Fjokra is a multi-instrumentalist hailing from Dublin, Ireland. While he creates and records his music from his London base, he is joined on stage by Annie Bea (vocalist, percussionist) Jack Richardson (guitarist) and Filippo Galli (drummer) customized percussion and lots of elements that would not normally appear on stage with your average band.
The band has gained a reputation for exhibiting uniquely bizarre and eclectic live performances which are reflected in the insanely exhilarating videos. The visual element fully embraces his music, encouraging the outrageous, the unexpected, removing all boundaries of reality and taking the viewer and listener to places that are equally fantastic as they are surreal.
The debut EP ‘Thoughtsteps’ featured the video and lead track ‘Get Amongst It’ collecting plaudits on a daily basis and was shortlisted for the ‘Most Bizzare’ section of the Berlin Video Awards and securing a part and sync in the movie ‘Miss You Already’ starring Toni Collette and Drew Barrymore with Fjokra & the band also making an appearance in a few scenes. The EP picked up numerous plays across national radio for both the UK and Ireland including the likes of BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, Absolute Radio and RTE 2FM.
In recent months, Fjokra has released a string of singles and music videos. ‘Bang On The Door’ was heavily favored by BBC 6 Music and made the ‘6 Music Recommended Track Of The Week’ playlist as well as being played regularly by the likes of Tom Robinson, Mary Anne Hobbs, Radcliffe & Maconie and Chris Hawkins.
Surrounded by music growing up, Fjokra started playing the piano at the tender age of 3. His mother played the church organ every Sunday in the local village church – which remains to this day his favorite instrument.
In complete juxtaposition to his Mother’s influence, Fjokra’s father was in a number of 70’s rock bands, supporting artists like Suzi Quatro and filling the house with songs from The Beatles, Steely Dan, and Rory Gallagher.
As he grew up Fjokra embraced a number of instruments including guitar, bass, drums, percussion, accordion, piano, and vocals.
Fjokra studied music at the Dublin Institute Of Technology before attending Salford University in Manchester to study popular music. His musical influences at this time included Faith No More, Deftones, Mr. Bungle and Slipknot, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog and Eminem – but the big turning point was when he found Beck, Bjork, and Prince and blended all those influences together into one expansive sound.
Pushing melodies and hooks to maximum, sharp lyrical twists and unusual breaks and beats became the foundation for the birth of Fjokra.
Fjokra has also collaborated with an impressive list of names as a performer, producer, vocalist and instrumentalist with artists such as The Clash, Duran Duran, Tyondai Braxton (Battles), Reeps One, Lazy Habits, and Hollie Cook. He has composed themes and soundtracks for several independent films including the critically acclaimed ‘The Receptionist’, directed by Jenny Lu. He also performs regularly with Annie Bea as a piano and voice Jazz & Blues duo, playing for the likes of Quentin Tarantino, Ennio Morricone, and Leonardo Di Caprio’s Oscars after party.
LINKS:
http://www.fjokra.com
https://www.facebook.com/fjokra
https://soundcloud.com/fjokra
