AliceOceanicmood - DJ

Alice Neglia, known as AliceOceanicmood, is an Italian DJ, and this is her story.

@alice.oceanicmood on Instagram

“I come from a small village near Venice. I was born to a southern Italian father (Brindisi) and a Venetian mom. I moved to Padua to study Clinical Psychology and remained here after my graduation. When I finished my studies I decided to sacrifice all of my investments and energy in what I love the most, playing music. It wasn’t easy to make this decision because it’s not one of the most stable jobs in the world, especially in Italy. I am a DJ, promoter and head of communication art director and founder of Cipria. 

Cipria is a crew/collective founded in 2011, based on female empowerment with the goal of collocating female clubbers in a different position during night events. In my personal experience, whenever I was called to play in Italy, the organizers and art directors were mainly males. This generated a very masculine and strong attitude that didn’t mix well with my sensibility and vision for what parties were supposed to be. 

Oftentimes, women in clubs were some sort of decoration where you see the typical pretty girl dancing behind the DJ or dancing on poles, etc. It felt like the female body was given out and fed to the crowd. I didn’t like that at all. So I wanted to start a project that combined a new type of  communication and concept where girls could enjoy the events and not be targeted for just their looks and body, but also for their capabilities, culture and attitude. A place where men respect women as a person and not as entertainment.”

Was it complicated to become a DJ?

“It is imperative to make a proper passion a job. It was hard for me to become fully professional as a DJ and got many comments about it. But I have never stopped believing in this dream and I am so glad I can do something that I love, despite the ups and downs many of us are passing through during these times. I always push other DJs, or at least the ones that are truly connected with this art to make it their first profession, and maintain a balance with another job on the side. But of course, prioritize this work as a  full on job more than a hobby.  

I have been in love with music since the time I could make decisions. When I was 15, I would go to Bologna by myself and buy vinyls. Before Cipria, I was part of a crew named Abusers and Electronic Girls. During my time with Abusers my job was to handle the visuals during techno parties and I realized that I was doing this because I was afraid to assume the responsibility of the dance floor. If an image is not nice, nobody notices, but if you put on music nobody will dance to, then that’s a different story. Luckily after some time that fear vanished and I started playing at friend’s parties, and in 2009 I finally became fully professional. So from there I understood that this was my path.”

How do you take care of yourself?

“I take care of myself in several ways. I run 20 minutes a day, and I see a psychoanalyst 3 times a week. I do this first because many clinical psychologists are required to work on themselves and also because I can’t analyze myself. It’s a deep and beautiful experience that I would suggest everyone try. I don’t think I would have had the courage to start Cipria without the analysis, on one side, and on the other side it has helped me focus on my goals. I have a skin care routine that I stick to daily, too, and I like gardening!"

What would you tell to someone who aspires to become a DJ?

"In terms of advice for aspiring female DJs: Be lucid and romantic. It’s very important to have a reality check in this particular world of music. You have to understand that there are many good things and bad things happening. Don’t pretend to not see them, and actually accept them and remind yourself why you are doing it. 

In moments of intimidation, for example, I would always see and perceive my bag of records as my anchor. If you don’t have profound and meaningful reasons for you to become a professional in this field, then do something else and consider it as a hobby. 

Don’t fear letting this become your priority even if you feel that in a couple of years you need to find something that gives you more serenity. Don’t think this is going to be a failure, maybe accompany it with another job, yes, but don’t forget what makes the fire burn inside. Stay true to yourself and your art.”

On Instagram: @alice.oceanicmood @stendilacipria