Ayka

Name, where are you from?
My name is Ayka, birth name Ayça, and I’m from Norway.

Describe your style in three words?
Comfortable, cheap and chameleon-like.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Kings of Leon at Hovefestivalen 2013 and Stereolab at Øyafestivalen 2019. At the first one I was fifteen years old, completely sober and accompanied by my best friend - we succumbed to the loudness and energy. Standing at the front and truly experiencing live music for the first time. We were also convinced that the bassist was eyeing us. At the second I was twenty-one, tipsy and by myself. Being in a crowd usually makes me uncomfortable and too aware of myself and those around me - but this concert had me completely emotionally engaged. I felt hypnotized.

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
Syd Barrett and Gorillaz. They’ve both been very influential to me from a young age and I always return to them after periods without. It’s some of the most genuine and genial music I know of.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
I’m the worst at name dropping genres and jargon. I have no idea. Both of my parent’s had punk phases but they were left behind when I entered - apart from the occasional dreadlocks and buzz cut hairstyles. But my mother listened to Sade and Sting and my father listened to King Crimson and The Doors. And they both listened to Aretha Franklin. I was influenced by a mishmash of cultures.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Probably Amy Winehouse - she’s a wonder.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
I really enjoyed playing at this tiny record store called Baklengs in Oslo. Everyone was cramped up and uncomfortably close with each other and it was totally embarrassing when the show ended and I had to turn my back and gear down a centimetre away from the audience. I think they were embarrassed as well and felt they had to rush out. It was a very intimate and human experience - and I remembered thinking that I want to play in more tiny spaces all over the world.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Abner Jay - his storytelling is hilarious and depressive in a magnificent way. Terrible things! If you wanna feel cool and have a laugh - listen to his album 'One Man Band'.

Ayka released her debut EP 'I'll Show Myself Out Now' via Luft Recordings on 5th November 2021. Listen, purchase or stream it via ayka.ffm.to/illshowmyselfoutnow.

Ayka will also be playing her debut UK show in support of her label-mate Sassy 009 at the Sebright Arms on 16th November 2021. Tickets are available here.