Cifika at Virgin Hotels: Review

The small crowd gathered at Chicago's Virgin Hotels was graced with a unique presence when a Korean singer-producer and multi-media artist, Cifika, performed in front of the intimate audience at the hotel's 25th-floor speakeasy for her first solo tour, highlighting her latest EP PRISM. 

Cifika, or sometimes "Fika" for short, is an all-around artist. From the production of her music, her lyrics, and even the visuals that accompany her at her live performances, she has complete and total control. Though some may think that her style is experimental, it's really not. Every bit of her work is very intentional and she takes pride in that. With only a few singles and two EPs released (Intelligentsia and PRISM), she's already establishing herself as a bonafide artist with her statement sounds and unique, eclectic aesthetic.

    

From her background in art to her multi-cultural upbringing, she considers her lived experience and her struggle to find her place in the world as a large influence on her art and music. Being caught in-between the cross-realms of two cultures, Cifika describes herself as simultaneously being an inhabitant of both Korean and American cultures, but also not completely belonging to either. This shows in her music as she sings about themes of sadness and loneliness in a beautifully constructed lyrical stream of Korean and English.

Listening to her music, it's difficult to describe it as something other than ethereal or otherworldly. Her songs are oftentimes a combination of gritty and dark or dreamlike sounds that integrate with her lithe, but powerful vocals. This was displayed at her set in Chicago.

The crowd watched in awe as Cifika performed. Her setlist consisted of songs from her PRISM EP, such as "Good Luck From Her," "PROSPER," "PIETA," and "BEST FOR YOU," her tracks "Intelligentsia" and "My Ego" from her Intelligentsia EP, and her single "Dooroogo." The show was an soulful and mystical experience, just like Cifika herself.

Photo by Jennifer Cheng

Check it out for yourself by taking a look at some of Cifika's music videos and performances below. You can keep in touch with Cifika through her Instagram and Facebook.