Hailing from Cardiff, DJ and producer Elkka unveils her groundbreaking first full-length work, “Prism Of Pleasure,” slated for release on May 3, 2024, via Ninja Tune. In tandem with the unveiling, Elkka delivers the stirring premiere single “Make Me,” a track that binds the listener in its deep electronic embrace, exemplifying her pride and unapologetic sensuality as a confident queer artist.
The opening refrain of “Make Me” sets the tone – a fusion of intense rhythmic pulsations with shimmering, viscous vocal loops. This same interplay of auditory warmth and chill is emblematic of “Prism of Pleasure,” engaging the listener in a roller-coaster of unforeseen sonic avenues. “I like to go through different genres and moods and surprise you,” Elkka asserts. Conceived over a year and a half, “Prism of Pleasure” distills Elkka’s identity as an LGBTQ+ creator who champions unbridled expressiveness and sensuality in her craft. Her journey wasn’t without its challenges: growing up with scant queer representation in South Wales, Elkka synthesized her persona with contemplative gradualism, ultimately discovering her path. Later, relocating to London in her twenties became the catalyst for her burgeoning journey as a DJ, songwriter, producer, the architect of her label, femme culture, and the organizer behind her queer-centric club events. “I think sometimes things unlock, and start to make sense and then you just follow it,” Elkka says now. “I started to go out more and become part of a community. I was more confident in myself, so I was more confident in writing and producing – it all came together at the same time.”
“Prism of Pleasure” celebrates queer closeness and reveals – much like glancing through a mist-laden doorway – the artistry through a woman’s perspective (an essence artfully captured in the pink-hued album art by Elkka’s wife and longtime creative collaborator, Alex Lambert). Tracks such as the velvety “Crushhh,” the evocative pulsations of “Your Skin,” and the rhythmic synth waves of “surrender2me” weave together tales of fervid nights, emotive ties, and unspoken delights. It’s like a celebration of [how far] I’ve come,” explains Elkka. “I was never taught about queer pleasure. I was never taught how important that is – not just sexually but generally in life. So I wanted to explore all of that more deeply.”
Ultimately, “Prism of Pleasure” is the result of Elkka opening herself up in new ways, and being as authentic as possible. “I wanted a rawness to this album,” she says. “It’s something that can be felt, and that helps you connect with someone that’s listening to it, if you’re willing to expose a part of yourself. And again, this is all really transferable to relationships, and being with someone, all of that stuff. and that’s why these things overlap for me. I gave everything I could, and hopefully that translates.”
Elkka carries a profound insight across her distinguished trajectory: her electrifying contributions to Local Action and Ninja Tune have solidified her as a dynamo in London’s underground scene. This acclaim crystallized with a win for BBC’s vaunted Essential Mix of the Year in 2021, thereby broadcasting her luminescent concoction of house, breakbeat, and avant-garde electronica globally. Supported by luminaries like Four Tet, Floating Points, TSHA, Caribou, Sofia Kourtesis, Jon Hopkins, Ben UFO, SHERELLE, and others, Elkka recently garnered an AIM Award for Best Remix with her version of Ela Minus’ ‘Megapunk.’ The previous year, she dropped “DJ Friendly,” a quartet of vibrant club tracks, and contributed a captivating mix to the venerated DJ-Kicks series, celebrating women and the LGBTQ+ dance community—a community Elkka actively supports, spinning records at exclusive venues and queer gatherings such as Panorama Bar and FEEL IT. Anticipation builds for the multifaceted journey “Prism Of Pleasure” promises.
Alongside the album announcement, Elkka has also announced four ‘Elkka Presents: Prism of Pleasure’ shows, kicking off at Badaboum in Paris on May 4 before rolling through London, Brussels and Manchester. Pre-sale tickets are now live, with general release tickets on sale Friday 23rd.
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Photo by @alexlambertphoto
