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Image credit Maclay-Heriot

Korean electronic artist CIFIKA is in a lane entirely her own, crafting immersive soundscapes that blend otherworldly vocals, bold production, and a deep sense of cultural identity. With roots in classical choir and a love for experimental textures, she’s constantly evolving, layering her voice like an instrument and pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

Her journey began with a spark of inspiration from artists like Flume, leading her to explore production through Ableton and eventually discover her signature style. But for CIFIKA, it’s not just about sound, it’s about feeling. Lately, she’s been diving deeper into her own story, weaving cultural context into her lyrics and letting her heritage guide the music.

Her upcoming EP is a perfect reflection of that vision. Built around stacked choir-like vocals, CIFIKA describes it as a fusion of voice and identity - "like thirty people singing through one person.” Emotional, ambitious, and completely original, she’s proving that powerful music doesn’t follow rules, it makes its own.

Let’s get to know CIFIKA:

Ones to Watch: Your music feels so expansive and emotional. What’s been inspiring your sound lately?

 CIFIKA: These days, I’m really into vocal processing, experimenting with layering and textures. I’ve been in choirs since I was in kindergarten, so building harmonies is second nature to me. Now, I’m finding ways to make my voice sound like a full choir, even though I’m just one person.

You mentioned you're starting to weave more of your cultural identity into your music - what does that look like for you?

 I’ve started writing lyrics that reflect my own cultural background. I think music becomes more powerful when it tells a personal story, and for me, that includes where I come from.

What first drew you into making music?

 When I discovered Flume, that changed everything. It made me want to learn production and get into Ableton. That was the moment I realized I could build my own sound world from scratch.

Do you remember one of your first standout performances?

 Yes! There was a show called Rundown - I think in 2018 or 2019. The venue, the crowd, the energy - it was incredible. I was performing, but I was also just a fan in the audience, soaking it all in. That memory still sticks with me.

How do you approach finishing a track? How do you know it’s ready?

It’s a feeling. Sometimes it takes time, but when all the pieces click, when it feels emotionally right, I know it’s done.

What advice would you give to artists trying to find their voice?

 Never give up, and stay true to who you are. Don’t let negative opinions get to you - they won’t help. If you keep going and stay consistent, your moment will come. Just trust the process.