Indra Aziz
As the vibrant energy of Manchester’s Gorilla venue pulsed through its jet-black dressing room, Australian DJ and producer Ninajirachi, born Nina Wilson, found herself at a pivotal moment. Just 48 hours prior, she had fulfilled a lyrical prophecy of sorts, finally setting foot in London, a city she had famously declared she’d "never been to" on her debut album’s gritty opener, "London Song." The irony was not lost on Wilson as she shared a Vietnamese meal, a temporary respite before her set, with CLASH magazine. The stark contrast between her lyrical fiction and her burgeoning reality underscored a meteoric rise that has seen her transition from a bedroom producer to a globally recognized artist.
A Northward Surge: The Manchester Reception
The atmosphere outside Gorilla was electric, a testament to Ninajirachi’s growing influence. The queue, snaking around the block long before doors opened, rivaled the fervor of her January shows, where a limited release of 520 tickets vanished in mere seconds. This overwhelming demand highlights a significant trend: a strong and immediate connection with audiences in the north of England. Wilson herself acknowledged this, remarking, "Crowds in the north generally go really hard. Glasgow proved that." The Manchester crowd’s fervent response, marked by non-stop mosh pits from the moment she took the decks, solidified this observation, demonstrating a deep-seated loyalty and anticipation for her live performances.
The UK tour, meticulously scheduled, coincided with the burgeoning success of her debut album, I Love My Computer. Released earlier this year, the album has been a critical and commercial triumph in her native Australia. It garnered the coveted triple j Album of the Year award, a significant national honor, and a remarkable eight nominations at the ARIA Awards, securing three wins. This widespread acclaim has propelled Wilson’s career trajectory, leading to an impressive international touring schedule that includes coveted slots at Coachella and Primavera Sound, alongside arena dates supporting Tame Impala.
The Genesis of Ninajirachi: A Self-Taught Prodigy
Ninajirachi’s global ascent is not an overnight phenomenon but rather the culmination of nearly a decade of dedicated work. A self-taught artist who honed her craft through online tutorials, Wilson’s debut album, I Love My Computer, serves as a heartfelt ode to the very tool that has facilitated her creative journey. Her moniker, Ninajirachi, has become synonymous with a distinctive sound: a potent blend of throwback EDM that evokes a sense of nostalgia for experiences many listeners haven’t even lived.
Her sonic palette is remarkably diverse, encompassing glitchy hyperpop, aggressive dubstep, and ethereal house melodies. Wilson cautiously describes this eclectic mix as "Nina music," a term that has cemented her status as a cult hero within the electronic music scene. Her willingness to explore these varied genres, often within a single track, demonstrates an artistic fearlessness that resonates with a broad audience.
Early Influences and the Dawn of Digital Creation
Wilson’s musical awakening began with the eclectic tastes of her parents, who exposed her to artists like Jamiroquai, Kylie Minogue, Daft Punk, and The Prodigy. Her mother’s collection of Ministry of Sound mixtapes further broadened her early sonic landscape. While formal piano lessons provided a foundation in musical notation, it was the advent of GarageBand that truly ignited her passion for music production.
"GarageBand was the first time I was exposed to the language of timeline-based software," Wilson explained, drawing parallels between music, video editing, and other digital creative mediums. "It’s all clips, a timeline, tracks, effects. I imagine it’s like learning one Romance language, and then you can learn any of them." This early engagement with digital tools, occurring at the formative age of eight, allowed her to absorb these concepts with the fluidity of a sponge, laying the groundwork for her future endeavors.
The profound impact of discovering Porter Robinson at the age of twelve marked a significant turning point, shifting her perception of music from passive consumption to active creation. Prior to this, her appreciation for artists like Lady Gaga was rooted in the immediate appeal of pop melodies and lyrics. However, the revelation of "producer music"—electronic soundscapes crafted without a traditional vocal or instrumental focus—sparked an insatiable curiosity. "This isn’t a voice, and it’s not a guitar and it’s not a piano—so what is this?" she recalled, describing the moment she became "really obsessed with music, beyond just being a fan." This intense fascination extended to software and the act of creation itself, leading her to explore both electronic music and iMovie with equal fervor.
I Love My Computer: A Digital Love Affair
The title of her debut album, I Love My Computer, is a direct reflection of Wilson’s deep-seated relationship with technology as a creative partner. The album, she states, is "a love letter to the device and companion that’s guided her to this point." This sentiment underscores a perspective that views the computer not merely as a tool, but as an integral collaborator in her artistic process.
When asked if the album marked a definitive conclusion to the first 26 years of her life and her computer’s role in it, Wilson offered a nuanced response. "There’s a lot of backstory covered, but—this is gonna sound so corny—my relationship with my computer is something that’s ever-growing." She emphasizes that her affection is not for the physical machine itself, but for "the spirit of the personal computer." This evolving relationship, she believes, will continue to inspire new creative avenues and future musical narratives.
Despite the challenges inherent in the creative process, such as the "struggle to finish" tracks like "iPod Touch," Wilson maintains a positive outlook. She clarifies that any production hurdles were not due to machine limitations but rather "structural issues" within the music itself, akin to challenges faced with any instrument. This philosophical stance allows her to maintain a healthy and productive relationship with her creative tools.
Navigating the Digital Landscape: Addiction and Discipline
The demanding nature of creative output, particularly in the digital realm, often walks a fine line between intense focus and detrimental distraction. Wilson openly discusses her experience with "doomscrolling" and the need for self-imposed boundaries. She has implemented an app to block distracting URLs, a measure that has significantly improved her workflow and mental clarity.
"Once you get the snowball moving, you stay awake, because it feels so epic," she describes the exhilarating wave of creativity that can accompany deep immersion in a project. This state of flow, where ideas seem to materialize effortlessly, is a powerful motivator. However, she acknowledges that the initial impetus can sometimes require deliberate effort. "Sometimes it’s a lot of nudging to get the idea happening, but that’s the best feeling."
Her approach to fostering these creative moments is grounded in a principle of consistent effort: "I always hope, but I think it’s a matter of showing up and trying." This philosophy, likened to fishing, emphasizes the importance of consistent engagement, even when immediate results are not guaranteed.
The Evolving Sound of Ninajirachi
Over her career, Ninajirachi has demonstrated a remarkable capacity for sonic exploration. The perception of her sound, however, can vary depending on when a listener first encountered her music. Those who discovered her in 2022 might view I Love My Computer as a significant departure, while those familiar with her earlier work might see it as a return to a particular aesthetic. Wilson’s own perspective is straightforward: "I did have more of a conscious palette for my album, but in general, I just make what sounds good!" This pragmatic approach suggests an artistic journey driven by intuition and a desire to create compelling music, rather than adhering to a rigid sonic blueprint.
The Road Ahead: A Potent Future
With a packed schedule ahead, including major festivals and arena tours, Wilson finds herself at a unique juncture. While the demands of touring present challenges to dedicated studio time, she expresses a strong desire to return to album creation. "I am itching for more time to make music," she states. "I feel very potent right now. I just haven’t had the time to think about it." Her experience making her debut album was so enjoyable that it has ignited a strong desire to embark on another. This ambition, coupled with her proven talent and growing global recognition, suggests that Ninajirachi’s most impactful work may still be on the horizon. The journey from lyrical untruth to international acclaim is a testament to her dedication, her innovative spirit, and her profound connection to the digital landscape that fuels her art.
