ALCHEMY

Alchemy is the art of taking one thing and turning it into something completely new, whether by the art of magic, or science. In Ali McGregor’s case, it is pure talent. The multi-skilled, operatically trained, jazz-loving singer has a new show, Alchemy, which takes popular songs from the 80s and 90s and spins them into a new style – her style.

“It has that jazz element, but it is mixed with that pop sensibility and my voice certainly uses its full range,” says McGregor. “I feel like I’ve found my own style.”

Featuring songs by Fine Young Cannibals, Salt-N-Pepa and even Aqua, McGregor got together with her musical director and “played around with ideas”. The result is a collection of classics that McGregor has stamped her mark on.

“I’ve worked through a lot of songs that I really loved and some I am having a bit of a laugh with, but others I do truly believe are classics of our age,” she says.

“In the 80s and 90s we really did ‘trash-pop’ pretty darn well,” explains McGregor. “I wanted to see if I could turn the trash of my youth into treasure via the style of music that I love.” (LL)

May 9, The Basement, 7 Macquarie Pl, Circular Quay, $20-80, (02) 9251 2797, moshtix.com.au