Alice Longyu Gao

Alice Longyu Gao crafts hyperpop defined by sharp wit, pulling from Harajuku's glowing neon visuals, the imaginative realms of Sailor Moon and Alice in Wonderland, and her intent to foster self-assurance in listeners. Born in China and now residing in the U.S., the producer, DJ, and performance artist first earned notice in New York City's art and fashion circles, then broke through with the 2019 release "Rich Bitch Juice." Produced by Dylan Brady of 100 gecs, the track highlighted her hallmarks of altered vocals, metallic percussion, and vivid electronics. She explored further dimensions of this approach across subsequent works such as the intense 2021 EP High Dragon Universe and the ethereal 2022 cut "To My White Boy Princess."

Raised in Bengbu, China, as the child of business owners who ran a latex glove factory, Gao started piano instruction at age four and later pursued vocal training, yet her parents anticipated she would inherit the family enterprise, a path that held no appeal for her. After rejection from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, she focused on developing her music independently. In 2012 she relocated to the U.S. to advance her education and launch her music career. At 17, Gao attended music classes alongside philosophy studies at Boston University, then acquired Japanese during Harvard University's Summer Program in Kyoto. By age 21 she had become established in New York City's fashion and music environments, completing internships at Paper magazine and Comme des Garçons while serving as assistant to British DJ Chelsea Leyland. Adopting the name Alice in tribute to the imaginative universe of Alice in Wonderland, she began DJing and performed for clients that included Asia Society, the Parrish Art Museum, Milk Makeup, and Juicy Couture. She also appeared in the official N.Y.C. Pride campaigns of 2017 and 2018, reflecting her support for LGBTQ+ rights.

Gao initiated her own music releases in 2018. That February introduced the colorful art installation Pericura, and May brought the bubbly debut single "Princess of Manifestation," which revealed J-pop's imprint on her approach. Later that year she put out "Magnificroissant" and "I Want My Hoe Time Back," both of which established a bold persona as a counter to the anxiety she had experienced since childhood. Following the November 2018 track "Chew!," she linked with Dylan Brady of 100 gecs, initiating a collaboration that yielded the 2019 singles "Dumb Bitch Juice" and "Rich Bitch Juice." The latter earned admiration from Lady Gaga and generated a remix EP with contributions from Brady, Gupi, Blu DeTiger, and additional artists. Further singles such as "I <3 Harajuku" and the COVID-19-themed "Quarantine Rly Sux" appeared in 2020. Alongside independent releases including "Legend" and "She Abunai," 2021 brought tracks such as the Whethan collaboration "Kanpai" and the Brady-produced "100 Boyfriends," both featured on her debut EP, High Dragon Universe. Drawing its title from the Chinese meaning of Gao's name, the EP arrived in October 2021 and spanned trap-influenced pieces to vibrant pop. The next January she issued the playful single "To My White Boy Princess."