Memphis LK is “trying to make music no one’s ever heard before”, mixing her love of pop with the sounds of underground dance to create her forward-thinking music.

Memphis started on her music journey when she joined a band but always had sounds playing in her head she desired to create. To find her distinctive sound, Memphis taught herself how to make beats, write and produce her own music.

Like many artists, Memphis utilised the free time from the pandemic to focus on expanding her discography. The artist-Like many artists, Memphis utilised the free time from the pandemic to focus on expanding her discography. The artist-producer has been eagerly waiting for restrictions to be lifted, and now this could be Memphis’ time to break out as an artist, as she was just voted one of Pigeons and Planes best new artists. 

Memphis LK’s wispy voice and remarkable production combines to create some of the catchiest and addictive pop-dance sounds. She is currently working on her debut EP and has many other future exciting projects lined up.

CULTED interviewed Memphis LK and chatted with the Melbourne artist-producer about her future projects, personal style and music journey.

You write songs in your bedroom, how did that start? 
I was in bands growing up, but I always had this music in my head, or music that I would be listening to that I wanted to make but didn’t know how. I started playing around with Garageband and then later discovered Ableton which opened up an entirely new world of music creation. I realized I could make any sound I wanted with just a laptop.

Did the pandemic play a role in shaping your music?
I put out a few songs before the pandemic where I was experimenting with different sounds. I decided to use the time in lock downs over the past two years to get really good at producing so I could be at a point where I could finish songs entirely by myself. I’ve come out the other side with that ability and so much clarity in my sound and I’m really excited.

What is your favourite song you’ve released so far? 
My latest release “tricky”, which was the first song I’d put out in nearly two years. That’s technically my favourite, but in terms of my actual favourite, those are not released yet.

What would you say your music is described as? 
It’s pop music that’s heavily influenced by underground sounds like breakbeat and garage and dnb. I’m trying to make music no one’s heard before.

Who are your favourite artists/biggest inspirations for your sound? 
My favourite producer is Four Tet. His music is mainly instrumental but there’s so much emotion in it. I also really love Bicep, Disclosure, Tame Impala – there are so many. 

Grimes has influenced me because she is very DIY. She was one of the first female producers I saw when I was growing up who was completely making music herself, which inspired me to learn to produce.

When did you start taking a liking for fashion? 
I don’t know much about fashion, I was always the kid at school who would wear weird shit. In grade five I used to wear my school dress with track pants underneath it and a D12 beanie. It was deeply uncool but other people actually started doing it too. I never really felt I needed to conform to what other people were wearing, I just have always worn my own thing.

Who influences your personal style? 
Me.

Do you have any exciting projects coming in the future you’d like to share? 
I’m finishing my debut EP which is coming out later this year. I’m also working on remixes for some big international artists and getting my live show ready for an Australia/New Zealand tour later in the year supporting Hayden James.

What are you manifesting for yourself in the next year? 
Playing big shows. I think my music belongs on a big stage with a lot of people dancing to it.

I’m manifesting to grow my audience in the US, the UK and Europe. I would love to eventually move overseas. I want to expand my music beyond Australia.

And to just keep making and putting out music that I love. I also would love to collaborate with the artists that inspire me.

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