London-based producer, DJ and label boss Elkka (real name Emma Kirby) has released her new EP titled ‘Euphoric Melodies’, alongside a stunning video for the EP’s title track, marking their first release on Ninja Tune imprint Technicolour.
The five-tracker is a warm and nostalgic exploration of what Elkka values most – the ability and freedom to believe in oneself, “Honing in on your instincts and being able to trust those feelings, whilst being comfortable to do so,” comments Elkka of the EP.
The EPโs release comes shortly after the release of hit singles ‘Alexandra’ and ‘Burnt Orange’, both sentimental homages to family, fit for sun kissed dancefloors and front rooms alike. Upon release they received strong support from the likes of Mixmag, DJ Mag, Billboard, Crack, The Vinyl Factory and The Guardian who described ‘Burnt Orange’ as “A head-down, eyes- shut statement of intent.” Elkka has also garnered impressive radio support across the board from the likes of Annie Mac, Danny Howard, Giles Peterson, Tom Ravenscroft, Jaguar and Mary Anne Hobbs.
Directed by Alex Lambert, Elkkaโs creative and real life partner, the video brims with warmth and euphoria – linking back to the EPโs core themes.
Elkka elaborates,
“Itโs a celebration of those intimate moments and also a feeling of nostalgia for what we couldnโt have in that moment. Alex captured the essence of the time we were / are living in beautifully – as itโs also hopeful too, which I think is so important right now.”
Director Alex Lambert adds on,
โThe last year has seen a huge shift in the way we live and interact with each other. ‘Euphoric Melodies’ was written at a time when Emma and I were locked down together at home. The world seemed in chaos and the future looked very unsure and unstable. During that time the things we missed and what was important to us was put under a microscope. You begin to crave what you canโt have. The basic human necessity of touch and intimacy.โย
Deciding to take full artistic control over her music, Elkka made the shift from singer / songwriter to producer and artist in 2016. During the same year, she also founded Femme Culture – a record label and collective born out of the desire to champion women and non-binary DJโs in the arts and push forward-thinking music standing for inclusivity amongst all genders, backgrounds and beliefs. Over the years, Emma has gained support from well known peers such as Four Tet, Floating Points, Caribou, George Fitzgerald, SHERELLE, Annie Mac and more.
Cover photo: Alex Lambert