Auka comes from an Old Norse word meaning to grow or augment – a term that perfectly sums up the band’s organic and original approach to music-making. Relative newcomers to the UK folk scene, Auka released their debut album Evergreen in 2021 and have since been going from strength to strength.
A central theme in Auka’s Celtic-inspired instrumental music is their shared passion for the natural world, especially that of their beloved Sheffield and its surrounding Peak District. Combining influences from a diverse range of musical backgrounds, the band’s compositions ebb and flow from moments of delicate calm to those of frenetic energy. Kirsty Lomax’s lyrical Irish flute and whistle melodies are accompanied by intricate and precise rhythmic guitar from Matt Gilchrist – which is further underpinned by expressive jazz-folk double bass from Joss Mann-Hazell (Mishra). The three instruments weave between melodic and accompanying roles to create a unified and organic sound.
