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 Welsh 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 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]

In June 2024 Elkka released her debut album, Prism of Pleasure, under Ninja Tune. [23]

Elkka is also known for founding a record label named femme culture. [24] The label organizes the annual HeForShe compilation with the help of UN Women. [24] [25]

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

  1. 1 2 3 "Elkka". Future Music . ProQuest   2544916778.
  2. ↑ "Get to know Elkka, the Femme Culture founder merging classic and future-facing sounds". Mixmag.
  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. ↑ "Elkka is back on Technicolour with new EP, Harmonic Frequencies". Ra.co.
  7. 1 2 "Elkka: "I visited Floating Points at his studio, which was like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"". MusicRadar . 15 July 2021.
  8. ↑ "Interview Ellka" – via PressReader.
  9. ↑ "Mary Anne Hobbs announces Kelly Lee Owens, TAAHLIAH, HAAi, Nia Archives for All Queens Radio 6 residency". DJMag.com. 4 October 2022.
  10. ↑ "Hector Plimmer in The Lab LDN". Mixmag.
  11. ↑ "TSHA selects five producers who will define the next generation". Mixmag.
  12. ↑ "'My energy comes from optimism': the hopeful music of spring 2021". The Guardian . 28 April 2021.
  13. 1 2 "First Spin: The Week's Best New Dance Tracks From Kaytranada, Fred Again, Krewella & More". Billboard. 19 November 2021.
  14. ↑ "BBC Radio 1 – Radio 1's Essential Mix, Elkka (2021 Essential Mix of the Year shortlist)". BBC.
  15. ↑ "Andy C, TSHA, Ben UFO, Dance System, Elkka and Mantra to join BBC Radio 1's Residency". Bbc.co.uk.
  16. ↑ Metcalfe, Simon (26 August 2021). "AIM AWARDS 2021 WINNERS REVEALED".
  17. ↑ "DJ Mag's Best of British 2021 award winners have been announced". DJMag.com. 15 December 2021.
  18. ↑ Martin, Felicity (17 May 2021). "Elkka: euphoric electronica to soundtrack mid-rave hugs with mates". NME .
  19. ↑ Dayus, Oscar (30 May 2022). "Glastonbury Festival 2022 full line-up and set times announced". Bristol Post.
  20. ↑ Richards, Will (22 November 2021). "Nick Cave, The National, Tame Impala, Kraftwerk and more for All Points East 2022". NME.
  21. ↑ Greenwood, Douglas. "Things to do this week, July 2022, according to i-DD". Vice.
  22. ↑ "Make some noise! The 10 best early summer music festivals". Herald Scotland. 24 April 2022.
  23. 1 2 Robinson, Otis (6 June 2024). "Elkka – 'Prism Of Pleasure' review: contemplative yet club-ready bangers". NME . Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  24. 1 2 "Get to know Elkka, the Femme Culture founder merging classic and future-facing sounds". Mixmag .
  25. ↑ "femme culture relaunches with its first release since 2020". Mixmag.
  26. ↑ Murray, Robin (21 October 2021). "Elkka Shares Beatific New Track 'Voices'". Clash .
  27. ↑ "9 albums to stream this week". Dazed. 21 May 2021.
  28. ↑ "DJ Mag Best of British Awards 2021: Voting is now open". DJMag.com. 17 November 2021.
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