LÂLKA is a glitter meets grit EDM artist who has just released her debut mixtape, Romance + Rebellion. From classical music to the world of J-core and hyper pop, this Borneo-born and Brisbane/Meanjin-based music and video producer, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and DJ is as clever as she is creative. Utilising advanced technology to not only deepen her musical sounds but how her music is heard and used by fans. An absolutely amazing artist with an alluring stage presence and high energy performance, her future as bright as the neon pink lights that radiate from her cover shoot. LÂLKA has opened for the likes of Charli XCX and her upcoming Celebration Party is set to be an all-inclusive and accessible event especially catered to neurodivergent fans, and looks to be the perfect interactive party from a very attuned artist. 

When did the seismic shift from classical to electronic music occur and how did that transformation come about?

After I graduated from my Classical Music Degree, I found that I needed to express myself in my own way, not through the music of mostly dead white men. The classical music world is very regimented and whilst there’s some focus on performance expression, most of the emphasis was on being a top technical player (like an Olympic Athlete). I also found that when I had tried to bring my own perspective/interpretation to the genre, it wasn’t accepted. Thus, I decided to go my own way and create music that was more authentic to who I am.

As a fan of Grimes, Charli XCX and FKA Twigs, I can tune in to the similarities between yourself and these EDM, Hyper/Pop and DNB crossbreed artists and their glamour and grit personas. What about these music genres inspires you?

FKA Twigs’ artistry is top level, and the way she works on her craft – especially with her recent physical ailments – is inspiring. Charli XCX is an incredible live performer and songwriter, her ability to straddle both the mainstream and underground cultures is a feat in itself. Like Grimes, I’m very interested in the intersection of art, music and technology.

You are also inspired by J-Pop and J-Core – how did you come across this particular genre and what do you love about it?

Japanese culture is so influential and a lot of Western popular culture has roots in Japanese culture. Think about cyberpunk and mainstream movies like Bladerunner… this aesthetic began in Japan. Even streetwear brands in Europe and America look to Japan for inspiration. Buyers from those labels/companies often travel to Japan to find exquisite and exclusive goods to bring back to the west. Personally, I love the energy in the music of J-pop and J-core, as well as the aesthetic. It’s not something we see in Australian mainstream media a lot… and Australian mainstream media is stale, in my opinion.

The meaning of the word LALKA translates to ‘doll’ or ‘tulip’ in Poland and Bulagaria/Turkey/Persia respectively. What does the meaning of the name represent for you and your music?

Honestly, I picked the name because I liked the way it looked, with the right angles. It looks strong but as you pointed out the meaning, I like the way it also lends a sensitivity to my artist name. A perfect combination of who I am. 

Would you consider LALKA to be an alter-ego persona or a true extension of yourself?

Definitely not an alter-ego persona, but an aspect of who I am. 

From what age can you remember being inspired by fashion and style, and how does this artistic form elevate your creativity in music?

For as long as I’ve been alive, I’ve been intrigued by fashion and style. Music is one of the most abstract artforms we have, so the physical element of clothes help communicate what the music is saying.

Your amazing, avant-garde and sleek approach to fashion is evident at your gigs and in your music video clips. How would you describe your fashion aesthetic, and does it differ much from your day-to-day style?

Currently, I describe it as Rick Owens Meets Cyberpunk. I live in Meanjin/Brisbane where it’s warm most of the time, so sadly there are limited opportunities for me to wear capes, jackets and coats in black!

Not only are you a music producer, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and DJ, you produce your own video clips, which are amazing and visually astounding. How do you begin the creative process for a video, and is it a case of the music comes first or the striking visuals?

The music always comes first.

You have taken control of every aspect of your music and creativity, which is inspiring in itself. You have captured the future of music and utilise NFTs to deliver your music. How do NFTs work exactly and can you explain to those not familiar with this new technology?

NFTs can be in any form – music, an image, etc. What it is, is a contract and the transaction is recorded on the blockchain. In the case of the NFTs that I’ve released, it’s a contract that allows the collector to own images I created, have access to an IRL event, and have the rights to remix the music using stems I provide and they get to keep 100% of master royalties from their music. This was a way to let me include my community in the artistic process… a way for them to collaborate and be involved, and generate income for themselves should they wish to.

Thoughts on AI in the creation of music?

