INTERVIEW: ZAMILSKA

Dense, rhythmic, hypnotic beats and a fascination with levitation permeate the tracks on Polish producer ZAMILSKA‘s latest album, UNCOVERED, which is set for physical release on 19th July. Her jagged soundscapes combine techno textures and intriguing vocal samples to reflect “the anxiety of what we want vs what we get”. With her enviable ability to create beats that ricochet around our skulls, we wanted to know more about ZAMILSKA. We caught up with the Producer to talk about the inspiration behind her new record, her upcoming live shows in London (The Shacklewell Arms on 2nd August & Visions Festival on 3rd August), and to find out the details of her previous collaboration with Gazelle Twin…

How did you first get in to creating electronic music?
I didn’t choose this profession, it chose me. I cannot see myself doing anything else. I’ll skip the “I have always known I will deal with music” story. It’s all true but a bit of a cliche. I always wanted to be a Rockstar, play bass or drums, throw them into the audience and break them on stage. At fifteen I got my first computer. After stumbling upon Bjork’s Post album, I knew I would be making electronic music and somehow mixing in my inspirations for rock’n’roll and world music. It took many years of hard work to get here, there were moments when I didn’t have much to eat. But I am here, talking to you. Hard work pays off, and if you think something is impossible in life – maybe you just do not want it.

What’s the industrial/electronic music scene like in Poland where you’re from? Are there gig nights or venues who champion the genre?
Perhaps it will sound surprising, but I really do not part take in the “scene”. When I am home I like to stay in, enjoy the quiet. That, of course, doesn’t mean that I stay oblivious to what is happening musically in Poland. I love Resina, with all my heart – cellist, who is extremally talented. Also, I am a big fan of artists such as: Syny, Coals, and Księżyc. The Polish music scene is getting better. We just need to stop looking and trying to follow the West, create our own sound.

Your latest album UNCOVERED is about the concept of levitation. Talk us through this theme, it’s quite a unique concept.
The concept of levitation came up during the album cover design. It was as if a remaining piece of the puzzle fell in place and the entire story came together as whole. It’s about something malevolent that you want to leave your body, come out of you so you can start with a clean slate. Exorcisms, voodoo – all that is on the album. UNCOVERED is a story about cleansing, dropping weight off your shoulders. A fall with an attempt to rise. Ultimately, you do not know if the person is falling or rising.

Do you have a favourite track on the album? If so, why?
That’s a great question. I have never thought about it. When I was making the album, I had a different favorite track every day. The ending of ‘Done’ would almost make me cry. Perhaps ‘Hollow’. I’ve heard someone on the radio saying that it’s the biggest pop banger I have ever created. I like the entire album, it is a story that only makes sense as a whole. And you need to know that it is odd for me to like something in its entirety.

You’re coming over to the UK in August to play a headline show at The Shacklewell Arms. What Are your anticipations for this gig?
I am really excited to come back to London. Playing live shows is so rewarding after all the time spent in the studio. Finally, being able to perform in front of live audience. I try not to anticipate; each show is different. You can play in a large venue and something does not feel right and you can play the show of your life in front of a thirty people audience. People are most important. I really like London as a city, I’ve spent some time there. I hope people show up and enjoy the show.

You’re also going to be playing a set at Visions festival. How are you feeling about that? Any artists you’re aiming to catch on the day?
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to see anyone on the day of my show. But if you can you should see Shygirl. It is a very special show. I saw her in Poland, she is a very cheeky girl on stage.

You host your own radio show on Polish national digital radio. Talk us through what kind of music you play, and how you came to work in radio.
I was invited as a guest on one of the radio shows, we were talking about music, and I kind of took over as a host. Radio execs liked my voice and offered me my own show. However, I just resigned from hosting. I wanted to focus on my own work, with UNCOVERED coming out I didn’t want compromise the quality of the radio show. Becoming a radio host was my childhood dream, but it was getting harder to focus on my projects and sift through fifty albums weekly, in order to choose music for radio. And since I presented music from undefined electronics, from distant corners of the World, novelties and sounds of the 50’s, I couldn’t compromise, after two years, I had to resign. I’d like to return to Polish Radio, if they want me back, as soon as I settle all my present affairs.

You remixed Gazelle Twin’s track ‘Belly of the Beast’ which was featured in the ABC series How To Get Away With Murder. Talk us through the creative process for that – how did you make your mark on her already very unique sounding track? (we’re big fans so please give loads of detail)
You want the details? So you need the entire story. In 2014 my debut album Untune placed twelfth on The Quietus’ list of albums of the year. Gazelle Twin topped the chart with Unflesh. I’d never heard of her, but the title and cover got me curious. A woman charting that high – I thought that she must be wonderful, you know “girl power” – had to be noted. I instantly fell in love. I thought she was genius. Soon after a Glasgow promoter invited both of us to play and The Quietus got involved in promotion of the show – serendipity. I would finally be able to see how she really looked under the pantyhose mask. It turned out we shared a dressing room.

