Alicia Weir, better known as Some Blonde, recently released her newest track 'Set You Free' – and it'll do just that.
Working with 2014 'X-Factor' contestant Reigan Derry on the bubbly and warm track, 'Set You Free' features Reigan's catchy vocals, backed by a wall of bursting synths.
After meeting each other by chance through Redfoo – one half of music duo LMFAO – the pair clicked instantly, recalls Alicia. “From the very first moment we met we got along so well.
“She's a really soulful, spiritual and amazing person. On top of that, she's incredibly talented and was just a dream to work with.”
The story of how 'Set You Free' was created started six years ago with Alicia, her mate and a guitar. “[My friend] was playing guitar and I started humming along to the melody. He told me to keep humming and recorded his guitar into Ableton at the time,” Alicia says.
Six years later and we now have what will forever be 'Set You Free'. “['Set You Free'] had a lot of different turns over the six years. The story behind [the song] is that we have all had something hold us back.
“It's an emotional [track], but a really happy and uplifting special song for me. Hopefully everyone else can relate to the song some way also.”
From working as a festival bartender and alongside the site manager at Future Entertainment, Alicia went from driving DJs to festivals to being the DJ driven to the event.
With self-respect and respect for those in the music industry, Alicia is carving her way through the industry. “Everyday I see [competition as a female in the music industry]. The struggle is real, but it is so much more rewarding when you work so hard for something and you see it come through.
“A lot of people think, being a female in this industry everything is handed to you on a platter. But that's definitely not the case. You have to earn your way onto the scene and you're judged a lot harder than most males, so you really want to make sure you're getting it right from the start because everyone is ready to have an opinion.”
Passing along her own advice to aspiring female DJs, Alicia says to be truthful to yourself and your heart. Respect the others in the industry, but only do what's right for yourself.
Inspired by strong female artists, like Lady Gaga and Yolandi Visser from Die Antwoord and their attitudes towards work, music and performing, it has influenced Alicia's stage presence and music. “Those two women are super inspiring to me, and I would be super excited to work with either of them. They're a real force to be reckoned with and only do what's best for them.”
With work currently underway on another exciting collaboration, Alicia says she can't say too much regarding her next single. But she gives a clue by saying it is someone who she has been inspired by in the Australian music industry.
“[The featured artist] is a household name – everyone knows them. Everyone admires and respects them. So to have them on this record, and doing something quite different for me will be a really big moment, which I am excited to share with you all.”
