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ILUKA
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ILUKA
Genre: Indie, Pop
Region: Sydney, NSW
Members: ILUKA
Influences: Nancy Sinatra, Janis Joplin, Dusty Springfield
Artist Website: www.facebook.com/ilukamusic

Iluka defies definition. It’s as though this refreshing young Sydney songstress has fused half a century of music’s greatest elements to create something as unique as it is affecting. Effortlessly moving from swamp rock through retro pop and into soaring balladry, Iluka’s musical diversity is equalled only by its striking cohesion. With a bold and vibrant look to match her song, this spirited chanteuse delivers epic sounds, enchanting melodies, and divine vocals that will lead you on a journey to another realm.

While still in her teens Iluka spent over a year traveling through Europe and Africa, building up the life experience and emotional understanding that is now the foundation of her music. With a collection of lyrics written on the scraps of foreign street maps, and the musical ideas she formed while on the couches of welcoming strangers, Iluka returned to Australia with the passion and drive to succeed.

The year that followed was certainly prodigious. 2011 saw the release of EPs ‘To The Place’ and ‘Eyes Closed’, both wholeheartedly embraced by industry and public alike. Each featuring singles that went top 5 on community radio’s most ordered songs for airplay chart, with songs such as Walking In Circles, To The Place, and Eyes Closed going on to enjoy rotation on Triple J, Nova, and Rage. It wasn’t long before Iluka’s unique sound grabbed the attention of noted announcer Robbie Buck who kindly extended an invitation to perform live on ABC National. Meanwhile it was an exciting year on the live stage, from regular appearances on the local touring and festival circuit, to sharing stages with the likes of Matt Corby, The Rubens, and Georgia Fair, Iluka has been wooing audiences and gathering devoted fans around the country.

2012 commenced with some fresh recordings under the guidance of Ollie McGill from The Cat Empire. Lead single Paper Doll quickly gathered momentum, being featured and added to rotation on Triple J Digital, as well as regular spot play on Triple J and their inclusion of the track on charity compilation ‘After The Emergency’. It was a welcome surprise when news came of the song’s short listing for the Hottest 100. Follow-up single Delores and The Business Man went on to similar success, once again embraced by Triple J and added to rotation on Sydney’s FBi Radio. Iluka returned to the road by invitation of Clairy Browne & the Bangin’ Rackettes, opening their shows across greater Sydney. The year closed out and flowed into 2013 supporting Aussie legends Icehouse across NSW, ACT, and Victoria, including shows at The Enmore Theatre and four nights at The Crown Palms.

Following the Icehouse tour Iluka embarked on a month long expedition of inspiration across South East Asia. Spending time working with orphaned children in Cambodia, living in a Buddhist monastery on the Thai-Myanmar border, and trekking the mountains of Laos was enlightening to say the least. Iluka returned home to Sydney to open for UK sensation Kitty, Daisy & Lewis at The Metro Theatre along with news that she was to be named the inaugural winner of First Break - a competition run in partnership by The Mushroom Group and Commercial Radio Australia to unearth unsigned talent. With a prize that includes the release of two singles through Liberation, along with marketing, video clips, and the support of radio nationally, 2013 will no doubt see Iluka’s career reach new heights.


'…an old soul in a young body, with a maturity in both her sound and onstage nuances well beyond her twenty years, testament to the fact she has been immersed in music for most of her life'
- Faster Louder

'Innocent yet confident, she is enchanting and charming in these intimate settings.'
- The AU Review

‘With a voice like this, [ILUKA] could be joining the likes of Lanie Lane and Imaginary Cities on the list of cutting edge retro throwback singers, with stellar song writing skills to match.’
- The Orange Press

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Played on digital radio Delores & the Business Man
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Download mp3 - 3.68 mb
Played on triple j Played on digital radio Paper Doll
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Download mp3 - 3.57 mb

reviews

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Delores & the Business Man
rating:  5/5
This song's got a lot of different moods and movements but it holds your attention, and hopefully a wide grin, throughout. That's the mark of someone...
triplej



Paper Doll
rating:  4/5
Really really liked this. It sounds like it's from three different time periods at once. Great stuff!
triplej



Paper Doll
rating:  4/5
Geez grrrl, this is fun and jazzy. A vintage-style pop song set off by sassy vocals gives it a good balance. Is that a xylophone I hear in the backgr...
triplej



Paper Doll
rating:  4/5
Desperately hoping this song performed live comes complete with back up "shaloop-shaloop" dancers.. Super bright with a catchy hook. Really nice stuf...
triplej


more reviews