Dinky: Artist You Should Know
*Sad but true, the electronic music world (like the comedy world) is one dominated primarily by supremely nerdy dudes. These dudes more often than not were the basement dwelling ugly ducklings of…
By Mario Cotto • • 1 min read*Sad but true, the electronic music world (like the comedy world) is one dominated primarily by supremely nerdy dudes.
These dudes more often than not were the basement dwelling ugly ducklings of their high schools, who through the power of twitchy beats and sheer power of will blossom into spiky haired, muscular titans of the club. Driven by testosterone and Napoleonic ambition, it is undoubtedly a difficult zone in which to be a woman.
The talented “female producer” who rises through the din of AXE body spray is a rarity, but thankfully becoming more apparent thanks to artists like Holly Herndon, Maya Jane Coles and Anna Lunoe.
These artists are creating truly inspired music that will hopefully lead to a balance that will make the term and concept of “female producer” a thing of the past. That being said, allow me to introduce you to stunning “female producer,” Dinky.
Born and raised in Santiago, Chile, Alejandra Del Pilar Iglesias Rivera was named Dinkyby her sister at birth. Having studied Ballet and the Suzuki method of piano, she moved to New York to become a contemporary dancer. Her dance dreams evolved in an interest in creating dance music which lead her to Berlin where she made her mark through a series of releases on Carpark, Cocoon, Ostgut and her 2009 album “Anemik” on Mathew Jonson’s Wagon Repair label.
Her fifth studio album, “Dimension D” sees her evolve from 4 on the floor dance producer into more “singer songwriter” territory. Mind you, that’s singer-songwriter in the most left-field sense of the concept.
Inspired by bands of her youth like Cocteau Twins, The Cramps, Massive Attack, Chris Isaak and Mazzy Star and the dreamy guitar tones of surf music, Dinky has crafted an album that doesn’t sound like those influences but rather evokes them while creating something uniquely “Dinky.”
In the way that Bjork’s music is unique enough that it has become referential to virtually nothing but itself, Dinky has crafted an album (co-produced and mixed by excellent DJ/producer Matthew Styles) that is exquisitely tender, romantic and odd. The first single, “Falling Angel” (and it’s unbelievable remixes) are shining examples of why should all be paying more attention to Dinky.