“As I’ve grown older and more self-aware, I try to use anger as fuel for action rather than letting it consume me.” LÂLKA’s ability to channel emotions like anger into creative energy is central to her creative expression. The classically-trained producer, vocalist, and DJ brings this philosophy to her newest single, “Yuh.” The track blends trap beats with traditional Chinese music elements, all while delivering a powerful message.
In our interview, we discuss how her heritage influences her sound, how she navigates the underrepresentation of women in electronic music, and how chaos and structure co-exist in both her personality and her art.
Photography by Michelle Pitiris
“Yuh” blends trap and traditional Chinese music elements. How does your background influence your creations?
Growing up, my Ah Kong (grandfather) would have Chinese movies playing on TV. I took a lot of inspiration from my memories of those classic films.
The track’s message centers on the dismissal of women’s anger. I believe that anger can be a powerful force when transformed into something positive. How do you see anger playing a role in your music? Do you believe it can be used as a tool for creating change rather than destruction?
Throughout history, we’ve seen countless examples of women harnessing their anger to create positive change. From suffragettes to social justice advocates, we’ve witnessed how they’ve used anger as a catalyst for progress. As I’ve grown older and more self-aware, I try to use anger as fuel for action rather than letting it consume me.
What kind of feedback are you hoping to receive from “Yuh,” especially from women who might connect with its message on a personal level?
Although “Yuh” is an expression of my own personal experiences, I share my music with the hope that people enjoy it. I also don’t think that only women can resonate with it — I hope it connects with people of all genders and backgrounds. You don’t have to be a woman to have had the unfortunate experience of being gaslit.
You’ve described your sound as having a touch of “playful chaos,” and I love that. Do you think this also reflects your personality?
Yes and no. I have a pretty serious personality, but those closest to me also get to catch glimpses of my playful humor. As an autistic person, I enjoy structure, and honestly, too much chaos stresses me out. For example, my personal space is kept incredibly tidy. However, my mind is constantly swirling with ideas, and within music and art, I love experimentation, so there’s a sense of unpredictability that often finds its way into my music.
“Kindness requires strength, courage, and a genuine desire to uplift others. This is different from being nice, which often prioritizes the needs of others over our own.”
How do you think the music industry treats women’s voices in electronic and bass music? Have you faced challenges in being heard or taken seriously in this space?
Women, especially women of color, are underrepresented, for sure. Rather than dwelling on obstacles, I focus on areas within my control, like uplifting marginalized voices whenever possible.
In previous interviews, you’ve mentioned artists like Grimes and Porter Robinson as inspirations. What inspires you as an artist beyond musicians? Nature? Love? (Smiles)
I’m a big fan of other art forms, especially literature, film, and visual arts. My personal life experiences and emotions are a constant source of inspiration, as well as social issues and current events. I’m also fascinated by technology and innovation, which often push me to explore new boundaries. The work I create reflects my reality — whether that’s social injustices or the immense amount of time I spend in digital realms. In fact, I am chronically online and live so much of my life on the internet. I guess I have to say that the internet and online culture play a huge role in influencing me.
The most important thing in life is?
This is such a general question, but the answer is so personal; I think you’ll get different answers from everyone you ask. For me, creativity and self-expression have always been incredibly important. Growing up, I was constantly in trouble for not conforming! I was always at odds with societal expectations, always yearning for something more.
I also try my best to embrace curiosity and learning, to think deeply and challenge myself to become a better version of myself. And to be kind, which is different from being nice. This distinction is often not realized by many girls and women, as we’ve been conditioned by the patriarchy to be submissive and prioritize the needs of others over our own. But kindness requires strength, courage, and a genuine desire to uplift others.
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