Today we’d like to introduce you to Akila K
Hi Akila K, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been around music since legit birth. I was at my grandfather’s panyard (what we call steel orchestras’ practice grounds) at 3 years old bothering my mom, grandfather, and uncle to let me play. Several years later, I’m in after school writing in my notebook because I was mad that I lost a game of connect 4. Both times, I was reaching for an outlet to air out my feelings or my excitement, and thus, I discovered what could be done if I merged the 2. From there, I was writing any and everything. Whatever came to mind, as long as I could put a rhythm behind it so it could sound like all of my favorite artists. Music has not only given me something to feel good about, but it’s taught me about life, about relationships, about business, the importance of staying authentic. All of those things brought me in and has kept me in. Once I saw how people reacted to it, I knew I had to keep doing this. Now, I’m 2 albums in, several projects, a plethora of freestyles, performances at some dope ass venues, connected with some dope artists and creatives……I could keep going! But I’m more proud of the fact that I’ve been able to accomplish that by just being me, trusting myself, staying true to myself, and not stopping. Now, since I know I can get this far, I know I can go even farther. Trust, I ain’t done yet!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth ride AT ALL! Haha, but that’s part of the process, I guess! Being an independent artist these days comes with a lot of financial obstacles, as well as sifting through what opportunities are worth your time and brand, and what “opportunities” are more of a money-grab for the platforms preying on us. The biggest struggle has been finding what platforms, performances, and marketing campaigns, etc. are actually beneficial for me as an independent artist and brand, and not me just throwing money at a situation in hopes that it’ll catapult me into a new level of my music career.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I grew up around music. My mother was born and raised in Trinidad & Tobago while my father is Brooklyn bred. So I was able to hear the best of both worlds when it came to music and how it was done. The Soca, from my mom, showed me you could have fun with music, make it entertaining, make it enjoyable, all of that! From my dad, he gave me Hip Hop, which showed me the art of storytelling and being honest with yourself. So I studied both art forms and used it to cultivate my own musical styling. Over the years, both genres have changed significantly, as with most things in life, but I always go back to what I felt when I first heard them. With Hip Hop, I feel it’s a lost art form right now, but I studied all of the great lyricists I’ve ever come across, in hopes that we as a culture, or at the very least, ME, can maintain the basis of what Hip Hop stood for. I paid attention to how they told their stories, their cadences, how they switched the flows in between verses and hooks. Then, I attempted to do it myself. I continued until I got good at it, then great, then outstanding, until there was no doubt from any and everyone that heard me, that I knew what I was doing with words and rhythms. Once I had that down pact, I focused on making it fun and relatable, like how Soca and Dancehall is. Those were my foundations and lesson plans.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always a jokester. You could absolutely count on me to crack joke in any situation. Don’t know if that’s a good thing or not, but, that got me comfortable being around people. Couple that with me being an artist, I later realized that was me learning how to perform in front of people. I was always a dreamer, always wanting more for myself and the people around me. No one could tell me that I wasn’t going to make it, even now, you still can’t tell me I’m not. I was always outgoing, and introverted extrovert if you will. Being open and willing to express myself publicly played a role in how I am as a performer, and person today.
Pricing:
- $350 for Features
- $150 for Performances
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.akilakmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akilakmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AKilaKMusic
- Twitter: https://x.com/AKilaKMusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/AKilaKOfficial
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/akila-k
- Other: https://www.akilakmusic.com/stayupdated
Image Credits
Createstudios718
A-List Media Group
Skyvis Media