HOLIDAY ROMANCE

Young Cydi Lauper vibes radiate from Holiday Sidewinder, an artist made up of electric talent, eclecticism and seventies nostalgia. Characterised by soft focus and romantic synth-pop, listening to her is like being transported to a drearily wonderful disco-ball adorned dive bar, or a highway motel wall to wall with wood veneer and the pink shag carpeting. You'll just have to listen to understand.

Why do you create?

Mostly for fun, but also out of compulsion. If I leave it too long, it’s a pretty similar feeling to sexual frustration. It’s the most important form of self-expression in my life.

How does it feel when you’re writing new tunes?

Fulfilling, rewarding -the process alone, rather than the result. It can be pretty euphoric too.

Can you describe  your creative process?

Rapid, a bit like a cyclone. I laugh and dance a lot when I’m collaborating. Then sometimes I’m more methodical and contemplative. I usually start with a beat or a groove, then a melody, then I fit words in to the syllables of the melodies. Other times lyrics come flying at me and the rest falls into place later. Sometimes I have to knead things into place, others I just take whatever comes to me. I see what I can get away with. If it’s ridiculous and makes me laugh, I keep it. Hooks are my favourite things to write. I love an earworm.

You feature beautiful human bodies in your music videos and merch/tour imagery (sometimes your own body, sometimes not)… Why?

Why not? If you got it, flaunt it. Obviously with Leo we were channeling Avedon, celebrating the male physique with artistry, while simultaneously making a comment on double standards and sexism.

Let’s talk censorship: How does mainstream censorship restrict your creative output?

I simply refuse to allow anyone or thing to restrict me from creating, but there are definitely a lot of considerations with financial and professional consequences. The Leo video was deemed explicit by Youtube, which means you have to log in to prove your age to view it. This of course saw an instant and dramatic drop in views for the video. A lower view count means less streaming revenue and less impressive stats for gaining industry support or press coverage. Likewise with Facebook and Instagram declining promoted post requests for the video because their policies don’t allow ads with nudity. They stipulate “even if it’s not sexual in nature”. The problem with Youtube in particular for me is the irony of what my video is expressing and the double standard. For example I can watch Miley Cyrus’s nudity in Wrecking Ball without being logged in. Is it because Youtube will make an exception for female nudity? Or is it because Youtube accepted a payment from a major label perhaps to override their community policies? Either answer is disturbing.

Females and the music industry: What are you views on gender and the music industry?

The first time I answered this in an interview I was 14 years old. I’m happy to report that I definitely see more women infiltrating this male-dominated industry. I’m seeing more musicians and songwriters. I’ve worked with a many women in publishing and booking agents. We need to see more though, especially in tech, engineering and production. We’re still hugely outnumbered across the board. We endure casual sexism constantly; patronising attitudes and quips from peers, colleagues, superiors and employers. They don’t even notice they’re doing it or perceive anything wrong with it. They instantly question our judgement, artistry and skill level (especially when it comes to technical proficiency). There is a pay gap. There are very little legal protections in place for female performers and songwriters. As we are mostly self-employed there is no HR to bring up issues of harassment, unfair dismissals, working conditions and hours, maternity leave etc. I feel it’s a fairly hostile environment for women and there is a lot of work to be done and I’m not bored talking about it yet.

Your on-stage aesthetic is FIRE. Who are your inspirations?

Cicciolina. Cherie Currie. Betty Davis. Tina Turner. Cher.

What’s on the horizon for you?

Shows, albums, collaborations, the usual. I got some tricks up my sleeve. My debut Forever or Whatever is dropping any day now.
What does inspiration feel like to you?
Inspiration feels to me, physically like a little twinkling star in my mind or an exploding one in my chest, depending on the gravity of it. Gotta snatch it up, make use of it.

Who are your favourite musicians?

Every member of ABBA. Sheila E. Kate Bush. Millie Jackson. Martin Rev.

If you could tell the world one piece of advice, what would it be?

DANCE DANCE DANCE. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Holiday Sidewinder @holidaysidewinder shot by Simone Taylor @original.sim1, wearing Holiday the Label @holiday_the_label & Permanent Vacation @permanent.vacation from The Ninetynine.com @theninetynine.com.au