Emerging Melbourne dark electro trio RKDA are fast getting their name out there as a band to watch; their debut EP CS has been released to eager ears and so far, has been generating positive response for its captivating and ambient elements, not to mention some killer production laid down on all tracks.
Laura – writer, vocalist, synth magician – takes us through music from some of her favourite female producers doing some rad things on the local scene. Where individuality and creativity is being encouraged more and more regardless of genre these days, it’s an exciting time to be watching these ladies do their thing.
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I love hunting for new female producers. It’s like a sport for me; a bit like bird-watching if you will. I never really actively sought out female artists to listen to prior to starting RKDA. Now playing in a band, producing more and being more actively involved in the music scene (particularly in Melbourne), I definitely put more of an effort into seeking out other female artists.
I feel there has been a lot of doubt put onto female artists in the past and even currently. I feel like people don’t believe that females produce their own music and what not, but I feel like we work just as hard or even harder. I remember going to SAE for an open day to look at the school in Byron Bay. I chatted to some of the teachers and they were like, ‘You need to come here and do the course. We need more females in the production and audio engineering industry in Australia.’ I ended up being the only female in the class (we started out with one other girl, but she dropped out after a couple of weeks).
It’s definitely hard and you feel a lot of pressure about asking questions. Ana’s friend Grace Stevenson created a Facebook group called Chicks With Synths – there are a few of us in it now. It’s a great Facebook page for gals where you can ask any production or gear-related question and not feel like you’d be judged. I’ve found that a lot of the questions I have other people do [too]. It’s great to have a space where you can talk to like-minded people and not feel judged. Then again, it sucks that we need to have a space where we won’t be judged. I think that’ll change with time. Hopefully sooner, rather than later.
Anyway, here are some of the galz that I’m loving in music right now…
LUPA J
I thought I was making sick tunes as a teenager… that was until I came across Lupa J. This chick takes it to a whole new level. I love that she is a part of every detail with her project. She not only writes and produces her tracks, but she also directs the video clips. She puts a lot of work into her project and is absolutely killing it! I’m really looking forward to watching her grow as an artist and progress even more with her music – pushing boundaries and doing something new!
SQUIDGENINI
This is a super new project for Brisbane-based artist (now living in Melbourne). She only has a few shows under her belt, but there’s already a pretty big buzz here in Melbourne. I have a feeling things may move quickly for her. Her voice is fabulous and her song “Fire” has this cool R&B vibe with a dark twist. She does some cool harmonies by herself and I heard through the grapevine that she’s working pretty hard on her live show to bring something pretty siq to it! Definitely one to keep an eye on.
KATE MARTIN
I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with Kate and watch her develop as an artist over the years. I’ve heard some of her unreleased stuff (that will be out soon). It’s very different to her older stuff. It’s crazy to think that she has multiple albums out. We’re around the same age and she’s accomplished so much. She has an amazing gift for songwriting and her voice is out of this world. Some of the notes she can hit are ridiculous. I can only dream to be that good!
ST. SOUTH
I first heard St. South when she sang on one of Flower Drums’ tracks. It was a couple of years ago. I fell in love with her voice and started following her from there. She’s not only an incredible singer, but an extremely talented producer. She makes lush weekend vibe tracks. Perfect to chillax to and make you feel or good inside.
EDEN SWAN
This chick is crazy!!! She’s been in other projects, but this is by far the best!! It’s dark, creepy and theatrical. I love it as there’s a lot of detail in everything. It’s the whole package, not just some boring artist on stage pressing some buttons. She’s been laying low for a bit and I’m itching to hear something new. I’d love to play a show with her. It’d be sick!!!!!! (lots of exclamation marks for this one !!!!!!!!!!!! <3)
https://soundcloud.com/edenswan/eden-swan-symb10s1s-ii-film-score
AIYA
This is a project by Felicity Yang and Ayten. I heard these guys on Spotify and it was love at first listen. One of my favourite quotes (it’s by Mozart) is, “Music is not in the notes, but in the silence between,” and their songs definitely capture this. It’s that tension between each note and the pauses between sounds that creates this immense tension and turns it into something beautiful. Although there isn’t a lot of sound going on, it’s still somewhat chaotic, which is what I love. It’s such a choppy song. I feel like it would of been hard to place everything just in the right spot to turn something that could be quite messy into something really beautiful. These are two very talented ladies!!!
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RKDA launch their EP CS at Shebeen on May 28th – head HERE for info and tickets!
Header Image: Nikki Williams | NW Stills
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