I was extremely nervous to meet her in person. To the point that my manager had to just usher me into the room. Elizabeth tuned out to be a wonderful woman. I admire her in every inch. She mentioned that she was releasing Unflesh remixed and offered cooperation. I asked if it would be ok if I remixed ‘Belly of the Beast’ and so it began. I never anticipated such good response to this track. In my opinion the original is brilliant, so it was very difficult to change anything. I decided not to add but rather strip it down. Kind of echoed the sound. Instead of reverb – just a hint of dirt and bass. Only a little, not to mess with the genius.

Nine Inch Nails also recommended one of your tracks on their official Spotify playlist. How did you feel about that?
NIN are the music of my youth. I admired them during every stage of their career. They were the best example of an innovative band. A combination of heavy sound with electronic, dirty hits. It is kind of as if Jesus came down from heaven. Only you never believed in God. I didn’t want this to get into my head. I suppressed it, didn’t want this to mess with my head and make me think that’s me done. You know, the idea that Nine Inch Nails know you exist!

Finally, If you had to describe your music in three words, what would they be?
Distracted and inspired by everything…

Huge thanks to ZAMILSKA for answering our questions!

Order your copy of Zamilska’s album UNCOVERED here.

ZAMILSKA UK Tour Dates 2019
02/08/19 – The Shacklewell Arms, London
03/08/19 – Visions Festival, London

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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PLAYLIST: April 2019

It’s a brand new month and that means we’ve got a brand new playlist of new music to share with you! April has been another month of musical discovery for us, and we’re excited to share our top picks with you all. Take some time to scroll through our words and hit play on the Spotify link at the bottom of the page…

Lupa J – ‘The Crash’ 
‘The Crash’ is the latest single from Lupa J which she’s also recently dropped a pretty slick video to. With sounds evocative of early Grimes and touches of Alice Glass, we’re loving this track at Get In Her Ears. Of the track Lupa J says: “”I wrote this just over a year ago now, and I was in a really unhappy place. I had barely any friends in the city I lived in; instead focusing my energy on a long term relationship that was starting to eat away at me and my sanity more than it grew me, and I was starting to realise more and more I had a lot of previously repressed & unexplored queer desire.” (Tash Walker)

Tacocat – ‘The Joke Of Life’
Our fave Seattle pop-punks Tacocat are releasing their new album This Mess Is A Place on 5th May via Sub-pop records, and this is the latest single to be lifted form the record. This band never fail to put a smile on my face, always providing a buoyant guitar tune that makes for a reassuring listen during these misguided and politically turbulent times. Long live Tacocat! (Kate Crudgington)

Panic Pocket – ‘Pizza In My Pants’
Taken from Panic Pocket’s new EP Never Gonna Happen, ‘Pizza In My Pants’ is a fun-filled look at the common expectations society holds women to, and is filled with a playful energy and self-deprecating humour. Oozing honey-sweet harmonies alongside shimmering melodies and a gritty synth-driven energy, it’s another luscious (and super relatable!) slice of indie-pop from the duo, showcasing all there is to love about them. Never Gonna Happen, the new EP from Panic Pocket, is out now via Reckless Yes. And we cannot wait for them to play for us at our next night at The Finsbury on 10th May, along with Crumbs, Charismatic Megafauna and Rookes. (Mari Lane)

Grizzly Coast – ‘Half-Light Boy’ 
“Will you shine for them, like I shined for you?” asks Grizzly Coast on her bitter sweet new single ‘Half-Light Boy’. The track is a “sobering realization that not every person you encounter will have the same heart as you”. It’s not all doom and gloom though! Grizzly Coasts’ buoyant guitar and gentle yet sturdy vocals are a reminder that “someone else’s lack of care for you is often due to something lacking in them – it is never an expression of what you deserve”. The story behind ‘Half-Light Boy’ will resonate with anyone who’s felt like like they’re shining the spotlight on someone else, whilst simultaneously living in their shadow. (KC)

ABBIE OZARD – ‘Growing Pains’
I am loving the latest single from Manchester based Abbie Ozard, ‘Growing Pains’ keep your eyes peeled for a full debut EP still to come later this year – mine are wide wide open. (TW)

Sølv – ‘Bittersweet’ 
Bittersweet’ is the first taste of Sølv that we’ve had following the release of her acclaimed Codeine EP in 2017 and it’s a banger. Tripped out hazy waves, warped vocals all mixed together in electronic beats. Yes please.(TW)

Bamboo – ‘Weeping Idols’ (ML)
Taken from Bamboo‘s upcoming third album, ‘Weeping Idols’ is an uplifting and subtly captivating offering. Propelled by a thunderous sense of urgency, a twinkling soundscape is created as swirling interwoven melodies and chiming hooks provide the backdrop for Rachel Horwood (Trash Kit)’s soaring majestic vocals. Daughters Of The Sky, the upcoming new album from Bamboo, is out on 14th June via Upset The Rhythm. Pre-order here. (ML)

