Wikka

There is great benefit in daring to be different. There is reward in risk, and there is satisfaction in self-knowledge. When one is an artist the benefits, rewards, and satisfaction spill out into the world and affect the experience of those lucky enough to be nearby to witness the creations. WIKKA dares to be different, revels in risk, and succeeds at self-awareness. She knows who she is and what she is about, and she uses it to inform her art, in every way that one's personality can affect their creations, and her most recent outing was an afternoon cabaret show at Don't Tell Mama titled SEND IN THE CLOWNS, and though there were clowns aplenty, there wasn't much humor. There was plenty of intrigue, emotion, art, music, even whimsy, and that is enough.

Wikka is the alter-ego of violist Alexia DelGiudice Bigari. Wikka is a viola-playing clown, she is a singer, she is a storyteller, and she is a fascinating and original ride into the worlds of electronica pop and alternative cabaret. These are all good things, and it would be interesting to see more of what Wikka has to offer because what this writer witnessed last weekend was certainly worth a trip outside in the middle of a heatwave.

Sharing the stage with pianist Jake Landau (in the person of Mime) and Jacob Maximillian Baron (billed as Ring Master but made up as a clown), Wikka's entire show consisted of a setlist of songs from two different albums, expertly played on viola and hypnotically sung in an unusual and unique voice, powerful and pleasing, seemingly tailor-made to the Eastern European vibe of her electronica sound. Like some wonderful Czech commedia dell'arte theater piece, Send In The Clowns utilized Wikka and the Mime in superior ways of musical storytelling, although the Ringmaster may have gone a little underused; the truth is that the musical storytelling is the main component of Wikka's whimsical world. Very little spoken dialogue exists to string together the music or the show, and what is spoken comes only from the Ringmaster. Wikka's only rhetoric in the entire program was to introduce herself before launching into this concert of her own compositions, all the music being enjoyable, interesting, and palatable. With her brand of musicianship, vocalist skills, and songwriting talent, Alexia has hit the music world trifecta, and she should be able to parlay that into some serious success, especially if she takes some time out to rethink Wikka's theatricality and branding.

Send In The Clowns is wonderful performance art, exciting and interesting, but it is missing some things - about fifteen minutes and some clarity. At thirty-five minutes, Wikka's show is simply too short, no matter how good those thirty-five minutes are - paying audiences deserve at least fifty minutes worth of show and a more replete storytelling arc than the piece currently provides. As the cabaret act continues to move forward (which it should), it would behoove Ms. DelGiudice Bigari to add more material to the program, which should be easy to do because she has talent and vision, two things that feed a nightclub act. Adding content to the show will also assist with the clarity issue, which is actually more important than having an hour of programming. When an artist is creating outside of the box, crystal clarity is paramount. Audience members unfamiliar with the Wikka aesthetic, the Wikka "brand" if you will, will not know what the show or the character is about - they will require a tour guide to welcome them into Wikka's world. There is precious little about Wikka online, so there is no "Cliff's Notes" possibility to inform beforehand: the Wikka learning curve must happen in real-time. Newcomers to the Wikka sensation will be waling into the club blind, uninformed, ready for a surprise, and there should be unknowing visitors to Wikka's shows. Realistically, the goal of all performing artists is to draw in clientele who are strangers, who aren't friends and family, who are coming to see the show and the performer because of word of mouth or reputation. The way those things grow is by having audiences who know, who understand fully, what the artistic intention is and what the story is that is being told, which simply didn't happen on Sunday. The few utterances from The Ringmaster were not of enough assistance in keeping the storyline cohesive, and the electronica sometimes drowned out the lyrics of the songs - and in the absence of clear narrative, those lyrics are life to the audience. Were Alexia DelGiudice Bigari to sit down with her creative team and restructure her high-concept mini-concert into a piece of theater, all of her exceptional artistry would flourish as more than a cabaret show - it would be a new piece of avant-garde musical performance art that everyone in town wants... no NEEDS... to see. - Broadway World

The worlds of classical music and dark alternative magically collide when listening to the melodies of Wikka. The artist behind the persona is Alexia DelGiudice Bigari who’s an adept vocalist and violist from New York City. She studied at The Juilliard School, then went on to receive her Master of Music degree at Northwestern University. Her classically trained background and appreciation for the macabre influence her art, and the result is enticing.

