The Club Calls: Memphis LK
Back in Australia and gearing up for her Supersonic set at Adelaide’s Illuminate festival, Memphis LK is warming up her voice and polishing her DJ deck. Discussing her new single ‘Cherry N Coke’, Memphis LK briefs us on what to expect from her live show, how it feels to be back home and teases us with new music.
Interview Millah Hansberry // Photo supplied
Congrats on your new single, ‘Cherry N Coke’. The track is bursting with energy and feels like a total club anthem. Did the idea of a live club crowd influence the track’s energy and direction?
100%, that was the main inspiration when we were making the track.
‘Cherry N Coke’ is a collaboration between yourself and British DJ and producer Redlight. How did this collab come about and how did you find the process of working with him?
I was living in London for the last two years and our managers organised a session. We only had a couple of hours, so the track came together really fast which was cool. I often find having that time pressure forces good ideas out of you because you can’t overthink or second guess anything.
You’ve described yourself as a “producer, songwriter, vocalist, DJ and performer”. Is there one of these roles that you feel you resonate with most right now?
I’ve been pretty much living inside my computer finishing a lot of songs over last few months, so I’d say I’m definitely in [the] production world right now.
Your live performances are such a huge part of the Memphis LK brand, with a blend of DJ deck tracks, live vocals, and your iconic soprano saxophone. What inspired the incorporation of live vocals and saxophone in your sets?
My music is vocal focused, so live vocals have always been something I’ve incorporated into my shows. I played soprano saxophone at school, and I like having a few novelty moments during my sets to keep the energy up, and who doesn’t love hearing sax at the club?
Memphis LK is known for your collaborative nature, as you have collaborated on dozens of songs over the past few years. Have there been any standout collabs that you’d love to repeat?
I really enjoyed them all, especially collaborating with friends, because you can just get straight into it. But honestly, right now I’m really loving making music alone!
Blending your original music and remixes of club classics and pop culture moments, your sets are always sing-along dance parties. Are there any songs (besides your original tracks) that have been staples in your sets recently?
I love including at least one epic, undeniable banger from the 2000-2010s, like Cascada, Avicii or Calvin Harris.
As well as your killer original music, you’re known for your comedy and remixes on TikTok, including your take on the 2024 viral ‘Man in Finance’. What inspired your move into the comedy remix space and how do you find it blends into your own music?
Nothing really inspired it, I just saw other people’s remixes and thought I could do it better! The comedy/skit stuff has just been another outlet that still feels creative and [allows me to] express myself in a different way that isn’t through my music. It’s nice to remember not to take yourself too seriously.
You made the move from Melbourne to London in 2023. How have you found your music has evolved since entering the UK club scene?
So many of my influences are UK producers, so being [a] part of the scene I’ve always admired has been really cool. I think I’m definitely taking more of a minimal approach to my music lately but also [have been] being a lot more experimental with my voice and vocal production.
How do you find playing back home in Australia to Aus audiences compares to UK audiences?
Honestly not super different, they both know how to have a good time! It was so fun coming back to Australia for my tour last year because I hadn’t been back in ages, and the support and energy from the crowds was insane. Definitely something I’ll never forget.
Illuminate Adelaide is bringing Memphis LK over to South Australia to jump on their Supersonic festival. What should we expect from your set?
It’s a live set so I’ll be playing mostly original music with live vocals and sax, and probably testing out some of my new unreleased tracks.
If you could sum up your live shows in three words, what would they be?
Addictive, Ethereal, Party.
Since 2021, you have released an EP almost every year, with 2023 being graced with two. Is there an EP cooking up to be released later this year?
Yeah, the cooking is almost complete and I’m about to go on a music releasing rampage.
Memphis LK plays at Illuminate Adelaide’s Supersonic Festival on July 19. Tickets on sale via illuminateadelaide.com.
