When it comes to music, the possibilities are endless and electronica star EMIKA confirms this within her music. Known to push the boundaries on synth-pop and techno, the musician debuted her VEGA VR soundtrack earlier this year, leading us into a mystic soundscape filled with leading bass lines and oscillating synths. Sitting in-between the likes of Nero and Crystal Castles, the talent propels us into her downtempo world for the mix, while showcasing atmospheric melodies and ear-worming echos.

“In terms of creating there’s no pressure, making music is part of who I am,” the artist said while speaking on her music. “The pressure comes from people who are involved in the non-creative aspect. This isn’t just a problem with labels, this is a problem with anything in art and entertainment when money is involved.  Because the people who mostly deal with money don’t care about the art itself, they care about what the art can do for them.”

From launching her own label in aims to support other artists to developing her sound over the years, the artist is ready to take the next step in her career by venturing into the world of NFTs. Sitting down with us virtually, the artist breaks down her sound and what’s next.

Check out the interview below and for more information visit her website…

Hey Emika how are you, how has this past year been?
Just like the rest of the world, ups and downs and challenges. But I’ve been able to turn things around with innovation, embracing my independence and redefining what it means to be a musician and an artist. And since then things have been a lot better.

With everything that happened last year, was your creativity affected?
In times like these it’s only gotten better. I’ve had to find new solutions and deal with things that aren’t available anymore.

How did you first get into music, what sparked the interest?
Truthfully when I was young, music was more forced on me. And through that I found my own way and passion for it. But I like to think of it more like just one of my mediums as an artist.

You’re from Milton Keynes but moved to Berlin, why the change? Do you feel like it impacted your music?
In the UK I experienced some traumatic events that made me want to start over, when I was deciding places to go, Germany seemed like a good option and while I was in Berlin I was able to soak up the local sound.

And then you launched your own label Emika Records, what made you want to do this?
It’s a common story by now that artists often get taken advantage of. And unfortunately because art has become a business even the nicest people will sometimes take advantage. I wanted to create something that did not operate like a label. Through this I’m able to fully explore my music, creativity, reach out to fans more directly and the process is more transparent. I’ve been able to bring this knowledge and experience to new artists without compromising their freedom or artistic integrity.

You’ve been very consistent with your music over the years, have you felt any pressures at all?
In terms of creating there’s no pressure, making music is part of who I am. The pressure comes from people who are involved in the non-creative aspect. This isn’t just a problem with labels, this is a problem with anything in art and entertainment when money is involved. Because the people who mostly deal with money don’t care about the art itself, they care about what the art can do for them.

How do you think your sound has progressed over the years?
The evolution of my sound you can hear it from beginning to end on my new trilogy of albums called VEGA, which I decided not to put on streaming platforms so it’s just available for the people who value it most. On VEGA I it’s more reflective of where I was in the beginning of my career, it’s more synthy with bassy beats and has a darker side. VEGA III reflects where I went to with solo piano and orchestral parts. And Part II in between reflects the transition between these worlds.

Who inspires you?
I find inspiration in everything. Sometimes it’s a person, sometimes it’s a random butterfly flying around. Inspiration doesn’t have to come from a person.

What’s next for you? What are you most excited for?
I’m on the road of embracing my independence even more, through places like my patreon and by selling my music directly to listeners and fans who appreciate it rather than just putting it up on streaming platforms where I can’t really feel who really appreciates it or values it. Outside of just music I’ve also been exploring the world of art and one of the areas that is exciting for me is NFTs despite the negative impression it has on some people. So far I’m not impressed with how NFTs are being utilised because it’s a reflection of the biggest issue in the music industry and the art world; over commercialisation.
Right now my approach to NFTs minimises environmental impact by not just constantly minting. I hope to elevate the medium by creating audio and visuals that not anyone can make.
Looking into next year VR will also be a major part of my creative direction. While I don’t want to give away all of my plans, people can have a preview of things I plan to develop and bring into the VR space if they look up any of my past 360 dome planetarium shows and watch the VEGA VR Soundtrack that I produced on YouTube.