J Maclachlan gathered up many musicians from Victoria BC to be a part of this Disney music night happening at the Openspace Gallery, named "Small World." I was excited to be a part of it because Disney movies had a huge presence and impact on my childhood, and so it was a huge treat to be able to perform my chosen 3 songs.
I had met Alex Cooper during the summer when we both signed up to do the Fifty fifty Art Collective's Annual "Rock Lottery". I was instantly pleased to meet him, 1. because he seemed super nice, and 2. because he was a super-hero of synths, drum machines, samplers, loopers, delays, etc etc awesome etc.
I contacted Alex aka Sunheart shortly after being asked by J to do "Small World", and Alex agreed to collaborate with me for this project. It was great to work with him, the process was very easy and enjoyable.
We ended up playing:
1. "Hi Ho, Hi Ho" from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" -- which I love because I feel it has a wonderful Blackforest/Germany feel to the whole movie. I love Elves, Gnomes, Dwarves, and the music is very 'german beerhall dance party'.
2. "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" from "Cinderella" -- is actually an accordion standard, it's wonderful to play on the accordion, and really shines nicely. Plus, the song is just so charming and lovely.
3. "We Are Siamese" from "Lady and the Tramp" -- I put down my accordion for this one, and played the cymbal and tamborine. Meowing, singing and screaming, hitting myself with a tamborine, and smashing the shit out of the cymbal, I am now left with huge bruises on my leg from whacking myself with that tamborine. Who knew this song was so violent?
"Small World" Rehearsal from Natasha Enquist on Vimeo.
----This video is just of our rehearsal of our set ----
We had a fantastic time performing together and plan to continue this accordion/electronic music collaboration. It has been a goal and dream to have an electronic music project.
I grew up listening to Depeche Mode, New Order, Kraftwerk, The Pet Shop Boys, Erasure and Yaz, along with other genres like Lawrence Welk, ABBA, and Bjork...you get the idea. With these influences I have been pining after a project where making the music I love dancing to could be a reality. Having it incorporate my accordion is pure bliss!!
