Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

I make pop music with lots of glitches and exaggerated sounds; "hyperpop" is a term often used to describe my music. When I was starting out I wasn't able to find band members to stick with me, so I depended on my laptop to make music and that's how I ended up with my sonics. Also, drum machines (unlike drummers) have no ego. 

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

I'm always inspired by other artists, so I can't say that I have ONE GREATEST source of inspiration. I like to make sure I'm across popular culture + music, read a lot, watch movies and stay curious.  

What can punters expect from a LÂLKA live show?

A cardio workout. Seriously. My music is not meant to be consumed standing still.  

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

I used to be really self-conscious about my singing voice, but Rromarin (Kult Kyss) helped me realise the uniqueness of my voice. She actually told me that I shouldn't take any singing lessons bc it'll just polish out all the unique qualities of my style and timbre. Rromarin is one of the best vocalists in AU (and the world) IMHO and to have her validate my voice meant a lot.  

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

Depends why they're crying?

If it's bc they're being bullied: my track 'Make U Nervous' - it's about being aware of one's own power and how it makes others wary of you. Take back your power, make them quake in their boots!

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

This might sound weird but 'Alight' by Ninajirachi. It's not a sad song, but you know how it kinda hurts when you're obsessed/have an intense crush on someone???? That sentiment of being so infatuated but it's all inside your mind and they probably don't know is kinda bittersweet. 

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

'Atomic Blonde' by LÂLKA (feat. BRUX) - that drop is meant to make every ass on the DF shake. 

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

I went to a festival on Boxing Day 2020. I'm usually pretty depressed around Christmas time (it's complicated) so I decided to go to a festival and do a solo rave. It was cathartic.  

Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.

• Tim Shiel - his conversations always provoke me to consider my own artistic practice 
• The people who have worked so hard on independent music publications (shout out Emma from Purple Sneakers and Hayden from Pilerats, for example) - their FB pages got Zuck'ed recently, but I've always admired the way they had spent years taking the time to search for and break emerging Australian artists
• Nina Las Vegas - she is an amazing curator, and her contributions have made such an impact on the AU music scene 
• Kučka - for carving her own sonic path 
• Tkay Maidza - for absolutely killing it, doing her own thing! 

What are your plans for the rest of 2021?

I'm gonna do a worldwide livestream on 20th March of me performing new music (as in, in real-time, not pre-recorded) and with augmented reality visuals. I've missed performing soooo much after what 2020 served us, so I am really looking forward to this! After that I'm gonna knuckle down and finish my next body of work (that I've already started). On the frivolous front, I'd really like (but probably can't afford) to get a pair of high-end designer sneakers (Balenciaga is my top preference) so if there's anyone out there who feels generous, HMU.