iKeda has been on a steady rise in 2026, from opening for PinkPantheress on her European tour to recording new music for her upcoming EP Bangs N Braces, due out August 28. Her music might recall Santigold or M.I.A., but iKeda’s fusion of electropop and dancehall is distinctly her own. On her latest single “Go!” the British singer-producer wines across a ridiculously brash thumper produced by Tailtiu. Check out the new music video, which just dropped today.
iKeda stopped by The FADER offices in late June for a quick chat about being a musical perfectionist, her friendship with Oscar Scheller, and why she calls her music “bubble riddim.”
The Evolution of ‘Bubble Riddim’
Reflecting on her creative journey, iKeda notes that her first song, “Love Drunk,” was the catalyst for her songwriting career. While she initially didn’t understand the technicalities of toplining, the process helped her discover her own voice. Today, she describes her sound as “bubble riddim,” a fusion of her half-Jamaican heritage and her obsession with electro-pop. She draws inspiration from the 2010-2012 era of dancehall-infused pop, citing artists like CeCile as major influences on her rhythmic approach.
Collaborating with Oscar Scheller
The artist recently hit the studio with Oscar Scheller, a collaboration that felt both natural and long-overdue. The two first met years ago during a modeling shoot for Baracuta, but it wasn’t until a chance encounter at a London store that they reconnected to make music. iKeda praises Scheller for his versatility and his deep understanding of her influences, noting that he “gets the vibes” in a way few others do.
Looking Ahead to ‘Bangs N Braces’
Her upcoming EP, Bangs N Braces, serves as an evolution from her debut, Pretty Little Problem. The title is a playful nod to her personal style and her penchant for wearing suspenders, as well as her signature hairstyle. Musically, the project leans into nostalgia, with tracks like “Tiger Tiger” drawing inspiration from classic British children’s literature. By pairing nursery-rhyme-inspired melodies with heavy, bass-driven production, iKeda continues to carve out a unique space in the modern electronic landscape.
