Elkka | |
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Birth name | Emma Kirby |
Born | 1988 |
Origin | Cardiff, Wales |
Years active | 2016–present |
Labels |
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Website | www |
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]
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]
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]
Year | Award | Nominated work | Category | Result |
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2021 | BBC Radio 1 | Elkka | Essential Mix of the Year | Won |