Five Favourites: Atka

Having just released her debut EP, The Eye Against The Ashen Sky, London-based, Brandenburg-born artist Atka creates captivating cinematic soundscapes. Drawing on her studies into philosophy, intertwined with personal reflections on shame and paranoia, the EP shimmers with a dark, haunting energy throughout. A truly stirring collection showcasing the beguiling majesty of this innovative artist.

We think one of the best ways to get to know a band is by asking what music inspires them. So, to celebrate the release of The Eye Against The Ashen Sky, we caught up with Atka to ask about the music that has inspired her the most. Read about her five favourite albums and watch the video for latest single ‘Eye In The Sky’ below!

Joy Division – Unknown Pleasures 
I’m gonna be honest, it was H&M who introduced me to Unknown Pleasures. I must have been fourteen or fifteen when they started printing the album logo on t-shirts everywhere in Germany. At the time, I was very into metal and hardcore, particularly System Of A Down. That was what was big in Germany, and classic rock of course. I hadn’t come across a lot of British music until then, particularly British post-punk. It took me a few attempts to listen to it and get what the whole genre is about, but once I understood it, it completely changed how I listened to and made music. I felt as if, for the first time, I gave myself permission to let myself be taken somewhere by music instead of stubbornly steering the ship to make something “good”, nails digging into the wheel and all.

Kraftwerk – Kraftwerk 1 
Growing up in Germany obviously the name “Kraftwerk” has been floating around my orbit for as long as I can remember, though not as frequently as one might think. However, it was only a few years ago that I made an effort digging through the Kraftwerkian back catalogue and that’s when I discovered their first album, Kraftwerk 1. I remember sitting on the couch listening to it and my eyes just widening and jaw dropping further with every passing minute. I couldn’t believe it. They were constructing this electronic feeling music with orchestral instruments, flutes and all. This was exactly what I was trying to do with my record but reversed. I instead took electronic signals and gave them an organic, wood-like, orchestral touch – like in ‘Child of Rage’ – wanting to create a middle ground between the artificial and the organic.

Broadcast – Tender Buttons 
I started listening to Broadcast about three years ago and got addicted to their whole catalogue. Each album is so very different, but Tender Buttons is definitely my favourite. Trish’s vocals are magically swaying over the beautifully organic, rough and sometimes distorted instrumentals, giving it the perfect balance – tender is really the perfect word for it. And the lyrics are straight up brilliant, I mean: “awkwardness happening to someone you love”. I aspire to one day make something that is only half as good as what they did. They are probably my biggest inspiration. And I think that their influence on me will become only more evident as I put more music out. I am still digesting, if you know what I mean.

Perfume Genius – No Shape 
This is a truly spectral piece of work, in terms of production and experiments in song structure. I don’t know how they achieved half of the sounds on this record – hats off to Blake Mills, what a brilliant producer! Perfume Genius’ music has inspired me to just do whatever the heck I want – out of the window with standard song structure. Do I really want to have the drums to come in at only 1.30min? Definitely! Do I really need one minute of instrumental tail at the end of every other track? Yes I do. Does a song need a goddamn pay-off at some point? Hell no.

LCD Soundsystem – This is Happening 
LCD Soundsystem to me is pure ecstasy. Every time I listen to this record I hear something new and I draw a lot of inspiration for instrumentation and what kind of backdrop suits which kind of song. I heard ‘Dance Yourself Clean’ for the first time when I was twenty one driving on a road trip through Scandinavia with my family, in a VW Transporter that I’d converted. I was driving for three weeks from Berlin to Aarhus, Gothenburg, up to Bergen and all the way back – it was a hell of a drive, jamming out to this record. I saw them live at Brixton Academy and they were phenomenal – it was just one big party!

Huge thanks to Atka for sharing her five favourites with us!

The Eye Of The Ashen Storm is out now. Catch her live tonight in London at Studio 9294 supporting Lucrecia Dalt.

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WATCH: Sheherazaad – ‘Mashoor’

Having grown in up in San Francisco in a second generation immigrant household, Brooklyn based artist Sheherazaad fuses influences from both Western classical and her own South Asian sonic lineage through her exquisite interwoven soundscapes.

Drawing on themes of displacement and nostalgia with a contemporary, genre-defying spirit, Sheherazaad’s debut single ‘Mashoor’ showcases her ability to blend a stirring alternative folk musicality with experimental techniques, exuding a contemporary, genre-defying spirit. With a spellbinding rippling allure, her sumptuous vocals flow throughout, allowing ‘Mashoor’ to immerse the listener in its soaring splendour on first listen.

‘Mashoor’ is accompanied by a moving video. Filmed throughout New York in extreme weather, it is a beautiful representation of worlds colliding; combining a South Asian immigrant story with America’s historical fabric. Watch now:

‘Mashoor’ is out now via Erased Tapes. It was recorded at The Glass Wall in Brooklyn, produced by Arooj Aftab, mixed by J. Valleau, and mastered by Heba Kadry. It features performances by Ria Modak on classical guitar, Gilbert Mansour on percussion, and additional vocal mixing by Runar Blesvik.

