Kelowna Band, Nuuka, About to Release Debut EP

Local experimental indie-rock act, Nuuka (pronounced ‘new-kah’), are on the verge of releasing their debut record. The release is called Higher/Lower, and it will be officially set loose at an ‘EP Release Extravaganza’ on Friday, April 5th.

The EP cover art for Higher/Lower, Nuuka's debut release

There’s certainly some buzz around the EP and there are a number of people who can’t wait to hear what Nuuka are going to dish up. I’m lucky as I have already had a listen to Higher/Lower. In fact, the first single from the EP, “Desert”, was recently featured on episode 41 of the Music City Podcast. Overall, Higher/Lower is a quality EP and I certainly recommend adding it to your collection.

Back to the release show, it’s probably fair to say that the event itself is almost as eagerly awaited as the record. That’s because the show will see Nuuka, who are noted for their live performances, joined by deliciously talented local artists Andrew Judah and Windmills. Judah, as it’s worded over on his Bandcamp page, “mixes 60s baroque pop with modern experimentalism.” Meanwhile, if you’re unfamiliar with talented local loop artist, Windmills, I’ve got you covered. The EP release show is happening at ‘The House’ (that’s #1-240 Lougheed Road – near UBCO.) The action starts at 8pm with doors opening at 7pm. It will cost you $10 to get in at the door, or you can save yourself some dollars and secure a seat, the venue seats 300, by buying your tickets in advance of the show from either Mosaic Books or ‘The House.’ Those advance tickets will cost you $8.

Anthony Martens of Nuuka is pretty excited about their debut EP

So who are Nuuka?

The Nuuka project began in 2011. The act is currently a quartet, but they are on the verge of adding a fifth member. Nuuka was born after two of the current Nuuka quartet worked together in folk band, Treelight Room, and decided they wanted to steer their art down a new path. Armed with a sense of purpose the twosome went about adding new band members. This is where the current Nuuka sound seemingly first started to emerge with a greater emphasis placed on more positive experimental indie-rock sounds as well as the addition of new members. This also saw a move towards more of an electronic sound with the addition of synths and electric guitars. I'm told that the soon to be added fifth member will further amplify the electronic element of their sound too. In the latter half of 2012, Nuuka entered the studio and went about recording the five tracks that appear on Higher/Lower.

Chapter one of the Nuuka story ends on April 5th. Chapter two begins on the very same night. Will you be there to witness it?

You can find Nuuka on Facebook, Twitter and Bandcamp.

Do you want to contact Vince? E-mail him at: vince@welcometokelowna.com or connect with him on Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn. You can also hear Vince play some of Canada's best indie music from emerging artists every Wednesday on the Music City Podcast.