Elkka

Last updated

Elkka
Birth nameEmma Kirby
Born1988 (1988)
Origin Cardiff, Wales
Years active2016–present
Labels
  • Technicolor
  • femme culture
Website www.elkka.com

Emma Kirby (born 1988, in Cardiff), known as Elkka, is a British producer, vocalist, and DJ. [1] With a background of songwriter and vocalist for Elkka is best known for winning the Essential Mix of the Year (BBC1) in 2021. She is also known as the co-founder of femme culture, which she founded with her partner Alex Lambert, an inclusive queer platform. [2] The label organizes the annual HeForShe compilation, [3] and all profits go to the charity U.N. Women. [4]

Contents

Early life

Born in Cardiff, Wales, Elkka started her career as a songwriter. [1] [5] [6] She grew up listening to RnB, pop stars such as Britney Spears, Spice Girls, Rihanna and wanted to become a pop vocalist. [7] [8] In 2016, Elkka switched from writing to producing music after being inspired by musicians such as Laurie Anderson and Imogen Heap. [1]

Career

Elkka has released music on Local Action, Ninja Tune, and her own label femme culture as we well as providing remixes for Kelly Lee Owens, [9] Hector Plimmer, [10] and Ela Minus. [11]

In May 2021, her extended play (EP), Euphoric Melodies, was released. [12] It is a fusion of house and electronica genres. [7]

In November 2021, her second EP, Harmonic Melodies, was released under the Technicolor imprint. [13] In the same year, she received Essential Mix of the Year award. [14] [13] Following her award for Essential Mix of the Year 2021 for BBC Radio 1, Elkka was made BBC Radio 1 Resident in April 2022, alongside Ben UFO, Andy C, TSHA, and others. [15]

In August 2021 Elkka won the Association of Independent Music award for Best Independent Remix for her remix of Ela Minus - Megapunk. [16]

In November 2021 Elkka was nominated in the DJ Mag Awards for Best Breakthrough Producer. [17]

On tour, Elkka has supported Caribou and Jon Hopkins, [18] and she has played at significant venues and festivals including Glastonbury Festival, [19] All Points East, [20] and O2 Academy Brixton. [21] [22]

Elkka is also known for founding a record label named femme culture. [23] The label organizes the annual HeForShe compilation with the help of UN Women. [23] [24]

Discography

Awards and nominations

BBC Radio 1 Awards

Selected awards
YearAwardNominated workCategoryResult
2021 BBC Radio 1 Elkka Essential Mix of the Year Won

Other Awards

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References

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  3. "femme culture announces 'HeForShe Vol.4' compilation for UN Women". DJMag.com. 4 March 2022.
  4. "femme culture release charity compilation in aid of UN Women". Mixmag.
  5. 1 2 "Elkka Produces 'Euphoric Melodies' on Her New EP". PopMatters . ProQuest   2553563590.
  6. https://ra.co/news/76111
  7. 1 2 "Elkka: "I visited Floating Points at his studio, which was like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"". MusicRadar . 15 July 2021.
  8. https://www.pressreader.com/australia/future-music-9629/20210629/281560883756726 via PressReader.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
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  10. "Hector Plimmer in The Lab LDN". Mixmag.
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  13. 1 2 "First Spin: The Week's Best New Dance Tracks From Kaytranada, Fred Again, Krewella & More". Billboard. 19 November 2021.
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