NINA EBA is the solo project of Ukrainian producer, DJ and singer Alina Volkova. In her work on the EP ‘MORPHO’ she was inspired by the theme of metamorphosis, and the singles from the release are dedicated to the themes of escape from war, social isolation and ‘the cyclical nature of existence’
‘MORPHO’ features six tracks in which the producer combines elements of R&B, art pop, breakbeat and bass.
‘In her debut EP, NINA EBA is inspired by the metamorphosis of the blue Morpho butterfly. She felt compelled to explore her own metamorphosis — a cathartic and evolving journey to self-acceptance while staying true to herself’, the album description reads.
The tracks were mixed by electronic musician Native Outsider, and the release cover was created by designer and animator Ruslan Golovko and artist Patia.
More about tracks from ‘MORPHO’
‘13’
‘Track ‘13’ is named after the Death Tarot card. Despite the ominous title, it is one of her favorite cards because it symbolizes rebirth, the completion of chapters, and a new beginning’.
‘Cocoon’
‘‘Cocoon’ explores the search for a safe place in a world where turbulence increasingly signifies not only emotional but also physical danger. In it, the singer reflects on her typical stress reaction — escapism. Far from home and loved ones, the white walls of the dormitory where she sought refuge from war reminded her of a cocoon, which unexpectedly became a space for transformation and self-unity’.
‘Doves’
‘‘Doves’ centers on unrequited love with a best friend, a love story that drove her into depression. NINA EBA reflects: ‘At some point I realized that it couldn’t go on, that I was living in illusions that prevented me from moving forward, and that friendship was deformed. I decided to clarify everything and chose myself first’. The title of the song refers to the fact that in Ukraine lovers are often called doves, while in France the word describes people who are easily deceived’.
‘Sonce’
‘Melancholic ‘Sonce’ was born spontaneously during an autumn moment of sadness. Here the word that means sun in Ukrainian represents everything that the singer misses and whose warmth she tries to hold onto’.
‘Monday’
‘The song ‘Monday’ was inspired by the problem of social media. Nina says: ‘I find myself in a constant battle with the fears it creates: of being talentless, inadequate, incomplete. Social media is so heavily integrated into our daily lives, and promoting one’s work, especially music, that it’s become nearly impossible without it. This song is about that pain and a promise to myself to be stronger than that and break free from doomscrolling addiction’’.
‘Cloud and Mountain’
The final ‘Cloud and Mountain’ is inspired by nature, but, according to NINA EBA, was initially conceived as a song about death.
‘‘I was deeply preoccupied with the subject during the winter of 2023 and was constantly looking around for its symbols and manifestation in nature’. The singer recalls being taught during geography classes that mountains often trap clouds, causing frequent rain: ‘What a beautiful metaphor: a cloud comes to a mountain to die. I carried these thoughts for several months, but then spring arrived. I began to think less about death, but still was keen to write these two powerful phenomena. This song beautifully concludes an album that begins with the themes of death but ends with a song celebrating life’’.
About the MORPHO vinyl release
The vinyl version of the EP is presented on blue marbled print vinyl records. The limited release consists of 300 records, which can be purchased by clicking here.
In addition, according to NINA EBA, if you turn off the lights and use a special program to turn on a light strobe with a frequency of 12 Hz or 720 RPM, you can see an animation of flying butterflies on the surface of the record.
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Electronic musician, producer, songwriter and singer Alina Volkova has been making music since childhood and has been DJing for five years, during which time she ‘became fascinated by experimental and non-conformist dance music’. She is inspired by the works of FKA twigs, Sega Bodega and Sevdaliza, and in her solo project NINA EBA Alina combines alternative R&B with art pop, elements of breakbeat, hyperpop and other experimental genres.
Alina worked with New Zealand label The Big Fresh Collective on the EP ‘Ukraine Immortal’, created the hybrid set HÖR Berlin in June 2024, and has performed on Rinse France and Radio Rudina. Volkova is also the founder of the Air Raid Siren podcast, which documented the russian invasion of Ukraine and has been featured on global radio stations such as NTS Radio, RBL Berlin, Voices Radio and Hong Kong Community Radio.
Since the beginning of 2023, Alina Volkova has been living and working in Graz, Austria.
