AK – On Me

By starrymag | June 12, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) There’s no limit to what kind of music I can make. I’ve never made music to fill a box, I created my own.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) J.Cole, Kendrick, Hopsin, Young Thug, Akon, Tpain, Lil Wayne. That’s a few

 

Q) What was it about “Closed Off” that made it the right fit for your first single off your new EP?

A) I had taken a long break from social media where I literally went completely off the grid. I was locked in working on the EP and preparing all the music videos, the music, the press photos, etc. There was so much I was working on and no one had any clue as to why. So, that song basically explains why I was being “Closed Off’ because I was working on all the things that were soon on the way. I also produced that song myself, so it has a special place in my heart and I wanted that to be the opening single off the EP

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

A) I used to only write without a beat and then find one that matched what I wrote later. But since then that’s changed to a degree. I usually have a beat that I write to now, but if it’s something I produce I will write the song as I’m putting the beat together. Killing two birds with one stone. And by the time the beat is done, I am ready to record what’s written.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I usually have a big hand in it. I always give my input and always have. I’ve recently learned how to get what I’m hearing in my head into the logic session myself. Teaching myself how to produce is one of the best things, I think, I’ve done for myself as an artist. It changed my whole perspective on creating music.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live AK performance?

A) A good ass time. Performing is one of my favorite things about my career. There’s nothing I love more than being able to experience my own music with people who love the music as much as I do.

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your new EP On Me?

A) Don’t be afraid to own who you are.

 

Q) What songs off the EP are you looking forward to performing live?

A) Literally every single one of them are gonna go crazy at the shows. All of them are really high energy so I’m stoked to perform them and rage with all my fans.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to On Me as a whole?

A) Be yourself. No one’s opinions matter to who you are at the core. Once you realize and own that, you’re unstoppable.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I love performing in Jersey considering that’s where I’m from. All the cities I’ve done in Texas. Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Ohio. I went to for the first time in 2019, on my first tour ever, and Cleveland and Columbus went bananas.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Post Malone, Kendrick, JCole

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?  

A) Roddy Ricch. His melodies and pockets are absolutely insane.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) It’s the only way to connect with them really besides doing shows. I’m mad blessed to live in a time where social media exists for that specific reason. Getting to know the fans on Instagram or Twitter and then actually getting to meet them at the shows in real life, it’s mad cool.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I love you dearly. Thanks for rockin’ with the kid <3 So much more is on the way!