With talents ranging from international gymnastics to fashion design, as well as singing and songwriting, it seems that Malka (aka Tamara Schlesinger) can do no wrong. Having featured on the soundtrack of ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’, been part of the group 6 Day Riot and released two solo albums, Schlesinger has now decided to record under the new name of MALKA.

Following singles ‘Into The Night’ and ‘Let It Go’ (a Track Of The Week on Gigslutz), Malka has now released her debut solo album filled with tribal sounds, uptempo beats, honey-sweet vocals and jangly melodies. Filled with joyfully smooth, chilled out vibes, it’s the perfect summer playlist. We caught up with MALKA to find out about her journey to where she is today:

Hi Tamara (or MALKA, should we say), how are you and what have you been up to recently?
Hi Gigslutz! I’m fine thanks!

Well, I run my own label and it’s been release week so I have been running around working on all promotion, playing some live shows and sessions with the band and generally panicking about how to make this release a success.

Let’s set some context: so, what does MALKA actually represent? Where did the name come from?
MALKA represents a new start, a fresh name and a fresh sound. It means queen in both Hebrew and Arabic. I found a Peruvian warrior headdress in a second hand shop, it inspired the artwork. I had already decided that the tribal beats and rhythms of the new sound would suit the concept of a tribal warrior queen and so MALKA was born.

What led to the decision to perform under the name?
I felt the need for a change of sound and I didn’t want to be a “solo” artist as such. I wanted to have a name that represented me and my sound, and I wanted to separate myself from previous projects.

You’ve been involved in a lot of different formats of bands and have experimented in many ways when it comes to making music, what led you to return to the solo format?
To be honest, I find it easier and freer to work on something alone. It was refreshing not to have to check if anyone else liked the songs or the sounds and instruments that I wanted to add. There were times towards the end of 6 Day Riot (the band Malka used to be in) that it was difficult to get everyone together in a room and to agree on how best to make things work. I needed a change and a new sense of freedom.

So, you prefer working on your own?
At times, I miss the camaraderie of being in a band; having someone else to bounce ideas off and someone who has the same worries about the success of a project.  But I have found it hugely rewarding working on this myself. I played everything on the record, designed all the artwork and it feels so much more personal because of that. Plus, I now have a live band so I have that “band” feel again which is lovely.

Your latest album, Marching To Another Beat, was released on Monday. What can you tell us about the album as a whole?
The album is really a reflection of where I am in my life. Previously I tended to write about politics and social commentary, or I was inspired by novels and films. But this time I was as honest as I could be. Lyrically, it is very personal to me, it just feels very natural to me to be creating this kind of music. I love tribal beats and fuzzy synths. I used to write by picking up an acoustic guitar or ukulele, but this time I wrote to beats – it feels more primal because of that.

The only date you have publicly announced so far is a slot at WAME festival in August, can we expect to see a tour anytime soon?
Yes, the album has come out a little late to capitalise on festival season unfortunately. But that’s how things can work when you do it yourself. I am planning a tour for Autumn. And the band really are sounding amazing live (I’m mainly dancing around this time), and I love performing, so we will definitely get on the road and play some shows.

What do you consider to be the main distinction (apart from not having band mates of course) that separates your solo work from your work that came as a result with 6 day riot?
I think the catchy melodies are still there but the overall sound has massively changed. There’s a maturity to the music, although there is definitely still some playfulness. And of course 6DR was all acoustic and this is completely electro. We can’t play a thing unless we are plugged in, which is odd for me after years of playing on the folk scene, but a necessary change.

Who would you consider as your greatest influences as an artist?
Growing up I listened to The Beatles and The Carpenters on family car trips and I would say that melody has always been important to me. But as a teenager I loved Kylie through to Radiohead and Crowded House, so anything went. I just love a good song really.

Also, are there any other current bands or artists that are catching your eye at the minute?
I am a big fan of St-Vincent and Tune-yards. I have been for a while. I saw St Vincent a few months back and she was just amazing live, it was very theatrical.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Damon Albarn: I have always wanted to work with him. He is like a chameleon – constantly changing and developing, it’s very inspiring.

Finally, how would you summarise your musical journey, starting back in 2004 until present, in three words?
Long, frustrating, magical.

 

Huge thanks to MALKA for answering our questions! 

Marching To Another Beat is out now, get your hands on it here.