Alfred Ladylike
Alfred Ladylike is a patron-powered snaily songstress banging out witty little ditties on the ukulele and juicy folktronica jams with soulful and experimental vocals. Described as “The Antifolk Ziggy Stardust” by Billordo, her quirky songs are personal, sometimes downright lewd, and abounding with wordplay and wizardry.
What are your favourite qualities in a song?
A song should pull you in and shake you up, whether that’s achieved through the lyrics, rhythm, or other magics. It could be completely original, or comfortingly familiar, but it must aim to connect with the listener’s soul.
Where do you look for inspiration?
Space.
Where are you happiest?
In love.
As a performer, what makes a show special or memorable?
A generous audience makes it extra special, and I don’t (only) mean with money. The openness and energy with which people listen/dance/feel the music is the greatest gift a performer can receive, and they’ll give it back tenfold.
As an audience member, what makes a show special or memorable?
Medicinal plants, such as tea.
What is your idea of success?
Being true to yourself. I struggle with this at times, but I know the taste of that sweet success.
What is something you would like to learn more about?
Music.
What was your biggest musical failure?
I just wish I had started learning to play music earlier in life.
What was your biggest musical success?
Ok, so I was opening for Amanda Palmer and Edward Ka-Spel in Paris at this gorgeous old concert hall, La Cigale (it’s worth googling a picture of that place), with just my ukulele and VOICE unamplified, but because I was in the center of that special room, I could hit this spot on the floor with my foot and the entire venue became one big bass drum with hundreds of people inside it. I played my song Professional (Time Waster), and everyone lost their marbles.
Who do you look up to?
Bowie and Zappa.
What was the first song you have ever written like?
It had an interesting rhythm and melody, but the lyrics were vapid pop trash by my current standards, except for one good Zelda reference, which was actually pretty cute. Although, that was technically Lesley’s first (and only) song, not Alfred’s.
Who deserves a plug or shoutout and why?
Shh…Diam! from Malaysia are queercore heroes facing dangerous homophobia in their home country and beyond. You can check out what they are saying on social media and listen to/support their music here
You can find out more about Alfred Ladylike here. Check out the video for ‘Rainbow Medicine’ below (also featuring Surf Dancer)