Words by Amar Gera December 5, 2023

Im gonna need to borrow that Dark Side vinyl at some point…

Homegrown singer-songwriter ILUKA has had a massive couple of years; from touring with longtime friends Lime Cordiale to playing across the country and releasing a slew of cherished singles, EPs and a mammoth album in Queen of Turbulent Hearts, she’s just about done it all. As of late, her talents have taken her to the City of Angels, Los Angeles, where she’s now set up shop for her creative endeavours. Now, she’s releasing her first single from her new home, unveiling her stirring new offering, ‘Haunted One’.

A darker, more grittier creation from the folk songstress, the single sees ILUKA backed by brooding guitars and drums that sound exactly like what you’d want from a Quentin Tarantino western. Even ILUKA’s accompanying harmonies manage to strike this fascinating blend between being soft and reassuring while remaining mysterious and a little bit spine-tingling. It’s a rollercoaster of feelings and emotions, one that comes together on the hook as ILUKA begs to be released from the chains that “hold me”, in what’s (in our humble opinion) her best release yet.

To celebrate the new single, we caught up with ILUKA from her new home in Los Angeles to get the deets on the vinyl that influenced the moody new release. Of course, she’s got impeccable taste, and if you’re looking for a quick rundown of the best albums of the 20th century, you’ve come to the right place. Check it below.

Bob Dylan – The Freewheelin’

This record changed my life as a young teenager when I was just starting out playing folk music in cafes and bars. The songs are anthems for peace and equality, and seem more relevant now than ever.

The Beach Boys – Summer Days (and Summer Nights)

I mean I live in California now so I had to include the Beach Boys! One of their more underrated records that I’ve always loved.

Pink Floyd – Dark Side of The Moon

I still return to this record when I need a reset on life and it never ceases to blow my mind…

King Krule – Self Titled

This record had a huge influence on me when it came out. It was bleak and violent lyrically and emotionally yet soft and beautiful instrumentally. Archy’s voice is cracked and restless sounding and there was something about it that I understood.

Leonard Cohen – Starsound Collection

I have lyrics from Bird on the Wire tattooed on my body, I sing Chelsea Hotel # 2 in my lounge room with my guitar nightly and Suzanne is the song I put on in the morning to set me up for the day. This bunch of songs has literally formed the fabric of my life and my artistry.