Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: While I’ve grown up playing piano since I was about five, I didn’t truly feel connected with music until I started singing around high school. I’d say what makes my journey unique is that I’ve been exposed to a ton of different musical styles since then including choral and classical music, musical theater, opera, bollywood music, pop, and obviously R&B which is the foundation of the music I make nowadays. I also sang baritone and did some beatboxing for my college south-asian acapella group which I really enjoyed!
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Akshay”?
A: I make music from the soul, for the soul. Spirituality is the foundation of who I am as a person, and my goal as a musician is to bring out that light and joy of spirit that resides within all of us. I’m also really excited to introduce a new kind of sound in the R&B genre that blends indie, south-asian, afro, latin, and drill influences. More than wanting to blow up or go viral to millions of fans, I would consider myself successful if the emotions and lyrics behind my melodies can connect at a deeper level and change the lives of even a few people who hear my music. With that being said, I’m looking to market my music as best I can through avenues like social media (Facbeook, Instagram, Tiktok, etc), and also organically through communities like my hometown of Austin and south-asian communities.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: I absolutely love the music that 6LACK makes and the stories he tells. A lot of artists have great voices and catchy melodies, but I don’t know of anyone who can write lyrics the way he does. He is authentic, vulnerable, and relatable, with every word having a purpose to cut right through the human experience.
While my inspiration for making music is rooted in my spirituality, I think the idea for a great song can be found anywhere at any time, whether its hearing a song that does a unique blend of styles and vocal ranges, or in something as simple as a conversation with a stranger. Always gotta be on the lookout!
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Helen of Troy.”?
A: Helen of Troy is a story of heartbreak that has transformed into war, referencing the historical battle for the most beautiful woman in the world. The story follows the protagonist as he reminisces over his relationship and pleads with his ex to not give up on their love. The story, however, the story ends with the hook: “Surround your boy and bow to the Helen of Troy”. The war has ended, and he must bow to her in the end.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Soulful
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Helen of Troy”?
A: Challenges might be an understatement – it’s taken over a year of writing, recording, mixing, and mastering this song all from scratch in my bedroom with nothing but YouTube tutorials to help me out! That’s not to mention that tapping into the raw emotions when writing and recording this sort of heartbreak music can really take a personal toll, although I believe that’s the only way this record could have felt authentic. It’s all part of the healing and growing process and I’m really happy to say I wouldn’t have done it any differently.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: My dream is to collaborate with Chris Brown one day! Apart from being the very first artist who put me on modern R&B music, he’s shown me that individual expression is not limited to music and can be found in every part of life, from dance, to art, to basketball. I take a lot inspiration from the versatility he incorporates into his newer music especially.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: It might be a little early to answer this question since this is only my debut single, but I would say to anyone considering making independent music that there is such a unique opportunity in times like today for self-made artists to shine through. I manage every part of the process myself (outside of making my own beats) from recording, songwriting, mixing, mastering, marketing, and video editing. While that hasn’t always been easy, I’m really grateful that I live in a time where it is possible for someone with a self-starter mindset to create and market their music professionally. I would tell anyone who’s unsure about starting on this path that the potential to create the world you want is within you if you have the faith to tap into your inner strength and have the determination to work relentlessly. Never tell yourself that something can’t be done!
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: While I think the mistakes I made when I was younger were all a necessary part of growth, what I would tell him for sure is that the happiness you’re seeking from other’s validation or from stimulating external experiences will not last. That lasting fulfillment can only come when you’re at peace with yourself, doing the things you love that make you and the world around you better.