Photo Credit: Zayira Ray

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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WATCH: deep tan – ‘xenomorph queen’

Having been a big fan of London’s deep tan for a few years now, I’m excited to see that – following last year’s diamond horsetail EP – they’re back with a brand new single, and new line-up, ahead of their live shows supporting QOTSA on tour next month.

Reflecting on themes of matriarchy, queer parenting and sapphic love, ‘xenomorph queen’ oozes all the discordant immersive allure that we’ve come to know and love from the trio. Instantly captivating the senses with its mystical ethereal majesty, it showcases deep tan’s ability to create their own truly unique brand of other-worldly angular post-punk.

Of the track, the band expand:

“‘xenomorph queen’ witnesses the real star of the alien franchise in a new context: in the throes of a lesbian romance. a sensual – but still punk – track about matriarchy, queer parenting and sapphic love, this close encounter offers a new, intergalactic perspective on #hotmilfsinyourarea #xenomilf”

‘xenomorph queen’ is accompanied by an animated new video; in equal parts playful and enthralling. Watch it now:

‘xenomorph queen‘ is out now via Practise Music.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Introducing Interview: Small Crush

Having just released their second album, Bay Area band Small Crush create their own distinct brand of dreamy surf-pop with a shimmering energy and whimsical nostalgic charm. With lilting scuzzy vibes and the luscious honey-sweet vocals of front person Logan Hammon, each track perfectly balances vulnerable a raw emotion with blissful, carefree vibes and glistening allure.

We caught up with Logan to find out more about the album – have a read, and make sure you check out Penelope now!

Hi Small Crush! Welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourselves and how you initially got together to start creating music? 
Hello Get in Her Ears! Logan here, We are an indie rock group from the SF East Bay Area! I’ve always written songs ever since I was little and always admired my dad for playing music. In high school, I joined up with Jackson, our guitar player, and started working on my songs more. We met our current drummer, Allen, and bassist, Joey, through mutual friends and the love of music. 

I really love your luscious scuzzy energy and uplifting surf-pop vibes, but who would you consider to be your main musical influences?
Some of my favourites are Cub, The Cardigans, and Joni Mitchell. I love looking up to other female musicians. It always inspires me to keep going. Cub has a great rock-pop vibe. The Cardigans are so dreamy and sweet, and Joni’s songwriting is unmatched. 

You’ve recently released a new re-imagining of an older song, ‘Rumblin Tummy’ – what made you decide to do this, and how does this differ from the original, ‘Tummy Rumblin’? 
When we played this song live we always felt an urge to speed it up and make it more dancey. We played it so many times this way, it just felt right to record a version that the crowd enjoyed as much as we did playing it. I like re-imagining songs because it allows them to transform in ways we didn’t think of initially. 

And you’ve recently released your second album Penelope,  which is very exciting – congratulations! Are you able to tell us a bit about it? Are there any particular themes running throughout it? 
Penelope is kind of my “saying goodbye to childhood” record. I chose the name because when I was little I named a lot of things Penelope. Stuffies, a chicken, a songbird, and a frog – pretty much anything I could! It felt right to name the album something I resonated a lot with when I was little. Most of the songs are about wishing for a simpler time and reminiscing on old memories. 

What was the recording process for album like? And how did it differ from your 2019 debut? 
We set some time on District Recording’s schedule for a week and basically worked day and night getting it done. We even slept over a few times in the studio for an album slumber party. We then just edited things here and there in the weeks after. It was pretty similar to our first record, but I’d say we had more self-confidence and drive to get it done. 

Being based in California, how would you say this influences you as a band? Would you say it’s a good place to be involved in music? 
Living in the Bay I have felt so lucky to be surrounded by so much good music and different influences. I’ve grown up here my whole life and it’s definitely had a huge impact on my music. I like to mix a lot of genres and ideas to form Small Crush’s sound as a whole, and I think living up north versus LA gives us a little more breathing room to grow. 

You’re setting off on tour with Jeff Rosenstock later this year, which sounds like it’ll be a lot of fun! When out on tour, are there any particular essentials that you like to take with you to keep you going when away from home?
My #1 tour essential is my coffee pour-over set up – I seriously can’t function without it! Also, noise-canceling headphones for our long van rides and small sleeping quarters. A few good books are great for when you get tired of staring at your phone too long. 

How do you feel the industry is for new artists at the moment? And do you feel much has changed over the last few years in its treatment of female/gender non-conforming and queer artists? 
Through the power of the internet I feel a lot of new artists have a lot of control in taking their art into their own hands. It’s great that through promoting yourself you can find the best audience for you and your music. Before IG and TikTok, you had to have a lot of outside help to promote and find shows. Now, we have the power to plan our own gigs and find our own connections along the way. I feel like there has been some change in regards to female/gnc/queer artists, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. 

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any other upcoming artists you’re loving right now that you’d recommend we check out?
I’m currently loving Similar Kind, Strawberry Launch, and Chokecherry!! 

Finally, as well as the tour, what does the rest of 2023 have in store for you? 
Mostly getting ready for the tour and working on some new stuff for 2024!

Massive thanks to Logan from Small Crush for answering our questions!


Penelope, the latest album from Small Crush, is out now via Asian Man Records. Order here.

Photo Credit: Trinity Gardener

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