GIG goers are told to “expect sequins, dancing, handclaps and more” when Malka launches her new album I’m Not Your Soldier at dates in Glasgow and Galashiels.
The multi-instrumentalist, also known as Tamara Schlesinger, will be backed by members of Edinburgh band Book Group – all the better for her to make shapes to what’s the strongest record of her music career.
Out tomorrow, on Malka’s own Tantrum Records, I’m Not Your Soldier follows 2015 debut Marching To Another Beat and 2017’s Ratatatat. two records which reaffirmed her previous status as the creative heart of forward-thinking folk collective 6 Day Riot.
It’s the first record Schlesinger has made since returning to Scotland after a decade living in London. And while the shows and promo shots see Malka in golden garb and shimmering, showbiz make-up, it’s the most honest record she’s put her name to.
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“Previously with other albums, both with 6 Day Riot and with Malka, I kind of hid behind a character I’d created,” she says.
“When we moved back to Scotland, it was actually quite a tough year with different things going on, but at the same time, the songs are about overcoming it. I felt that it was the right time to write an honest, out-in-the-open album where I wasn’t hiding behind a character. This is very much me and where I am right now in life.”
Produced by Paul Savage at Chem19, the album splices the more experimental sound of 6 Day Riot with the stuttering pop rhythms and lithe vocals associated with Malka.
She was once especially well known for the flexibility, elegance and strength of her physical moves. As teenagers, Schlesinger and video collaborator Lorna Somner were Scottish champion gymnasts.
The video for the captivating, exuberant Moving Together sees the pair back in the gym together for the first time in over 20 years.
“I broke my ankle at 17 and retired, which was a really tough decision,” Schlesinger says. “When I got back in contact with Lorna, she said she’d love to take me up on my idea of doing a video with us doing gymnastics. I did eight weeks of really hardcore training, and yes, that first week back, everything hurt.”
Shot at East Kilbride Gymnastics Club – the duo’s former training home – and dedicated to former coach Dougie Morrison, the graceful video touchingly echoes lyrics inspired by her gymnastic past.
“The song is about coming back to Glasgow and reconnecting with friends, like we’d moved together in time and were in sync again,” Schlesinger says.
“I don’t think I’ve ever stopped imagining that amazing feeling of being in the air – I still do every night before I go to sleep.”
March 6, Stereo, Glasgow, 7pm, £9. Tickets: www.432presents.com; Mar 12, MacArts, Galashiels, 7.30pm, £8(+bf), £5 students, £10 on the door. Tel: 01896 756 852. www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
I’m Not Your Soldier is released tomorrow via Tantrum Records www.malkamusic.co.uk
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