New Release – Flashlight by MALKA
Tamara Schlesinger (Scotland) first made waves on the music scene as the frontwoman of acclaimed alt-folk collective 6 Day Riot and also as a prolific songwriter. Now as MALKA she weaves mesmeric rhythms among a charge of irresistible and instantaneous melodies. At the core of MALKA is honest songwriting. Whether that is day-glo, clattering brilliance or a pared-down hymnal for bedtime, Schlesinger always remains true to herself.
Tamara is also the founder of all female/non binary songwriting collective Hen Hoose, The project which is funded by Creative Scotland aims to level the playing field with gender representation in the music industry for songwriters and producers. Hen Hoose has been recognised by both the John Lennon Foundation and The Big Issue for their work for gender equality.
MALKA’s new album ‘Anatomy of Sight’ will be released in late 2023. The album is written, recorded, engineered and produced by Tamara. The lead single ‘Flashlight’ is out on 21st March. A pre-save is available.
“The song is about feeling a bit lost and struggling with life but also about having a person who is there for you and guides you through the dark times when you need them the most. I have had long Covid for nearly three years now, and I guess that this is a lot about the emotions of the rollercoaster of dealing with that.”
“This was the first track that I wrote when I realised that I had found “a sound” for what would become the new album. I have been producing at home over the last few years and I wasn’t sure if I would make a new record of my own or not, and this song triggered the whole process. I really enjoyed getting into my synths, I always find it inspiring to change up the instrument that I write with. And this time, I was led by all the fun sounds and moods of the synths that I had bought over the last few years, like my Microfreak and Grandmother Moog.”
“The song was recorded in my home studio. I have been working hard over the last few years to get better at production and this is the first album that I have produced and recorded fully myself. There is a lot of freedom in being able to create the exact sound that you envisage in your head. The song was mixed by a good friend of mine Orvar Thorvaldsson at his home studio. And mastered by Katie Tavini (4 x MPG mastering engineer of the year nominee).”
“I made the cover art myself. I studied fashion when I was younger and I have always loved art. I usually create all my own artwork and style my photoshoots. I feel like it is just an extra way of passing on your creative message to people that listen to or discover your music.”
“I am always excited when I am sharing new music. I think that you should always feel that your latest release is your best, that you are evolving and developing as a musician and artist as you go through your career. For me, I have high hopes every time I release something, and I hope for everyone else to love the music as much as I do. I am excited to share it with the world.”