Anka

There are two entries for this artist: (1) Anka Wolbert: as a co-founder and songwriter of Clan of Xymox (Ronny Moorings, Anka Wolbert and Pieter Nooten), Anka Wolbert gets signed at age 20 to indie label 4-AD (London), home to the Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, Pixies, Throwing Muses, among others. Recorded at Edinburgh's famed Palladium Studios the band's self-titled debut album is a record full of tumbling electro beats, throbbing sequencers and musical adventure. This album receives outstanding press reviews and gains Clan of Xymox cult status across Europe.

There are two entries for this artist: (1) Anka Wolbert: as a co-founder and songwriter of Clan of Xymox (Ronny Moorings, Anka Wolbert and Pieter Nooten), Anka Wolbert gets signed at age 20 to indie label 4-AD (London), home to the Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, Pixies, Throwing Muses, among others. Recorded at Edinburgh's famed Palladium Studios the band's self-titled debut album is a record full of tumbling electro beats, throbbing sequencers and musical adventure. This album receives outstanding press reviews and gains Clan of Xymox cult status across Europe. In 1987-1988 the band are invited three times to the famous BBC John Peel shows, to record nine songs (John Peel Sessions 1986-1990). During this period Anka moves from Amsterdam to London.

Xymox second album "Medusa" is released in 1987. Xymox embarks on their first US tour. In 1989 Xymox signs to Wing, subsidiary of PolyGram N.Y. and release their third album, "Twist of Shadows". Aided by the impressive 12 inch and single release "Imagination", written by Anka Wolbert and featuring the mainstream U.S.

Billboard charts, Xymox earns hit status and is beginning to cause a stir in America. The bands fourth album "Phoenix" releases worldwide in 1991. Sell out tours around the world follow. Anka moves from London to N.Y.C. (home to Polygram head quarters) But sub label Wing ceases to exist and in 1992 Anka decides to break with Xymox, after extensive touring and increasing disagreements on the musical direction of Xymox.

She remains in NYC for 2 more years, to work on new material. In 1995, Anka returns to London, as well as returning with 4-AD, to sign a development deal. Whereas Xymox has gone completely goth since her split, her music has become more triphop/ guitar fusion oriented and she is inspired by the blooming brit-pop scene in London. She forms her own band Vaselyn and also starts working again with Pieter Nooten. In 1997 Anka gets signed to EMI (N.Y.C.). EMI's company overhaul to merge with Virgin and move to the West Coast sadly results in the loss of their A&R person.

Subsequently, the release of the CD is postponed forever, a waiting game unfolds and in keeping with classic major label music bizz stories the album never gets released at all. This material however proves the basis for Cocoon Time. Returning to Amsterdam Anka first hooks up with Sophie Zeyl to work on Sophie Zeyl's debut album. A welcome break from her own music Anka feels inspired producing Sophie Zeyl's music. After finishing this album she decides to complete the material initially recorded for EMI. Cocoon Time features Anka's distinctive vocal signature on thirteen songs including Inside The Bubble, A Storm and Hello Dustlane.

It is rich with mood and melody. Anka recounts, "This record is part London, part world, a combination of my travels, experiences with people and impressions of love. Wherever you go, love travels with you. But as in sweet and sour. I want my songs to reflect deep resonance and they have to go from strong lyrics.

It is not so much genre but lyrics and melody that can make a song really powerful. You have to go from gut feeling. A good song can seize you and send butterflies down your spine. When you happen to stumble upon a good song, whether in writing or listening and often at least expected moments, you know it. Trish Connely ©I-Rain Records The full-length album Cocoon Time is available from the i-rain webstore: www.i-rain.com (2) Anka - is a Romanian band founded in 2006. At the end of its forming year under the Roton label, the first album is released, having as a title the band's name - Anka.

The debut album includes 12 tracks covering genres like pop and electro pop. The main vocal of the band is Anca Badiu, who has an exquisite musical background. Anca Badiu is an ambitious and stubborn Taurus. She collects paintings (including religious creations), CDs and pens. She says that the one who doesn't know how to lose, won't win anything in life.

Her favorite movie is "Schindler's List", due to the realism of the scenes presenting the Holocaust. She loves flowers (especially the forest flowers, lilies and yellow roses), working out at the gym and reading, whenever she's in the mood. She studied singing in Romania since she was a little girl, and continued her studies in Italy, the country where she stayed for a long time and also where she also sang along with some very famous artists. In February 2006 she returned to Romania and joined Class, after Mihaela Florea's leaving. Along with her new colleagues she released three albums ("Într-o Zi", "Pentru Dragoste" and "Evo"), and became the most successful member.

In 2006, she decided to leave the band and start her own solo project. This was the official birth of Anka. In its short history, Anka already released two smashing singles - "Nopți De Dor" and "My Baby (Tell Me Why)" that climbed on the top of the Romanian charts in no time. Preparing her following hit, "Cineva", having loads of concerts all over the country--with numerous media presences and with a considerable number of fans gathered in such a short time--Anka heads to a promising path in the Romanian (why not?) international show-biz! Learn more about Anka (Anca Badiu) at: www.ancabadiu.com User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License and may also be available under the GNU FDL..