We actually already use a lot of AI tools in music production. Personally, I’m very excited with where deep learning is going with AI, and want to explore how I can use the technology to benefit artists and also involve more of my community, just like how I used blockchain technology with the NFTs.

Your gigs are high-energy and all-encompassing. Your talent on the decks and instruments is truly impressive and you ensure your fans receive an interactive and accessible event, especially for those with neurodiversity. What do you love most about playing live to an audience and what do you think the crowd loves most about your performances?

I feel like the stage is where I feel at home. I give 110% on stage, and I think the audience can feel that. Authenticity is important, and people can feel that energy. I also do a lot on stage to make sure the audience doesn’t get bored. 

Being a part of the neurodiverse community allows you to be a more in-tune artist. What else about your Fibromyalgia diagnosis has opened your eyes to what else is needed in the industry for artists and fans alike to flourish and thrive in an often overly-sensory and intense environment?

I’m still learning, and I realise I also have a lot of privileges – one example, I am not vision impaired – so that means I inevitably have blind spots, so I’m trying to listen more to others in the community. Some simple things I can recommend that the industry implement are: provide information about events such as set times and accessibility requirements. People want to know set times so that they can organise themselves, their transport, and for someone like me who has a chronic illness, I need to make sure my body is prepared to attend a gig. I can’t afford to spend 4 hours in a mosh pit, waiting to see an artist. As much as I’d love to, my body isn’t able to. People also want to feel safe at events, so having information such as who to contact if they need help is important. 

Your Celebration Party is happening on June 18 in Brisbane, and you are offering fans some amazing incentives, like a sliding payment scale for tickets, limited patron numbers, chill-out space, Community Officers and easy accessibility. What else can fans expect from this amazing dance party?

Notice that I’ve called this event a party, not a show or a gig. In my mind, a traditional music show is where the audience watch the artist perform on a stage and even if there is interaction between artist and audience, there’s still a barrier between both, whether physical or perceived. When I’ve been to see DJs play at bigger clubs or festivals, there’s an actual barrier … like at least 6 feet…between performer and audience. That’s what I want to get rid of for this event. 

The performer is the nucleus, with the audience around them participating by dancing, having conversations amongst themselves and even the performer. I don’t want to give too much away yet, but there will be opportunities for the performers to lead the audience in the participation through furicopy style dance moves. Because the mixtape has an obvious Japanese influence, and A-MUSE are a J-Idol group, it makes sense to incorporate certain elements of that culture into the event which isn’t very common in regular club events here in Australia. Although I’m not Japanese, one way to pay homage respectfully to another culture that I’m referencing is to not just copy the style of music but to also learn about other aspects of the performance culture and popular culture and incorporate that where suitable. 

With larger festivals or in a usual club setting, the experience for audiences usually uses flashing lights etc. As this party caters to the neurodivergent folks who may be more sensitive to flashing lights than a neurotypical person, it is up to the performer to create that audience engagement without relying on the usual gimmicks of strobing lights.

Your debut mixtape Romance + Rebellion is out now and contains a glittering title track (which I honestly play relentlessly) accompanied by 12 other amazing tracks that seamlessly play out hyper-intensive, gritty, candied, euphoric, alluring and rave-worthy tunes that totally hit those dance club and beyond vibes. How many years in the making was this mixtape and what feelings are you hopeful have been put out into the universe with this body of work? How are you hoping it will be received and what are you most proud of by its creation?

I began this body of work in December 2021, finished it in March 2023, and it came out in early June 2023! I’m most proud of it because I think it’s my best work to date. I hope that the music gives people a home for their feelings.

QUICK RANDOM ONES
– Which mythical creature would you bring to life? The genie – grant me wishes!
– Who would you most love to collaborate with musically? Caroline Polachek.
– Favourite music video clip of all-time? Grimes – Kill V Maim (The styling is sooo good!).
– A fashion trend you’d love to make a comeback? I know one I DON’T want to see come back low rise jeans!
– What item of clothing do you wish you could wear everyday? A soft, comfy, luxurious sweater.
– First celebrity crush? Aladdin. Yeah, a cartoon character, lol.
– Favourite musical artist? Porter Robinson.
– Best film of all-time? The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
– Most memorable gig experience? When I opened for Charli XCX. The crowd was amazing. – Superhuman talent you wish you possessed? Mind control.

You can check out more about LÂLKA – her music, mixtape and upcoming party via her website: https://lalka.online