MALKA Interview by Carol Wright
When did creating music go from a hobby to something you could see yourself doing as a career? I first started singing when I was studying a degree in fashion. I would sing on other people’s beats or cover versions of songs. But I soon began writing my own music. I was offered a small record deal very early on in my career and I knew then that it was something that I wanted to do for my job. What is your songwriting process? I have changed the way I write a lot over the years. I used to always write the lyrics first and then pick up an instrument and create the melody line last. Now I create beats and melodies first and work on the instrumentation later. Changing the way I write means I develop as a writer and I don’t always go for the same style as previous releases. Tell us a bit about your new album, I’m Not Your Soldier. What inspired the name of the record and the tone? The title came from the first line in one of the songs on the album called Don’t Believe It. The record is a really honest depiction of where I am in my life right now. I am not trying to please anyone or conform or fit in, and I feel that I know myself. The idea of not being a soldier — being my own person and not falling in line — felt appropriate as a title, as that theme 9
runs throughout the record. What is your favorite song on the record? It changes all the time, but I think at the moment it is probably ‘Hardly Sleep’. It is more on the experimental side of things, but still has a really catchy chorus. I feel like it really captures that mania of not getting enough to sleep, it’s a little wonky and wild in the chorus and then calmer in the verses. Why did ‘Taking it Back’ seem like the right fit as the lead single for I’m Not Your Soldier? Why did you want that song to introduce listeners to this new album? ‘Taking It Back’ showcases the record really well. It shows all the intricacies of the music but also has a killer chorus that gets stuck in your head. It was the obvious choice for the lead single for me as it is pop — but also left of centre - and that is the sound of the album sewn into one song. As a musician, you’re constantly evolving and that can be seen through your new record. What did you learn about yourself while creating I’m Not Your Soldier? I have definitely grown in confidence with my own production skills from working on this record. Paul Savage produced the album, and when I came into the
