Acclaimed Ethiopian-Norwegian artist Olana Janfa today shares his debut EP Chicken On Bike. Released via NLV Records, the EP is also accompanied by an exclusive vinyl release due tomorrow for Record Store Day (April 12).

An eccentric continuation of Olana’s musical journey, his debut project Chicken On Bike sees the Melbourne-based artist find a new gear via ‘90s dancehall and dub, with an energy and defiance more pronounced than ever. “Collaborating with producers who understand how to translate my ideas into sound has been an amazing experience, and has really pushed me creatively,” Olana explains. “Each track tells a story that comes from my own experience – they share a similar energy to my art, but take it in a new direction. Getting the EP pressed on vinyl feels like a special way to celebrate.” 

Building on Olana’s signature bold energy, the EP features three releases: the Harvey Sutherland-produced title track ‘Chicken On Bike,’ a playful cut that effortlessly upends cultural assumptions with Olana’s signature naive charm; his 2024 songwriting debut ‘Skillful Man,’ produced by Swick (M.I.A, Diplo, Tkay Maidza); and a second new Harvey Sutherland-producedanthem, the hypnotic ‘Twenty Five An Hour,’ which sees Sutherland’s deep digital bass lay the foundation for Olana’s humorous social commentary.The EP’s B-side also features instrumental versions of all three tracks.

Of ‘Twenty Five An Hour,’ Olana says “This song comes straight from the working-class grind. When your survival depends on it, losing your bike is a big deal. But immigrants are usually pretty good at finding humour in hardship.” He adds: “It’s about holding onto your spirit when the world keeps breaking your lock.” 

As an established Naarm/Melbourne-based multidisciplinary creator, Olana has cultivated an instantly recognisable presence locally and internationally for his unique style of self-expression and playful perspective on everything from politics to privilege and pop culture. Since his debut ‘Skillful Man,’ Olana‘s intuitivedexterity as a self-taught creative has been on full display, met with global support from The Line of Best Fit, BBC Radio 6, fbi.radio, 3RRR and PBS FM, among others.

Though best known as a painter, Olana says he has always drawn inspiration from music, with reggae, hip-hop, and afrobeat lyrics often sparking new visual ideas. As a multidisciplinary artist, Olana has built a striking presence with work spanning murals, book illustration, fashion collaborations, and creative partnerships with brands including Nike, Nicholas Daley, NGV and SBS. His work has garnered recognition from outlets including Vogue UK, Vogue Living, It’s Nice That, Hypebeast, ABC TV, SBS Radio, Broadsheet, The Design Files, The Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Design Review and Fashion Journal among others. Now, this creative dialogue comes full circle as Olana translates his distinctive storytelling and incisive cultural observations into anthemic dancefloor grooves, offering audiences a refreshingly authentic perspective on contemporary life.

With expressive vocals that weave humour and depth into richly layered rhythms, Olana delivers a truly immersive sonic and visual experience. The special Record Store Day 2025 vinyl edition will feature exclusive cover artwork and hand-curated inner notes from the artist, making every copy a unique collector’s piece.

Chicken On Bike is out now via NLV Records, buy/stream here.

SIDE A
1. Chicken On Bike ^
2. Twenty Five An Hour ^
3. Skillful Man +

SIDE B
1. Chicken On Bike (Instrumental)
2. Twenty Five An Hour (Instrumental)
3. Skillful Man (Instrumental)

^ Written by Olana Janfa & Mike Katz
Produced by Harvey Sutherland
Mixed by Stephen Mowat
Mastered by Suture Mastering

+ Written Olana Janfa & Danny Omerhodic
Produced & Mixed by Swick
Mastered by Suture Mastering