iKeda releases EP "Bangs N Braces," blending UK funky and electroclash

London-based singer and DJ iKeda is on the rise in the music scene, gearing up for the release of her latest EP, "Bangs N Braces." The 29-year-old artist, who supported PinkPantheress on her recent tour, is making waves with her unique blend of UK funky, electroclash, and dancehall. Despite her growing popularity, iKeda hesitates to label herself a pop star, believing that such a title requires hard-earned credentials. In a recent interview, she emphasized the importance of building a genuine image and world, akin to artists like PinkPantheress and Addison Rae.

iKeda's trajectory in music has been marked by steady progress since she started releasing tracks in 2024. Her participation in PinkPantheress's "Fancy That" tour was a pivotal moment in her career, allowing her to perform in larger venues than she had previously experienced. Reflecting on that time, iKeda described the challenge of channeling pre-show nerves into positive energy, using audience feedback as a tool for growth. “It was too amazing an opportunity not to go one hundred percent full throttle,” she said, highlighting her commitment to her craft.

Her musical inspirations range from Santigold to SOPHIE, but iKeda credits her friends and collaborators for pushing her toward songwriting. It was fellow artist Babymorocco who encouraged her to write her first single, "Luv Drunk," in 2024. This support helped her transition from visual art to music, a shift that she found both exciting and empowering. "It’s so powerful when you can take something into your own hands and write these things which you wish could happen in real life," she remarked, underscoring the storytelling aspect of her work.

With "Bangs N Braces," iKeda aims to create an immersive experience that reflects her journey and influences. This second EP marks a departure from the Y2K dance-pop style of her debut, "Pretty Little Problem," and dives deeper into her dancehall and funky house roots. As she continues to define her musical world, iKeda is poised to solidify her place in the electropop genre, resonating with listeners who appreciate her unique voice and artistic vision.