'5 Questions With': Bklava
"The fact that I still have the ability to release music in this weird and stressful time has been a blessing to me..."
Carving out a unique space for herself in the burgeoning new wave of UK females taking over the electronic scene; Irish-Lebanese artist Bklava is incorporating her own powerful vocals, unique sound and addictive blend of pop melodies and bouncing basslines into the industry. Raised in South London, and now residing in Brighton, the multifaceted musician is not only an artist in her own right but is the creator of Spin Suga collective - a network promoting women and non-binary artists to break into the scene, giving them a platform in the electronic music industry (did someone say #bossbabe?). Recently appointed as a new monthly Rinse FM resident, Bklava garnered attention with her Take Time / Slow Down EP. Self-describing her music as ‘non-stop bops and flava’ that’s yet to come, Bklava’s shimmering ascent to the upper echelons of UK dance music is well under-way, and we caught up with her ahead of the remix of her powerful new single ‘Back To Then’ by Todd Edward. Today, we talk music, heritage and touch upon mental health in this insightful Q&A.
Read the interview below…
Words by Danielle Temeng
EQ: Hi Lara, first of all, how did you come up with your stage name ‘Bklava’ (because it’s a unique one), and I’m guessing it’s to do with your Lebanese heritage, how does this all play into your music?
B: I came up with the stage name because I wanted something true to me, and something that had a connection to my heritage so it seemed fitting. Baklava is not only one of my favourite desserts, but it’s a traditional Middle Eastern dessert, and after a big meal with the family, we would always gather round at the TV and our Teta (English: grandma) would bring Baklava for us to eat and it was kind of a ritual so it’s got sentimental value to me. I’d like to incorporate my heritage into my music more and I think over time I’d love to take the opportunity to travel to Beirut and record sounds from the streets the people the music instruments and surrounding and put that into my production. Definitely something I’m working towards in the future.
EQ: You’re a very multi-faceted DJ & Producer, which is seen to be a male-dominated area of music. What’s it like being a female in this space, do you feel like you’re afforded the same opportunities?
B: At the start of my career I was really aware of the indifference and there wasn’t a lot of female representation at the time, especially in the dance/electronic music industry. There’s still an imbalance now, but there are more Womxn and Non-Binary people in this field now than ever before and I think that’s due to all the Womxn who are providing platforms for people to learn DJ/production skills so they can get out there and start their careers. There are definitely enough Female DJ/Producers out there but they just need further representation and the subject of tokenism is just another story. I’ve never really known if I’ve ever been hired for my talent or as a token. I only ever know if there’s more than one girl on the lineup because most of the time I am the only girl on a male-dominated lineup and part of me does question my place on the lineup. I’ve been given a lot of amazing opportunities in the last few years and I’m so grateful to everyone who’s believed in me and my journey because it’s only made me recognise my abilities and the impact I can make and I recognise when it’s genuine so I appreciate that and everyone wants to be hired because they’re good! Otherwise, it just makes you question your abilities.
“There’s still an imbalance now, but there are more Womxn and Non-Binary people in this field now than ever before and I think that’s due to all the Womxn who are providing platforms for people to learn”
- BKLAVA
Instagram/@bklava
B: Spin Suga came to me when writing my dissertation on the gender imbalance in the music industry, and I really wanted to focus on women in the dance/electronic field because I didn’t understand why I didn’t know any Womxn in London/Brighton that were practising DJs/producers. I started off interviewing people that I could access through the friends of friends on Facebook and I remember being pleasantly surprised at how many people were tagged/reached out. I wanted to interview people at different stages in their career - whether they were starting out or if they were already established. My goal was to share these interviews in the hope that other womxn would see these and feel inspired to start themselves. Since then we’ve put on workshops, panel talks and even supported Annie Mac!
EQ: Your new track and visuals for ‘Back To Then’ - it’s such a psychedelic vibe. What was the inspiration for the creative?
B: “Back To Then” focuses on my mental health and the back and forth motion people feel in wanting to feel better but being close to giving up. I wrote this song when I was really very low but having this persona on social media that was very different. I wanted to show this juxtaposition in the visuals - the psychedelic nature would show the mess inside my mind, but my clothes/make-up and glamorous exterior would be hiding all of that underneath. I know there was a time when nothing was making me feel better except for when I dressed up and made an effort with my outfits- it was the only thing that made me feel like I had it together when it felt like I was falling apart.
EQ: And finally, what can we expect to hear from you the rest of the year into early 2021. Are there any EQUATE exclusives you can let us in on?
B: I’m really excited for what’s to come! You can expect some new music soon! My debut EP is ready and I’m really looking forward to you all hearing it! The fact that I still have the ability to release music in this weird and stressful time has been a blessing to me, and I hope 2021 I can do a live set when the clubs finally reopen!
YouTube/Bklava
Stream ‘Back To Then’ Remix by Todd Edward HERE
Keep up with Bklava on socials:
Instagram: @bklava