BIOGRAPHY ANKA WOLBERT

Artist: Anka

As a co-founder and songwriter of ‘Clan of Xymox’ , Anka Wolbert gets signed at age 20 to indie label 4-AD (London) - home among others to the Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, Pixies and Throwing Muses. 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. In 1987, Xymox’ second album "Medusa" is released and Xymox embarks on their first US tour.

In 1989 Xymox signs to Wing, subsidiary of PolyGram N.Y.C. and release their third album, "Twist of Shadows". Aided by the impressive 12 inch and single release "Imagination", written and sung 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. When sub label Wing seizes to exist in 1992, Anka decides to break with Xymox as disagreements on the musical direction of Xymox escalate. She continues to live in NYC for another two years working on new material.

In 1995 Anka moves back to London again to return with 4-AD, signing a development deal. Whereas Xymox has turned goth since her split, her music becomes more triphop oriented and she's inspired by the blooming brit-pop scene in London. She forms her own band “Vaselyn” and starts working again with Pieter Nooten.

In 1997 Anka signs a worldwide, major record company deal with a subsidiary of EMI Music, The Enclave, in N.Y.C. EMI’s company overhaul to merge with Virgin and move to the West Coast in 1998 results in the loss of Vaselyn's A&R person. Many artists on the Enclave are in limbo and the release of their CD gets postponed. A waiting game unfolds and In accordance with major music label tribulations the album doesn't see a release.

This material proves the basis for “Cocoon Time”. Returning to Amsterdam for a few years, Anka 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.

Released in 2006, “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”

Anka Wolbert now lives in London.