What's up?
Hey, everyone!
You might know me as AKAGIRL, a singer-songwriter, podcaster, and poet, but there is more to me than what I do. There is a purpose behind what I write, sing, and discuss. My goal has always been to encourage and support other creatives out there to pick up the pen, strum the guitar, or dance to the beat of their heart. Growing up as someone far better at mathematics and analytical tasks compared to writing and anything artsy, I was told to stick to what I was best at. Pursuing a creative endeavor almost appeared to be a waste of my time or something that just wasn’t for me. Although, the more I convinced myself to stick to what I knew best, the stronger the urge to write and create music became. With that being said, I want others to find their creative outlet and understand that creativity is for everyone. You don’t need to be a phenomenal artist at first, trust me, all I can draw are stick figures, but the more you work tirelessly at your craft, the more talented an artist you will become.
Get To Know me
You are an 'Anonymous' artist, which is intriguing. Is there a specific reason why you choose to remain anonymous?
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I chose to remain anonymous because the art matters more to me than the artist. I’m not saying that I don’t support artists, but with artists today, it appears as though people care more about who an artist is dating or their beliefs than the art itself. Being a singer-songwriter or writer has to do more with what you wear, who you associate with, and how funny you are than the quality or the message behind the work. I wanted people to recognize me solely for my work as opposed to what event I attended on the weekend.
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Your work spans poetry, podcasting, and music. Beyond these creative outlets, what else do you engage in that you'd like people to know about?
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Aside from creative outlets, I am pursuing a commerce program at U of T while also teaching as a part-time swim instructor. I am based in Canada, so Toronto is the epicenter of commerce which is the main reason I chose to pursue my career there.
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When did you first start writing, and what motivated you to begin?
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It all started with this burning desire to express myself and the feelings I so fervently felt. In social situations, I am rather stoic and reserved. I don’t say much unless I must. My tendency is to be more introverted. I prefer to tackle my internal struggles on my own. One day, I just decided to vent out all of my thoughts, hatred, and suffering on my notebook pages. At the time, I was going through a rough patch. I was leaving the only home that I knew to move to a new location where I had no friends or connections. I was reluctant to leave my friends and family, but it was a move that I knew I had to make. During this process, writing and music appeared to be my personal therapists. Every time I wrote a word down on a page, I could hear this melody in my mind and I knew that my words were songs and poetry. I believe that in order to be a songwriter, you must be a poet first.
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Between your writing and your singing, which came first? How did they intertwine?
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Music and poetry come hand in hand. Initially, I began by writing poetry and lyrics before singing, music production, and songwriting. The majority of my songs are written from poems or lyrics. Although my process is chaotic and all jumbled up. I start writing lyrics by humming a tune and attaching words to it. From there, I envision this movie scene playing in my mind with characters speaking to one another. Usually, I write down the dialogue and describe the scene in my verses. Then I rephrase the lines to fit my song’s structure. The poetry book I wrote comprised of seed ideas for songs, the majority of my poems would hold up as songs and vice versa.
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Do you play any musical instruments, and if so, which ones?
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On the musical aspect of my creativity, I sing, play the keyboard, and do some music production. I have been singing on and off since I was six years old, music was my first love. I remember screaming at the top of my lungs, (yes, out of tune), all the words to my favorite songs with my younger sister in the car, in our room, and everywhere else we traveled. I have forever been able to deeply resonate with the lyrics and the message behind the song. Music moves people. It is an exceedingly evocative form of art that has power beyond belief. Songs like Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” and Ed Sheeran’s “The A Team” invite the listener in on the struggles the characters face. In my opinion, music is the medicine that can cure the injustice in this world.
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What serves as the primary inspiration for your music, poetry, and lyrics?
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The short answer: any and everything. I have written songs and poetry inspired by movies, places I’ve visited, people I’ve met, and even my favorite drink. Wherever I go, these phrases or words will capture my attention and beg me to write about them. I enjoy writing things that others can resonate with. Since music, lyrics, and poetry have forever been my support system, I want someone else out there to listen to my songs or read my poems and say, “I feel like there is someone out there who understands me”.
Meet the intervees
Check out the Shorts
A Message to those with ambitions
Whether you sing, dance, play hockey, swim, write, etc. do it with all your heart, and don't take any notice of those who say you can't. Don't be discouraged and view every critique as an opportunity for improvement. Listen to those who want to see you succeed. Anyone who doubts you and makes you feel inferior is not worth your time and energy. Instead, surround yourself with optimism and those who make you smile. I promise that when you're at your worst you will appreciate it. When you feel like tearing up that paper or packing your dreams in a box to throw out the window, that smile will be your one prized possession.
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Musically yours,
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AKAGirl
They say when you're young,
You think you're going to be "somebody",
Big dreams in a world of impossibility,
And I've heard every no,
Been behind every slammed door,
Checking every key,
But I couldn't break through,
So I let myself in the window,
Contact
Feel free to write to me at anytime!
1-239-412-2683