Episode 29: ILUKA

ILUKA. Credit: Supplied

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If you’ve been listening to music over the last decade, then the name ILUKA might be one you’ve come across. After all, when you give even a cursory listen to her music, it’s easy to see why her profile has been rising so rapidly in recent years.

Born in Australia but now based in America, ILUKA grew up playing music, with this love being fostered by classic names like Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin – all of which are names often used in descriptors of her own music.

But her music is far beyond derivative; it’s born out of a soul background and filtered through a pop lens that results in an inimitable, timeless quality that leaves ILUKA with a reputation as an artist who is impossible to ignore.

In 2022, she released her debut album, Queen Of Turbulent Hearts, which arrived after years of singles and EPs. Now based in Los Angeles, she’s been entering her new era with the release of plenty of fresh singles. Now, she’s gearing up to release a lot more amazing music in the near future, so keep your eye out, because if you don’t yet know her, ILUKA’s is one name you’ll be hearing plenty of.

This week, the wonderful ILUKA is my guest, and she was a true dream to chat to – a great example of a musician doing everything they can to achieve their dreams and make the most of every opportunity that comes her way.

I strongly urge you to check out ILUKA’s latest batch of new music, and once you’re done giving that a spin, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

ILUKA’s Trusty Chords

ILUKA’s One Influential Artist

1. St. Vincent

ILUKA’s Three Impactful Albums

1. Joni Mitchell – Blue (1971)

2. Marvin Gaye – What's Going On (1971)

3. Fleetwood Mac – Rumours (1977)

ILUKA’s Five Trusty Songs

1. Chappell Roan – 'Casual' (2022)

2. Kate Bush – 'This Woman's Work' (1989)

3. Ethel Cain – 'American Teenager' (2022)

4. St. Vincent – 'New York' (2017)

5. Lana Del Rey – 'California' (2019)