Wikka’s recent release, Specters, features seven tracks that take the listener on a journey through dark fairy tales of her imagining. In addition to classical sounds, she’s influenced by darkwave and industrial music and blends these genres in the songs. Her lyrics speak of morbid facets of the mind, shadow realms and the nightmares we hold inside. The singer’s hypnotic voice creates a mystical mood, not to mention the inclusion of the viola amplifies the haunting ambience. While I enjoyed the entire album, “Phantasm,” “Succubus” and “Necromancer” are my particular favorites.

After exploring her discography, which includes two previous albums and a selection of singles, I can’t help but be impressed with the artist’s musical aptitude. She produces the type of music I love to immerse in when I’m craving something ghoulish, which, let’s be honest, is all the time.

I had the opportunity to ask Wikka a few questions about her music and artistic experiences. For your reading pleasure, I present to you the singer and violist in her own words.

Q: You’re such a gifted musician, and you’re classically trained. What motivated you to become a singer and violist?

A: I started playing the viola at age 9. I was raised in a musical family; my mother is an opera singer. I fell in love with the sound of the viola right when I heard it for the first time, and I knew I had to play it for the rest of my life. Vocally, I’ve sung in choirs all my life, as well as sung musical theater. After graduating from Juilliard and Northwestern, I decided that I wanted to dip my toes into the world of alternative music. I’m so glad I combined both forms of music to create this dark/gothic world because now I truly feel fulfilled musically and creatively.

Q: It’s fantastic the way your style bridges classical music with dark alternative sounds. Why do you enjoy experimenting with darkwave and industrial genres?

A: I have been a fan of darkwave and industrial music since the age of 12. My favorite musicians are Siouxsie and the Banshees, Depeche Mode and Bauhaus. I was inspired to delve into this genre but wanted to make it unique with viola.

Q: What’s the story behind your music persona, Wikka? How did you come up with the name?

A: I am Wiccan and wanted to incorporate my spirituality with my music. Wikka is, in a way, my alter ego. She’s not afraid to be 100% herself and confident. Every album/film I make, Wikka is a different character, but they are all relatable and give strength to all women, young or old.

Q: Are there musicians, in the classical and/or alternative genres, who inspire you?

A: My biggest classical inspiration is cellist Jacqueline Du Pre. The level of emotion she plays with is awe inspiring! I wish I could have been able to see her perform. As for alternative genres, I love Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bjork, Nine Inch Nails, My Chemical Romance, and Voltaire. They have all definitely inspired me. Bjork’s creative mind is pure genius, and I have always loved listening to her unique and powerful voice.

Q: You’ve also ventured into film. What made you want to delve into the world of visual arts?

A: I strongly believe that music, art and film go hand in hand. When you put all three together, you can create something truly special. Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved fantasy and horror films, and used to invite friends over to make scary movies on my little pink camera. Once I started Wikka, I realized that if I was to make this a character, I needed to really tell her story in full. The only way to do that was to create musical films and visual art! It has truly been such an uplifting and wonderful experience to collaborate with other incredible artists.

Q: What do you hope audiences take away from your music and art?

A: I really hope that audiences can see themselves in the character of Wikka. My main goal is to make others feel like they are in a safe space while listening to my music, and that they can truly express themselves freely. Wikka is all about freedom of expression and creativity, as well as empathy.

Q: Can you drop any teasers about what you have planned next for your music and/or other creative endeavors?

A: I just released my new album “Specters,” and the film has already been filmed! We are in the editing process at the moment, but everyone can expect an August release. After the film has been released, I do have some ideas up my sleeve for future projects. I don’t want to give too much away, but I will be continuing with the spooky ghost tale I have been telling. - Vamp Jenn's Corner