For NZ Music Month the last couple of years, we asked bands/artists for a favourite memory of making music in Wellington.

It could involve a favourite gig, a funny story from the recording studio, a moment that led to the inspiration for a song, the fond recollection of a defunct venue, or the piece of music or lyric that they were most proud of creating.

We really enjoyed the stories people told us, so we are doing it again this year.

Next up is local ambient electronic producer & DJ Emma Bernard AKA Ludus. Originally a classically trained pianist since childhood, Emma has been producing dreamy ambient works for 2 years and more recently some downtempo house for labels such as Margins. Ludus has been performing these live for 18 months at festivals such as Performance Arcade, Newtown Festival and opening for acts such as Pitch Black as well as a range of local acts including Disasterradio. Before producing, Emma DJd around Wellington and at festivals such as Taniwhas Den, and now runs the Friday Drive show every Friday from 4-7 on RadioActive.

I’ve been lucky in having so many good experiences and met so many wonderful and hilarious people through playing music. Such a talent dense community that just keeps giving. One of my favourite memories would have to be opening for Pitch Black. Above being so chuffed with the opportunity of opening for electronic kiwi legends, they were such cool guys who gave great constructive feedback to my set. It was an older crowd who were really supportive, as if they had the future of NZ electronic music in mind. Not really sure how to explain it, but I loved the connectivity of it all. I also love the community at RadioActive, through DJing there, I find out about more incredible local music literally every week. They have a deep love for New Zealand music and you can really feel that when you hang out there which is awesome. Also another fun thing is when there’s no-one in the crowd but my friends! That is always a laugh and a good time.