Moyka, Illusion Review

Moyka is a Norwegian singer-songwriter that has created a trademark sound of synth-focused production with a buoyant electro-pop feel. Moyka first invited us to experience this sound with her series of 2021 single releases. She has been supported by Norway’s NRK P3, P1, P13, Sweden’s P3, and Germany’s Deutschlandfunk Nova, Detektor, Flux, puls, and CT, as well as Top 10 on Spotify’s ‘New Music Friday Norway.’ From a new relationship in “Stay” to heartbreak in “December (I Never Learn)” to moving on in “I Don’t Wanna Hold On,” each single offers a unique perspective on love, lending to Moyka’s artistry and storytelling ability. Moyka began songwriting at the age of ten. She earned a music production degree from Bergen. Citing the forward-thinking electro-pop of artists like Röyksopp and Robyn as inspirations for her production style, Moyka released her debut EP Circles in 2019 and her sophomore EP Spaces in 2020. Moyka is now releasing her brand new single, “Illusion.”

Bottom Line: “Illusion” deals with the fantasy of falling for someone whose intentions are different from their facade. Moyka’s lyrics paint a sharp picture of deception and duplicity. The whole production has elements of EDM as the buoyant electro-pop beat undertones the feel-good synth-supported swirl of sound. On the track, Moyka says, “When I have a crush, I tend to daydream and make up stories in my mind about meeting and being around the person that I like. In this song, I wake up from the daydream to only find it was an illusion. Sometimes love happens like that. It’s quite naive, but that’s what makes me love it so much.” This song is a glimpse of what is to come on Moyka’s forthcoming debut album, The Revelations of Love: a conceptual project that spans the course of a relationship through falling in (and out) of love. Set for release October 22 via Snafu Records, the project is set to be a centerpiece in the universe Moyka has so expertly crafted thus far. “Illusion” has multiple layers of Moyka’s clean vocals and playful singing personality. Upon closer inspection, “Illusion” will give up many vocal counterpoint secrets and subtle production gems. Excited to hear what’s next from this creative powerhouse. That’s the short of it!