Voo Visits with Dr. Martens: Alias Error

Voo: We are currently in your apartment and studio. Thank you for sharing these personal insights! Are there rooms in this space that particularly inspire you for your music? Is this the room that inspires you the most?

Alias Error: I’m a real homebody. I like to spend a lot of time at home, filling my space with lots of colourful things that inspire me. Creating a cosy environment allows me to write, think, and daydream, which I think contributes to my creative process.

V: Is this the main room where you work?

A: Yes, either this space or from my bed. I write a lot in bed as well, just because I like being comfy and warm. I’m a bit like a cat in that way.

V: Do you have special items or objects that hold a significant meaning to you? Is there a specific curation behind them?

A: This guitar here; it’s the first thing I bought when I moved to Berlin in 2017, a cheap portable guitar to write songs on while traveling and exploring Europe. I wrote many of my first songs on this guitar. It has stayed with me ever since. I’ve had other guitars that have come and gone, but this one has sentimental value.

V: Beyond music, are there other forms of art, creative expressions, or individuals that inspire or influence your work?

A: I’m inspired by many artists. Currently, bands like Perfume Tree and Cocteau Twins are influencing me. I have been revisiting a lot of Beach House too. I also love Madonna, Kyle and other amazing women in the world of pop. Whether it’s their songwriting ability or how they use their voice, I appreciate artists for various reasons.

V: Could you share with us your general creative process? From the initial source of inspiration to the completion of a song?

A: I have two ways of writing. Usually, I’ll come up with a melody, add lyrics, and then chords on the guitar or keyboard. It varies between lyrics coming first or melody coming first. Working with different producers, I often write in the studio with them and then refine the lyrics or melody at home. Sometimes, I start with a pen and paper, writing a poem, and then adding a melody. I did go through a phase of reading a lot of poetry which influenced my songwriting.

V: How do you deal with creative blocks, and what strategies do you employ to overcome them?

A: Creative blocks are a common challenge for me. When I’m faced with one, I try to just ride it out, practicing self-kindness and allowing myself the time to navigate through it. Avoiding excessive pressure,
I revisit the work at a later time. I have songs that I started writing ten years ago that I’ve come back to much later because there was something about them that still resonated with me.

V: You’re releasing your first solo album – Exciting! In which music genre are we situated?

A: The music I’m writing at the moment is heavily influenced by shoegaze and dream pop, It is quite guitar led, ethereal and floaty – it’s pop, but firmly rooted in those genres.

V: How do you manage the balance between your personal life and creative pursuits, especially considering the demands of a music career?

A: I think balancing personal life and creative pursuits is a delicate act. I think I work better when I progress at my own pace, avoiding any external or internal pressure and just allow things to unfold organically. While maintaining motivation and passion, I’ve learned to let go when it comes to my career. Embracing the ebb and flow, I remain open to possibilities, working consistently but always at my own rhythm. I’m learning to allow myself to let things happen, and not trying to control or or steer things in any particular direction.

V: How do you manage the balance between your personal life and creative pursuits, especially considering the demands of a music career?

A: I think balancing personal life and creative pursuits is a delicate act. I think I work better when I progress at my own pace, avoiding any external or internal pressure and just allow things to unfold organically. While maintaining motivation and passion, I’ve learned to let go when it comes to my career. Embracing the ebb and flow, I remain open to possibilities, working consistently but always at my own rhythm. I’m learning to allow myself to let things happen, and not trying to control or or steer things in any particular direction.

V: Anything that you that you miss?

A: I miss the weather. I love nature and I miss my family and friends but definitely the Australian landscape. It is so beautiful and I wish I could bring that with me.

V: Last but not least, what’s the story behind your artist name “Alias Error”? Would you like to give us some context on that?

A: I am quite proud of my name because it is actually just my name. It’s an anagram, I guess. It’s that simple and it just kind of worked.

The Dr. Martens Creepers silhouette has undergone multiple revivals over the years, particularly within various subcultures such as Gothic and Punk. Embraced with enthusiasm by musicians, this classic design has stood the test of time.

Dr. Martens Creepers in both pink and black colour ways are available here.