Antoniya: Montreal’s Rising Star Redefining Electro-Dance

Antoniya is quickly becoming one of Montreal’s most captivating new voices in the electro-dance scene. Her ability to fuse electro, indie, and dance music into tracks that feel fresh, alluring, and profoundly resonant has earned her a devoted following. After releasing her debut EP in 2023—a standout collaboration with Polaris Prize-nominated Ouri—Antoniya returns with her latest solo EP, Rusalka. Launched in the summer of 2024, this new project showcases a richer, more soulful sound layered with emotional depth, drawing comparisons to groundbreaking artists like SOPHIE and Charli XCX.

Listen in here: https://open.spotify.com/track/05uimeZd86uuzlOvrO1ZDQ

The lead single from Rusalka, “kиса” feat. ruski sixx, is a hypnotic dance anthem that channels playful, sexy energy into an irresistible beat. The track’s origin story is as dynamic as the song itself, offering a glimpse into Antoniya’s creative process. Written almost spontaneously, “kиса” came to life while Antoniya was preparing for a music festival in Gaspésie. Having just recovered her laptop from repairs mere days before her performance, she was in her hotel room putting the final touches on an hour-long set when she realized the track was missing lyrics.

Rather than cutting it from the setlist, Antoniya leaned into the rawness of the moment. She quickly scribbled down a few lines, repeating them with hypnotic simplicity to complement the infectious beat. The result was a track infused with raw energy, captivating the festival audience. “Performing ‘kиса’ that night was surreal,” Antoniya recalls. “People were dancing with their eyes closed, fully lost in the beat, and I felt the energy—it was a moment.”

Back in Montreal, Antoniya was inspired to finish “kиса” in collaboration with fellow Montreal artist ruski sixx and French producer Khamsin. Ruski sixx added his distinctive touch, contributing a whispered sample in Russian: “Идём сюда моя маленькая киса” (“Come here, my little kitty”). This sultry phrase became a defining element of the song, adding an irresistible layer of allure. Antoniya was immediately hooked on the addition, obsessively weaving it into the track’s fabric.

To elevate the production, Antoniya enlisted the expertise of Khamsin, known for his impeccable sonic craftsmanship, and the track was later mastered by sound engineering legend Mike Marsh. Together, they shaped “kиса” into a polished yet edgy anthem that effortlessly blends minimalistic production with themes of confidence and sensuality.

“kиса” feat. ruski sixx encapsulates Antoniya’s signature ability to deliver songs that are both catchy and complex. The track’s sharp production, flirtatious undertones, and addictive rhythm embody a unique mix of vulnerability and boldness. Listeners are drawn into a soundscape that invites them to dance with abandon while feeling emotionally connected and desired.

Antoniya’s evolution as an artist shines in Rusalka. While her earlier work leaned more heavily on experimental beats, this new project sees her embracing a more introspective and refined approach without sacrificing the raw energy that defines her music. Tracks like “kиса” highlight her knack for crafting songs that transcend traditional genre boundaries, blending pulsating rhythms with unexpected emotional depth.

This balance of playful confidence and soulful resonance is a reflection of Antoniya’s artistic vision. She draws from her Eastern European heritage and Montreal’s vibrant music scene to create music that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. With Rusalka, Antoniya cements her place as a rising star in the electro-dance genre, captivating listeners with her unique voice and fearless approach to storytelling through sound.

Antoniya’s ability to connect with her audience, both in the studio and on stage, is what truly sets her apart. Tracks like “kиса” showcase not only her technical skill but also her magnetic presence as an artist. Whether performing at festivals or collaborating with fellow innovators in the industry, Antoniya continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a modern electro-dance artist.

As the summer of 2024 marks a new chapter in her career, Antoniya’s Rusalka invites listeners into a world where rhythm meets emotion and beats transform into anthems. With songs like “kиса” leading the charge, her future promises to be as dynamic and electrifying as her music.