Alpine Electro: Sonja Moonear at White Rabbit Tonight

Sonja Moonear brought White Rabbit to its knees when she played there last year. She returns tonight, this time alongside Michael Fresh, who played an integral role in organizing some of the legendary Great Wall parties. Born in the Swiss Mountains, Moonear is definitely no stranger to music, learning piano from the age of four. She grew from her classical music studies to discover and experiment with other styles until landing in the musical land of house and electro. We spoke to Moonear as she prepared for Beijing.

What was your very first job? What was your worst job?
I was a network and system engineer in a small computer service company. I had many bad jobs before that one, but they never lasted too long. Hotel maid, factory girl packing medicines, cleaning offices at 5am. I needed the money to live, you know? In Switzerland, nobody is giving you a good job if you’re under 20. Unless you come from a rich family, that is – and I didn’t.

What was your most memorable experience as a DJ?
Too many to mention! Seeing my parents dancing at my first live performance. Playing these crazy squat parties in Geneva where the walls were sweating and the floor was nearly falling in. Seeing little kids dancing at outdoor summer events. Having Chuck D from Public Enemy shaking my hands and telling me he likes my music. And so on. And on. And on.

What are some unique challenges you face as a DJ?
Mmm. I don’t see any challenges in DJing. I do this for entertainment and social purposes, not on a career or competitive level. If the conditions for a good set are not reached, then I pass my turn. The only challenge for me would be to stop DJing.

What three colors describe your style?
Musically? Basically, the whole spectrum of the rainbow. I don’t like to stick to any style. I like diversity and originality.

What exotic animal would you like to have as a pet?
I love animals, but in their own surroundings. Please leave them in peace!

What’s your favorite quote?
“Recommend to your children virtue; it alone can make them happy, not gold.” Beethoven said that.

Piano was your introduction to music. Do you still play?
I still play it. I only play the piano as an acoustic instrument.

What do you listen to when you’re having a bad day?
I listen to any kind of music the whole day, and electronic while I’m in the studio. When I’m a bit down I listen to silence. I go out in the countryside, have a walk and listen to the surroundings. But at the moment there are a couple of records that make me feel melancholic, especially that last album from Jon Hassell that was put out on ECM Records. That label is ace! Or also this guy Pierre-Yves Mac, who does wonderful experiments with acoustics, surrounds and electronic sounds. I like new music that has alternative structures and places sounds wisely in space. It’s not true that everything has already been done with rhythms, melodies and harmonies.

Are there any other instruments you’d like to learn?
I always wanted to play the xylophone or the vibraphone. Percussions with melodies. But it’s all about time. I would love to read more too, to bike, do more yoga and open a brunch cafe in Geneva, and maybe have a second child. But right now I barely have the time to work in my studio, so everything has its own timing.

What’s your favorite meal?
Here again, too many. I love good food from everywhere. Whatever is done with love and is tasty. I’m an eating monster. But I hate American food!

If you were to die tomorrow what would your last meal be?
I would probably spend that last day doing something else rather than eating, or not caring too much what I eat, as long as it’s good food. Maybe just staying with my daughter, husband and family all together.

Sonja Moonear will be spinning at White Rabbit on April 23 (Friday), with Michael Fresh supporting. RMB 80. 9pm.