

You seem to have a never-ending supply of new outfits. Do you spend hours trawling through boutiques putting them together, or do you have a designer that you work with?

Ha! I only wish I had a designer who could whip up a cozzie at my whim! I do have one friend Dave who is very good on the machine. He’s done a few outfits for me. I’ve put together a lot of my own with hot glue and kilt pins but I certainly don’t trawl boutiques all that often. I might pop into the stripper shop from time to time but my secret used to be eBay or as I call it - sheBay. I’d get a lot of inspiration searching for the cheapest and trashiest outfits Chinese factories had to offer!

Aside from your music and art, what are some of the things that you’re passionate about, or that drive and motivate you?

You mean my other hobbies? They’re many and varied and I can be very flippant about it. Tokyo is great for art galleries and I can’t get enough really but at the moment I’m really into collecting cheap and tacky 70s80s Japanese pop and disco on vinyl. This is a hark back to my days as a record collector and satisfies that instant gratification urge but I limit myself to the 100 Yen bargain bin. Wise move. I’m also very into karaoke since moving to Japan and have a constant supply of throat lozenges at the ready. We managed to find a sneaky karaoke bar that opens illegally during the pandemic. I’m practicing a few old 80s Japanese pop tunes and currently falling in love with my new (old) 80s idol Akina Nakamori. We’re still in the honeymoon stage.

Your musical output has ramped up significantly over the Last year, do you have any new releases or remixes on the calendar that you can share with our boiMAGazine readers?

Thank you for noticing! I made a commitment this year to release once a month. This month I’m releasing a 2 volume album with orchestral reworks of tracks from my latest full-length ‘Animals’, which has been hanging around for a while. I want to put this era to bed. After that I’m releasing a concept EP of “daddy” themed cover songs with a 2021 version of an old track of mine called ‘Daddy Daddy’ that I wanted to breathe new life into because I think it deserves a little more attention and I’ve always loved this theme.

Do you have any collaborations or new projects that you’d like to talk about?

Naomi Oliver, a dear artist friend of mine, contributes vocals on 3 of the new orchestral tracks. Her voice is beautiful. It’s like a mix of Shirley Manson, Tori Amos and Kylie Minogue. I just love her and I love working with her. It’s so easy and we are on the level.

I had an idea recently that my next album would all be collabs so it’s funny you ask. I made another commitment this year to broaden my network and seek out artists doing similar things to me. Some of these artists have already approached me about collaborating and I can’t wait to hear what happens!

You’ve performed in dozens of venues throughout Australasia, do you have any plans for a US tour?

I can’t say I have any plans to perform anywhere. I did a few live streams over the past year or so. I’ve performed once in Brooklyn a long time ago at a cool queer night. Sasha Velour (before she was famous) and my friend Glace Chase, who introduced me, were also on the bill. The crowd was tough and a little bitchy. That’s all I’m saying!

Do you have any tips or suggestions for up and coming artists or performers who may be shy about jumping in and following their muse?

I was shy too. I still am sometimes depending on my mood. But aside from the obvious you just have to switch off the mind stuff cos that’s what holds you back. Do it now. Think about it later or not. At the end of the day none of this matters so have as much fun as you can if you’re lucky enough to be able to.

Last but not least, if you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

That all artists and creatives wouldn’t need to hold down a soul-crushing and timesucking day job to survive.

I think we can all get behind that sentiment! A huge thank you to Ladonarama and to our readers, do yourself a favor and check her out on your favorite social/music platforms.

Next up is one of the best vocalists in decades, sara, a.k.a. suki soul singer. In collaboration with Sterling Void on Over You, Suki (under the name Sara) is one of the featured artist on the highly anticipated Jackmaster 7 album from seminal Chicago House label, DJ International Records (out now on all major platforms). continued >>

Based in the North of the UK, Suki Soul is an energetic soulful vocalist, songwriter, producer, DJ and highly versatile performer.

Her passion, and main influences are derived from 70’s-80’s Soul/Funk/Disco/ House, and 90’s Club Classics. With an extensive background performing, and touring, since her mid-teens, Suki has been a member of several original bands, and has graced many festival stages across the UK, and Europe, including Cornbury, and Glastonbury. More recently, Suki has contributed inspiring lyrics, and superb slick vocal tracks (as a featured artist), on collaborations with several credible International DJ’s, and Producers.

Currently, Suki’s writing, recording, and producing her own music. Whilst drawing from her vast influences, she’s certainly creating an exciting ‘Suki sound’ that suits any dancefloor.”

Again, Suki can be found out all major social media and music outlets.

KEVEN ROSA

Finally, closer to home, Georgie Porgie’s label Music Plant brings us two up and coming stars, the first is Keven Rosa. Hailing from the State of Florida, Kevin Rosa is a star in the making. He recently teamed up with Georgie Porgie to deliver a set of mixes that will be massive in the clubs. Georgie delivers on his signature sounds of Disco House and Jackin House to deliver mixes that are beyond words! While david Michael delivers a peak hour Club Anthem that will have every hand in the air! DJ Head delivers a Tribal Circuit mix that will tear the roof off any club, while the Extended Original will take you straight back to the 80’s! There is a mix for everyone! Disco House, Jackin, Big Room, Tribal and more ! The remixes are incredible and highly recommended for all that love House Music!

The second upcoming star is Anthony Sprunk, another incredible singer, songwriter and producer to watch closely. This month he delivers a monster pop hit called “Life Goes On!” The remixes are spot on, with Georgie delivering on his signature sounds of Jackin and House! While, DJ Kue and the Perry Twins give us peak hour play for all dancefloors! There is a mix for everyone, House, Jackin, Big Room, Tribal and more! If you love House, you’ll love this!

That’s it for this edition's round-up. If you have a release you would like featured, find my on Twitter or Instagram.

Nicky Roland is a house music producer originally from the UK, now based in Denver, CO Find me on Spotify, Twitter or IG @nickyrolandmusic.