A B O U T A N K A H
ANKAH is the artist name of danish songwriter and composer, Anna Kathrine Christensen. Born and raised in Aarhus where she, in her early childhood, discovered a far-reaching passion for music. About her artistry she says; “The most important thing for me as a songwriter is to be present through music and express something that others will see themselves in.”
”SOAKED” EP
ANKAH released her new EP titled “Soaked” on April 14th, 2023 — showcasing her crisp vocals and harmonious fluency, while weaving together vintage soul with contemporary R&B.
The first song “Oceanview” opens slowly, on a soothing lo-fi guitar with layers of wave sounds, as a kind of genuine encouragement to flourish despite it all. With the words “I’ve carried way too much trash – my mirror of yesterday melts away” the EP’s significant tension between pain and empowerment is presented.
From the opening ballad “Oceanview” to the more groove-based “Quiet” the reverb-heavy electric guitar ranges from 00’ies R&B riffs to an arctic indie sound binding the songs together with lingering theme figures. Intricate agile choir harmonies flirt with warm saxophone phrases creating a sound that is as vigorous in its calmer moments as it is in its groovier ones.
ANKAH’s diaristic quality of writing lyrics insinuates lived experience rather than a self-conscious urge to confront the mainstream issues of today’s society. With her intricate phrase, “The beauty of these beasts won’t ever be revealed if I’ll keep them caged in a place that no one knows“, she uses ‘beasts’ as a symbol of the emotions that has been made taboo by patriarchy.
ANKAH’s voice is a palliative for the agony she portrays, as she discloses realities to strip them of their power. She integrates stories about her own heartaches and struggles offering her narrative in first-person with such artistic openness that this EP feels like nothing but relatable. It’s a heartfelt ode to women, their healing and subsistence.
With “Soaked” ANKAH establishes herself as the arrival of a major new talent in the world of soul music. She is hoping to build “an intelligible sonic universe that others can immerse themselves in.”
Her soulful Nordic sound has already garnered critical acclaim by Danish national radio hosts as well as international producers such as Herbie Diamond Crichlow (Backstreet Boys). Recognised for her work with prominent musicians like Jonathan Ludvigsen (Athletic progression) and Ole Kofoed (Emmadop), ANKAH has been nominated for two awards at the Scandinavian Soul Music Awards — winning the award as ‘Best Newcomer’.
With the juiciest synthesis between classic instrumentation and futuristic soul, ANKAH’s new EP invokes chills. Her vocals convey almost a meditative force, a mantra of gentleness in an unhurried melodic progression. You don’t want to miss the richness of this cool, charming, and generous new release.
SCANDINAVIAN SOUL MUSIC AWARD-WINNER
In 2014 ANKAH recieved the award for ‘Best Newcomer’ at the SSMA in Stockholm and later her debut Haze was nominated for ‘Best EP’. The release of her debut EP was part of a musical journey that led to concerts at renowned venues such as VEGA and SPOT festival.
TRAVELLING THE WORLD
In the years after the release of her debut EP (2015) ANKAH has studied performing arts, yoga and indian classical singing in northern India. Moreover she has explored the music scene in Los Angeles and San Francisco. After three years of travelling she returned to Denmark and was accepted at the Royal Academy of Music to study dance and vocal performance.
THE MUSIC
ANKAH’s musical universe on her new EP ‘SOAKED’ can be described as experimental RnB, where the traditional RnB-sound is accompanied by electronic soundscapes, harmonized saxophone, and natural sound samples. Central to all compositions are the characteristic laid back drum grooves and a convincing presence in ANKAH’s vocals.
Photo by Sarah Hartvigsen Juncker