Elkka

Elkka
Birth nameEmma Kirby
Born1988 (1988)
OriginCardiff, Wales
Years active2016–present
Labels
  • Technicolor
  • femme culture
Websitewww.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]

Early life

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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

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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

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  • Harmonic Melodies (2021)[26]
  • Euphoric Melodies (2021)[5][27]
  • I Miss Raving (2020)
  • Prism of Pleasure (2024)[28] [23]

Awards and nominations

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BBC Radio 1 Awards

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Selected awards
Year Award Nominated work Category Result
2021 BBC Radio 1 Elkka Essential Mix of the Year Won

Other Awards

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  • AIM Independent Remix of the Year (2021)
  • Nominated Breakthrough Producer of The Year in the DJ Mag Awards (2021)[29]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "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. ^ a b "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. ^ a b "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. ^ a b "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. ^ a b Robinson, Otis (6 June 2024). "Elkka – 'Prism Of Pleasure' review: contemplative yet club-ready bangers". NME. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  24. ^ a b "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. ^ "Prism of Pleasure, by Elkka". Elkka. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  29. ^ "DJ Mag Best of British Awards 2021: Voting is now open". DJMag.com. 17 November 2021.