Australian-born, Los Angeles-based alt-pop artist ILUKA is quickly becoming a firm favourite, building a devoted following with her string of infectious, viral tracks over the past year. Now, she's unleashed her latest offering, the undeniably upbeat and liberating anthem 'Girl On The Run', complete with a stunning music video she co-directed with Jake Lundell.
With clear nods to the vibrant sounds of '80s pop and a driving rhythm that gets you moving, 'Girl On The Run' follows hot on the heels of her recent single, 'Woman Gone Mad'. That track delved into powerful themes of resistance and strength, reflecting on the state of the world and the personal grief she experienced following fires in her Altadena neighbourhood.
Speaking about her new single, ILUKA shared, “'Girl On The Run' is my love story to myself. It’s about unapologetically forging your own path and following it ruthlessly even when it confuses or pisses off those around you. Ultimately being a ‘girl on the run’ is about becoming the heroine of your own life story, choosing to love yourself first and foremost, and continuing to say yes to the ride of life —no matter how crazy, wild, or uncertain the road seems."
The inspiration for 'Girl On The Run' struck during a road trip through the desert. A stop in Tucson, Arizona, particularly amongst the cacti, sparked the initial ideas. The lyrics evolved into a narrative from the perspective of two "outlaw cowgirls" on the run, channelling a Thelma & Louise spirit. This story became a potent metaphor for ILUKA's own journey, leaving her former life in Australia behind to forge a new artistic path in the United States.
Growing up on a farm in Australia's Blue Mountains, ILUKA's musical foundations were laid by her father, a skilled luthier. His handcrafted guitars weren't just instruments; they were integral to her early sonic explorations. From these beginnings, ILUKA has been driven by a singular vision: to create music that is brave and authentic. Her songs are known for their raw, vulnerable storytelling mixed with a memorable, protest-tinged edge. Having already gained recognition in major publications like Rolling Stone, FLAUNT Magazine, and NME, ILUKA's impact is clearly on the rise, and it feels like she's just getting started.
