Alison is our studio manager, pen finder, music printer and vacuuming enthusiast. She grew up in Melbourne and studied a Music Industry degree, majoring in songwriting. Alison works alongside Mellanie and Darina to ensure the daily running of the studio happens smoothly, helps to organise events and concerts and handles all the admin tasks. Her work hobbies include turning the heater up, spending 40 minutes browsing through Spotify and leaving cold half-cups of tea everywhere.
Learn more about Alison below in our Studio Questionnaire!
What podcast/album/playlist are you listening to right now? I am a sucker for true crime and creepy podcasts - my three faves are Lore, which discusses the origins of folklore and different cultures, Faculty of Horror, which is two Canadian feminists talking about horror movies, and Casefile, all about true crimes. When I’m at work, my current playlist go-to’s are Deep Dark Indie, or my own curated Dreamo playlist on Spotify. Perfect for winter!
Who are your favourite Melbourne artists right now? Melbourne is so full of amazing artists, and it’s such a great place to be a woman making music. I love Angie McMahon, Merpire, Broads, Julia Jacklin and Ainslee Wills.
What did you want to be when you were a kid? A vet, a tattoo artist, a music journalist, a radio DJ, a mortician, a children’s book author, or a horse.
What is your secret talent? I don’t think I have any secret talents. I am capitalising on all possible talents. I can’t afford to have secret ones.
What made you choose your instrument? Singing is the most cathartic, spiritual way for me to express myself. It’s unique to me, is easy to learn and I don’t have to carry anything to the gig!
What three things would you take on a desert island? A wifi rerouter, my phone and the world’s longest extension cord; I have a technology problem and I will need to upload my struggle to instagram.
What song do you never want to hear again? I am allergic to Summer of ‘69 by Bryan Adams.
What is your favourite thing about working at Mustud? It’s great to chat with all our students at reception as they come in, to see them feel comfortable and supported here, and watch them achieve their goals.
If you were in a band, what would it be called and what style would you play? I have a band called Howlite, we play alternative/dark pop music. But I secretly would like to be in a filthy punk band where I can smash things and run around onstage. We would be called Norma and the Poleglazes, after my nan’s friend who has the most excellent name in history.
What is your favourite way to spend Sunday? Sleep in, coffee, maybe yoga or go for a walk if the sun’s out, then couch, snacks and horror movies. I’m working my way through Netflix and Stan, and we just bought a VHS player for our house so we’re currently stalking eBay for terrible 80s horror films. I am dedicated to my work.
What advice would you give to your 12 year old self? Please don’t gel back your hair in a ponytail with those two bits of fringe dangling out the front! I know everyone is doing it! You all look ridiculous! What do you mean you wore it to school picture day?!
Can you cook? What is your signature dish? I like to think I can cook, but I’m probably at 18-year-old-boy-who-just-moved-out-of-home-ramen-noodles level of cooking. I can make an amazing sandwich, or full-cooked breakfast. Breakfast works for every meal.
Who would play you in a movie about your life? I would like Ellen Page or Neve Campbell.
What kind of animal do you relate to? Cats. 20 hours of sleeping, 4 hours of grooming. Don’t tickle my belly or I will kick you.
If you weren't a musician, what would you be doing? I would finish my arts degree, maybe look at something in sociology, or go do an illustration degree. I would still secretly be writing music though - it would be in my life no matter what, I’m just lucky that this is the timeline where I took a chance on it!
Alison’s band Howlite can be followed on social media here for gigs and information:
Facebook @ www.facebook.com/i-am-howlite
Instagram @howlitemusic