Witching Waves – ‘Best Of Me’ 
The latest single from trio Witching Waves, ‘Best Of Me’ races with a jangly twang and punk-fuelled energy. Alongside fast-paced hooks and raw, impassioned vocals, I just can’t get enough of visceral power. Formed of Emma, Mark and Estella (Big Joanie and Charmpit), I just love Witching Waves’ unrelenting DIY post-punk sound and frenetic sense of urgency. Persistence, the new album from Witching Waves, is out now. (ML)

Mammoth Penguins – ‘Closure’
The latest single from Cambridge trio Mammoth Penguins, ‘Closure’ is a reflective offering, oozing the rich, impassioned power of Emma Kupa’s vocals alongside the band’s trademark jangly hooks and shimmering emotion, showcasing the their ability to make me feel all the feels on every listen. Of the track, Emma explains: “Closure is a song about an interaction, or day, or moment, or occurrence when something shifts and feelings that you may have been carrying around for a while just dissipate. I think real closure can be quite rare and incredibly profound.” Having left us with butterflies in our stomachs with their dreamy indie-pop offerings playing for us at our last night at The Finsbury, Mammoth Penguins’ new album There’s No Fight We Can’t Both Win, is out today, 26th April, via Fika Recordings. (ML)

Seraphina – ‘Backbone’ 
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I am loving what Seraphina is bringing out at the moment! Such rich sound and soul. ‘Backbone’ is her last single which is out now and all about wanting someone you shouldn’t…and all the messy head-fuckery that it brings. Just fantastic. (TW)

Jessica Winter – ‘Sleep Forever’ 
I am so late to the Jessica Winter party, but thanks to a suggestion from one of our writers (thanks Cazz!) I have arrived and I am ready to immerse myself in her captivating sound. She’s a DIY Producer who fuses elements of trap and gothic electronica and her vocals are spellbinding. Jessica also has a strong presence in the LGBTQ scene, putting on Hate The Haus club nights across London to celebrate a range of talent while supporting ethical causes. ‘Sleep Forever’ is an introduction to her upcoming EP Let’s Keep It Shallow, due out in September. (KC)

FKA TWIGS – ‘Cellophane’
FKA Twigs seems to re-emerge whenever my heart’s taken a bit of a beating, and I’m always so relieved when she does. ‘Cellophane’ is her first release since 2016 and she’s co-created a breath-taking set of visuals and written a truly poignant and ballad. “Why don’t I do it for you?” she asks so gently – Oh Twigs! – you do it for me every time and I’m so glad to have your new music back in my life *cries* (KC)

Zamilska – ‘Hollow’ 
I am obsessed with Polish producer ZAMILSKA and I cannot wait to hear her new album Uncovered, which this track is taken from, when it’s released digitally on 10th May via her own label Untuned Records. Set around the theme of levitation, Zamilska’s industrial, techno-infused electronics have been haunting me (in a good way) from first listen. She’s been featured on Nine Inch Nails’ Spotify playlist, and remixed ‘Belly Of The Beast’ one of my fave tracks from my fave artist Gazelle Twin. Super talented and super exciting to see what she does next. (KC)

Peaches – ‘Boys Wanna Be Her’
Long time favourite, and total legend, Peaches is playing at The Southbank Centre in London on 28th August – I’m SO excited to finally be able to finally see her incredible, unique performance live! And ‘Boys Wanna Be Her’ is just the perfect celebratory anthem; as Peaches explains – “It’s just a celebration. Seriously. I want it to be like a post-gender and post-age celebration of becoming who you are.”
(ML)

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Track Of The Day: ZAMILSKA – ‘Hollow’

Dense, rhythmic, hypnotic beats permeate Polish producer ZAMILSKA‘s new single ‘Hollow’, the first track released from her upcoming album due later this summer. The jagged soundscape combines techno textures and intriguing vocal samples to reflect “the anxiety of what we want vs what we get”.

From Silesia, the coal-mining region of Poland, Natalia Zamilska’s music combines both melodic and industrial elements in a beautiful yet brutal fashion. Her work has attracted the attention of Nine Inch Nails, who recommended one of her tracks on their official Spotify playlist and recently she stepped into the gaming world and contributed to RUINER (Digital Dragon Award 2018 winner Best Polish Game Soundtrack), which features her music heavily throughout.

ZAMILSKA has also garnered acclaim from Radio BBC 6 Music’s Iggy Pop, Mary Anne Hobbs and Tom Ravenscroft, and with her superb remix of Gazelle Twin’s ‘Belly of the Beast’ which was played on the ABC series How To Get Away With Murder.

With her ability to create beats that ricochet around our skulls and her obvious talent for collaborating, we’re biting our nails in anticipation of ZAMILSKA’s upcoming record. Listen to ‘Hollow’ below and follow ZAMILSKA on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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