From the moment Ikonika exploded onto the scene with her stunning debut 12" for Hyperdub, Please / Simulacrum, it was clear that a singularly talented producer had arrived, and it immediately caused a lot of people to sit up and take notice.

The rhythmic propulsion, atonal melody and woozy synths of Please were simultaneously alien and emotive, uncomfortable yet catchy. Affecting physically and emotionally, it had both immediacy and depth.

This was just Ikonika finding her feet though. "My first releases were exercises," she explains. "I wanted to test the dancefloor, but also strike a balance between crying and dancing."

Since then, she has continued to hone and evolve her sound with releases on Hyperdub and Planet Mu as well remixing DJ Mujava, Eero Johannes, Brown Acid and Computer Jay.

Now, with a string of equally brilliant 12"s under her belt, she is about to invite you to immerse yourself in the world of Ikonika with the release of her debut album, Contact, Love, Want, Have.

The album process has been as much a case of immersing herself in her music as it is for the listener though. "It was a bit of a struggle early on as I was still in my day job and trying to gig on the weekends," she explains. "I just had to quit my job and do it. I was struggling with no money to pay the bills, but it felt great to be at home and work on these tunes everyday."

The sacrifice has clearly paid off, and the finished product is a hypnotizing introduction to the inimitable sound of Ikonika, which demands the attention of the listener at every twist and turn. This is the sound of an artist harnessing their style, stepping into their stride and realizing their potential.

"I think I just wanted to develop my sound, find myself and see how far I could test myself. My previous singles were a bit all over the place, so I just wanted to feel grounded and comfortable as a producer. I definitely feel more confident about my music now, just knowing I can do something that people subconsciously want."

The album is brimming with this confidence, single-mindedly pushing forward her sound, and the album is all the richer for it. Showing an evolution from her early releases, yet remaining true to the fundamental characteristics of her sound, Ikonika is imbued in every beat, bassline and synth.

Finding a balance between harmony and cacophony, her futuristic sonics sound otherworldly yet human, enveloping the listener.  From the panoramic synths of Fish to the tight Funky rhythm of Psoriasis or the dissonant squelch of Millie's bassline, Ikonika squeezes an enormous amount of energy and feeling out of her pared-down compositions, ensuring that no element goes to waste, creating something that is more than the sum of its parts.

Now, with the album finished and about to enter into the public sphere, sitting back is the last thing on Ikonika's mind. Armed with the confidence of completing the album on her terms, this is just the start.

"Now that it's finished I just wanna carry on making tunes, doing remixes and gigging as much as possible," she explains. "My release schedule for this year is just growing. There are loads of remixes ready with a possible EP for Planet Mu. Also mine and Optimum's new label will surface as Hum&Buzz."

Welcome to the world of Ikonika.

The album will be available on CD and digital from April 6th, but there will be three vinyl singles to compliment it. The first release will be The Idiot on April 12th with a remix by Altered Natives on the flip. The other two are yet to be decided.

 

Words: Sam Collenette

 

• Ikonika
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• Hyperdub

Related Links:

• Ikonika Readies Debut Album For Hyperdub
• Happy Birthday Hyperdub
• Hyperdub Reveal 2011 Plans
• Hyperdub Release '5'
• They Live Interview

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