Whilst Smatka is a real life person (!), it is also the name of this here project. Why? Why the hell not… it was better than calling it “The (insert noun)s”. Besides, they spent far too long scouring for a name by rearranging fridge magnets to form meaningless word juxtapositions.

Inhaling the dark undertones of fairytales, the project was conceived in November 2005. Leaving microphones speckled with lipstick and amps punctured with stilettos, the first demo recordings were completed a mere month later!

While other projects may draw their influences from music of yore (see the Killer’s guidebook on how to rip off Joy Division), literature is the spark that ignites Smatka’s song-writing talents. Along with Leo, Vinni Kiniki and Maria, a solid structure of musicians sprung up amongst the decaying musical landscape of 2005.

Though it may still be early days, this troupe have garnered comparisons to Nick Cave, Bjork, Dresden Dolls and Kate Bush… well, that’s what their friends have told them. They haven’t played a gig yet, so those naughty journalists are yet to pigeonhole them as cabaret-style-dark-birthday-partyish-postpunk-pseudo-electro-classic-songwriting-piano-soundscapes or whatever?

BAND

SMATKA: Was a well adjusted child, somehow went askew and became this jilted-bride-Barbie-doll come pixie like singer.

MARIA: Bassist. Big bright red hair. Berlin born and bred. ‘Nuff said.

VINNI KINIKI: Has far too many I’s in his name. Far too many facial piercings for one man. Absolute bastard to take to an airport… also plays the drums like Bonham mud wrestling Keith Moon.

LEO: Instrumentalist extraordinaire, keyboards, electronic gizmos – you name it he does it. Apparently quite mediocre at the Didgeridoo. Also a wicked actor.

smatka.com