Elkka explores queer sexuality in debut album ‘Prism of Pleasure’

Elkka has announced her debut album 'Prism of Pleasure,' will be released on May 3, via Ninja Tune —with lead single, ‘Make Me’ available now.

Featuring 10 tracks written by the artist over 18 months, 'Prism of Pleasure' is said to explore queer intimacy and Elkka's identity as an LGBTQ+ artist.

Rooted in this ideology is the EP artwork which features Elkka, as photographed by her wife and artistic collaborator Alex Lambert, representing the female gaze.

“It’s like a celebration of [how far] I’ve come,” Elkka revealed in a press release, “I was never taught about queer pleasure. I was never taught how important that is – not just sexually but generally in life. So I wanted to explore all of that more deeply.”

Read this next: Get to know Elkka, the Femme Culture founder merging classic and future-facing sounds

The Cardiff-born DJ and Producer dropped the first taste of the EP a day ago, ‘Make Me’ is an infectious dance track featuring sensual disco-esque vocals, exploring Elkka’s “sensual joy as a bold, queer woman.”

Sharing her joy on Instagram, Elkka wrote: “Make Me is one of the first tracks I wrote for this project. It really sums up the album for me. Its about connection and vulnerability you feel with someone whilst laced with this uncontrollable intensity and passion.”

Along with ‘Make Me,’ is the previously released ‘I Just Want To Love You,’ a stripped-back electronic track featuring emotive breathy vocals and ‘Passionfruit,’ with John Carroll Kirby, which takes a leisurely journey, building tension from shimmering piano and rhythmic synth to heavenly vocals and hissing high-hats before.

Though established in Elkka’s experimental, electronic dance sound, the artist wants to “surprise” listeners in her exploration of different sounds and moods on ‘Prism of Pleasure.' Unheard tracks from the album are said to include, silky, slow records to tracks with steady “undulating synth patterns.”

Born and raised in South Wales, the artist began DJing, writing and producing after moving to London before eventually launching club night and record label, femme culture.

In 2021, Elkka was awarded the BBC’s Essential Mix of the Year award.

Elkka also announced four European ‘Elkka Presents: Prism of Pleasure,’ the tickets for which are available for pre-sale now.

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Tracklist:

1.'Break all my walls down'
2. 'Right Here'
3. 'Make Me'
4. 'Crushhh' ft. John Caroll Kirby
5. 'Air Tight' ft. Dot Major
6. 'Your Skin'
7. 'Passionfruit' ft. John Caroll Kirby
8. 'I Just Want To Love You'
9. 'surrender2me'
10. 'FCKD It'

To sign up for pre-sale of 'Prism of Pleasure,' click here, for info on tickets and more, click here.

Listen to 'Make Me,' down below.