Ninajirachi Interview
- Parry Tritsiniotis
- Jan 20, 2017
- 5 min read
Firstly, how did the name “Ninajirachi” come about?
I had been making songs under another name since I began uploading music, and towards the end of 2015, the project began to feel a little stagnant. Ninajirachi was my Instagram username at the time and for the sake of having a ‘fresh slate’ as such, I decided to make it my artist name as well. I really don’t know where it came from. Jirachi is a Pokemon, but it’s a Pokemon I rarely use when playing the games.
Do you think that growing up away from the city has influenced you musically at all?
I suppose so, but I guess I’ll never know because I’ve never known anything different to where I live now. There’s really not much to do on the Central Coast except hang out at the beach, so having a pursuit of some sort is really great, especially when it isn’t beach weather, because it means that there’s always something to do. Perhaps growing up in the city would have allowed me more exposure to the music scene, etc. at an earlier age, but I’ll still never know how much that would have influenced the music that I create.
Do you play any instruments? If so, do you think they have assisted in the production of your songs?
I started playing the piano when I was around 6, but I gave it up when I reached high school. I still play occasionally, but I’m not graded and I don’t take lessons anymore. I also played the clarinet for a couple of years in primary school which was fun, it’s something I might go back to once I’ve finished school.
Definitely! I can’t imagine being able to make music without having studied it. I know that plenty of people are able to make great stuff without a musical background, but being able to play an instrument is so invaluable to me and I regret giving it up at such a young age.
What sort of music are you currently listening to?
Not a lot, I find that when I’m writing a lot of music I don’t listen to a lot, and vice versa. I just checked my phone and my most recently played tracks are Seekae – Turbine Blue (Swindail Remix), Charli XCX – Vroom Vroom, Iglooghost – Mametchi, Tyler, the Creator – Okaga, CA and Tamia & Fabolous – So Into You.
Besides Mura Masa and Porter Robinson (who you have clearly shown your love for everywhere) who are your biggest inspirations?
Probably Kero Kero Bonito, Flume and Madeon.
If you could grab any vocal feature for a track, who would it be?
Sarah Bonito!
You’re still a very young artist, and you’re probably still developing the live aspect of Ninajirachi. Where would you like to take your live set?
I’m just a DJ at the moment, and I’ve never looked into doing any other sort of set. Eventually I’d love to develop it into more of a performance, but right now I don’t have the time or money to look into it.
Do you have any inspirations outside of music that have helped you formulate your art?
Definitely, I draw inspiration from all over the place, sometimes it’s a pretty picture on Tumblr and other times it’s a Studio Ghibli film. I find nostalgia to be super inspiring, so if I see/hear/read anything that reminds me of, for example, a TV show that I loved when I was younger, I’ll go back and watch it again. Video games were a huge part of my childhood and I still spend a decent amount of time playing the games that I was playing at 5 or 6. Video game music is severely underrated, I draw so much inspiration from it. Fiction is also really important to me, I write a lot of music about fictional places, characters and things. You can probably see why I love Porter so much.
Porter Robinson electro house era or Porter Robinson Worlds era?
Worlds! Porter’s electro house was my favourite music in the world when I first discovered it, but Worlds is a lot more important to me now.
Porter Robinson short hair or long hair Porter?
Definitely short hair. Long hair Porter looks sick with a beanie though.
What keeps you motivated when you are struggling to write music?
I find that if I’m struggling with music, the best thing for me is just to stop making it for a while, and focus on finding new music to enjoy listening to. I also find that having multiple creative pursuits really helps, because I’m able to continue to be productive, creative and motivated without the stress of not being able to write anything that I like.
Do you think that growing up and watching female stars like Anna Lunoe, NLV and Alison Wonderland blow up in the dance scene inspired you to pursue music?
Not really. This isn’t to say that these artists aren’t incredible, because they are, but my when an artist inspires me it’s not because of their sex. The fact that women are a minority in the dance music world isn’t something that’s ever daunted me or prevented me from wanting to pursue making music.
What was the best show you saw in 2016?
This is so hard to answer, but probably either Odesza at Groovin the Moo, Maitland, or Sticky Fingers at the Enmore Theatre, Sydney.
The Triple J Unearthed High competition really brought you a lot more publicity than you had previously been receiving, how’d you take that sudden rush of recognition?
It was definitely a huge shock, I saw none of it coming, but it was great. It’s so cool to know that there are random people who I’ve never met who listen to my songs, and it felt amazing to be ‘rewarded’, as such, for the work I’ve done in making my music over the last few years. Being able to a couple of on air interviews was also really rewarding, the whole thing gave me a huge confidence boost and I feel really supported by the Triple J Unearthed guys.
You released a lot of music in 2016, are you currently writing new music, or just taking a bit of a breather from it all?
No way, I’m writing so much music at the moment and I’m working with some really great artists. I’m looking to release something within the month and I’m really excited about all of it, this year should be really good.
What is your main goal for 2017?
To achieve the best possible ATAR that I can. Music wise, probably to support a larger gig/event/festival.

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