Alexandra Sholler, known as Alison Wonderland, is an Australian electronic dance music producer, DJ, and singer. Through sheer talent, hard work, and a good heart, Alison Wonderland has soared to the top of the EDM scene in recent years. In September of 2017, Alison was named New Artist of the Year at the Electronic Music Awards and is now the highest billed female DJ in Coachella history. Among spectacular music festival performances, even Alison was blown away to sell out her first show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, which is a career milestone for many musicians. Then, Red Rocks offered Alison Wonderland its only summer spot left, which she also sold out. On social media and during the show, Alison does not hide her gratitude for playing at “the most magical venue on Earth.” After the first couple songs, she falls to her knees and whispers in the mic, “This is incredible. Thank you guys so much.” Throughout the show, she brings out musicians, plays instruments herself, sings live, and even brings out Quix for their newly released collab “TIME.”
The concert’s intro begins with the trademark AW symbol lasered onto the screen.. After an intense, quiet minute, the stressed tempo and intimidating deep piano of “Good Enough” begins. The crowd feels on-edge like the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland which inspired the stage name for Alison. She sits down and plays an electric cello beautifully. Despite the song’s uneasiness, she looks like an angel: spotlights from behind shining through her large white t-shirt, her lavender hair swaying in the wind. She stands up for the chorus, and the stage lights and crowd explode in a chaotic release of pure excitement.
Alexandra has explained how special this concert would be, and she did not disappoint! The production, videos, lights/lasers, music, and energy were all immaculate. A full 360-degree experience, the show had lasers that drew Alison’s logo onto the cascading rocks behind the stage. During her personal songs, bits of the music videos played on the screen, distorted for a trippy effect. Furthermore, she showed her superb DJ skills in remixing others’ songs. She performed mashes of rap songs, Dua Lipa’s “New Rules” and Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You.” Ms Wonderland also supported Kaivon’s remix of her own song, “Peace —” which the crowd reacted to with pleasant surprise.“New Rules” Remix“Shape of You” Remix“Peace” – Kaivon Remix
There is no denying that this show, appropriately titled Temple of Wonderland, showcased the religious connection in Alison’s music. After all, she has songs entitled “Messiah” and “Church.” For me and many other fans, this is the only church we want to attend. We’ve been judged and disappointed by our childhood religions. The rave community is where we find acceptance —it’s a religion of four simple principles: peace, love, unity, and respect.
“This is a safe place. At my shows, I want you to dress how you want, dance how you want, be who you want. I want you to fuck whoever the fuck you want! […] No one here is judging anybody, and we’re all full of love. That’s what I’m trying to spread.”
-Alison Wonderland speaking to the crowd at Red Rocks
At the end of the concert, Alison stops the music, turns up the lights, and basically rolls through the credits: thanking everyone on her team from her manager, the people in charge of production, and her band. She apologizes to the crowd: “I’m sorry guys, I know this is lame” but gets cheers and encouragement in response. She brought out the musician and highlighted that her entire band is female. This was a conscious decision for Alison—who often talks about the challenges of being a female in the music industry. The team poses for a picture in front of the crowd, which Alexandra makes everyone redo because she says, “I look so awkward” in her adorable Australian accent. This was such a simple but special part of the show where her humility, gratitude, and lightheartedness glowed. Later, she tweets, “Tonight at Red Rocks was the best night of my life.” Us too, Alison.
A spectacular performance all around, my most memorable part of the show was the introduction to the song “You Don’t Know,” in which the gorgeous superstar on stage gets personal.
“I wrote this song about my struggles with anxiety and depression. So if you’re out there struggling with either of those things, I want you to know that you are not alone. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and you should NEVER stop fighting.”
-Alison to the Red Rocks crowd
Tears begin streaming down my cheeks and do not stop for the entire song. In the opening line, Alison reminds us, “No one knows you better than yourself.” I’ll remember the Temple of Wonderland forever because Alison’s music reminds me that no matter how depressed, overwhelmed, or anxious I may get, someday I’ll find peace.
Penny for my thoughts? 