INTRODUCING: AKOSIA
A soulful artist dedicated to truth, shared vulnerability and the art of authentic expression.
AKOSIA (pronounced ah - ko - see - ah) is a Ghanaian born, Melbourne-based artist with as much talent as she has soul. Charismatic, intuitive and emotionally articulate, Akosia manages to create music that goes way beyond a simple listening experience. By deftly intertwining the beauty of fashion, art and poetry, Akosia curates a cathartic blend of soul-pop, laced with those classic RnB flavours we all know and love. Her powerful vocals and intimate lyrical journeys bewitch you in the best possible way, encouraging you to surrender to your emotions through the admirable release of hers.
Since her stunning debut single ‘Don’t Say’ in 2019, Akosia has continued to manifest her artistic vision into reality, attracting some of the biggest names in the industry along the way. In a few short years, Akosia has worked with grammy-nominated producers such as Will Stah (Ariana Grande, Ella Mai), fashion icons such as Jason Gretch and Simon Hartman London (Beyonce) and even shared the stage with Australian songstress Julia Stone.
Now, Akosia returns with her latest single ‘Better’ – a bold, anthemic track that embraces the sharper edges of self-discovery and gives us a glimpse into her highly anticipated EP that is set to release in 2022. Written alongside ARIA-nominated producer Rob Amoruso (Baker Boy, Mia Wray), ‘Better’ features Akosia’s rich vocals pushing against a driving, percussion-led bass line, perfectly encompassing the chaotic intensity of a challenging relationship.
I had the pleasure of talking to Akosia via zoom, and it was a wonderfully in depth conversation from start to finish. We discussed what sparked her creative journey, the beauty of being different, and the power of vulnerability.
Interview by BONNIE HOGAN
Photographs by NONNY B
What sparked your interest in following a career in music?
It was very internal. I am Ghanaian and we don’t usually pursue music as a career, it was always, you know, ‘Go to church and sing, go to uni and become a doctor or an engineer’. My family and culture layed down the foundations of music so that it became a part of me, it’s woven into my soul, but I never thought I could have a career in it. I just thought it was something I would do when I needed to process intense emotions, or try to explain something inside me that didn’t really have words.
Dress by AKOSIA X Dale Crawford
I’ve noticed that you lyrically explore quite intense emotions that are usually negative such as heartbreak, yet you manage to create such a powerful, uplifting vibe that makes it feel almost therapeutic. Is this something you intentionally focus on when writing music?
It is intentional. I love that idea of contrast in music. People often present a brave face but under the surface there’s always clues they might throw out. You could ask someone how they’re doing and they may say they’re okay, but the way their tone dips down says; ‘Please ask more about me’. So it’s a kind of hook I have in my music to make people feel a bit more comfortable, so then on the third, fourth, fifth listen they can really get into the layers of the music and understand the heartache that I'm actually presenting. If you just unleash all of your emotions at once it's a bit too much. I like to come in gently, like a soft lullaby in your ear at night, but if you’re ready and you want to contemplate, then you can.
My music isn’t about forced emotions. It's about showing a door and if you want to go in, go ahead.
Latest Music
Your latest single ‘Better’ has a bit of an edgier, sharper sound compared to your previous releases. What’s the story behind it?
I wrote ‘Better’ at a time where I felt quite intense. I have a lot of big emotions which is probably obvious. At the time I was just trying to be a better person – not just as an artist but a better friend, a better lover, a better person to work with. But at the same time I was dealing with a very intense relationship that had insane highs and lows, and I felt like I was just in...this cube, stuck. I wanted to express that feeling. It was a way for me to feel those huge emotions and write all my frustrations down and ask myself the question, ‘Do I need to stay here?’. I had just started to feel secure in myself as an artist but wasn’t sure if it could work when I was in a relationship. Because if I’m being honest, being an artist is quite a selfish thing. Then you meet someone you fall in love with and they’re like, ‘Well that’s great for you, but it needs to be us’. And at that time I was like…’Ahhh, I don’t know about that!’. So that’s where ‘Better’ came from.
In this look AKOSIA wears Headpiece, SIMON-HARTMAN LONDON, Dress, JASON GRECH
How does fashion influence your music?
I started modelling when I was a teenager. Colin Anderson (photographer) noticed me when I was performing at a ballet concert, and at that time I didn’t really have a lot of self-confidence and rejected the offer. But after about a year I thought about it and was like, ‘You know what! Just give it a go!’ I’ve worked with Colin since then and he’s actually the photographer behind the cover for ‘Better’. Fashion is an interesting element for me. When I write music I see vivid images and start to imagine what it feels like. I believe that fashion is a way that enables you to present to the world who you want to be, and how you want other people to perceive you as. So I really try to infuse my music with fashion to set the scene and offer a 360 view of what I’m trying to say.
In this look AKOSIA wears Dress, JASON GRECH
You seem to have such a gift for vulnerability and bringing it out in others. Has this always been something you’ve possessed or has it only developed as you’ve followed this path?
It’s definitely developed as I grew up. I am the quietest person in my family and I’m not shy by any means, you know, so being surrounded by so many brilliant people, I really learned how to listen, and not just to listen but to look. When you’re really looking at people you can see flickers and micro-expressions so you get a better picture of what they’re really feeling, what they’re hiding, what they really wanna say. People don’t often have someone that just looks them in the eye. That type of energy I try to translate into my music. Vulnerability is so important. I’m quite a private person but I will expose myself, and bear my heart and soul in my music. It allows me to share myself and there’s such an honourable purpose to it because it’s not just me processing my emotions, it’s allowing others to do the same. That’s my job – to help people feel.
Which artists do you have on heavy rotation at the moment?
I’m very much inspired by Frank Ocean, Jhene Aiko, Sza. You can tell when an artist is just being themselves, you know? I can feel it. I’m always inspired of course by Sade too, she is just amazing; my forever muse. Miles Davis, Billie Holliday, all those jazz greats. There’s a lot of pain they create from and they didn’t have anything else but the music which creates something so special and raw. And that’s what I want to do. I don’t want to emulate anyone else. I’m influenced of course, but my job is to be me, and to just sit in the moment and share myself with my audience through my music. And that’s so important because it allows others to do the same.
Watch the full conversation.
FOLLOW AKOSIA
CREATIVE TEAM
Interview by @bonnieelouise
Photographer - NONNY B @nynnobelair
Creative Direction:@easylilah
Garment Sourcing:@cessalee
Stylist: @sarahjanemcmartin
Hair Stylist: @floreanicole & @fidelneyne_stylez
Makeup Artist: @_annieroseartistry_