Akouo
Akouo has mastered one of the most entertaining and nuanced styles of R&B/soul entertainment we've come across in recent years, and his new single ‘I'm Into You’ shows why you'll be hearing a lot more of him.
BLAKE: When did your recording career begin? What inspired you to first make music?
AKOUO: My recording career began about thirty years ago, while working with other artists. What inspired me to first make music was through observation and self-reflection; going back to when I was very young, patterns of seeing my experiences through a musical lens emerged. That led to song writing and, eventually, recording.
BLAKE: Your new single is currently getting a great response on radio. How would you describe your new single? ’I'm Into You’
AKOUO: My new single, 'I'm Into You', is a love song. It was inspired by thinking about my personal history of romantic relationships as well as seeing other couples express their affection.
BLAKE: How do you feel your music has changed this past year?
AKOUO: This past year, my music has changed largely by including other artists I had not worked with previously; including them, many from different backgrounds, cultures and musical tastes, has had a major influence on the overall creative process of my writing, producing and performances.
BLAKE: What is your creative process when it comes to songwriting?
AKOUO: When it comes to songwriting, the creative process varies from song to song. Since inspiration is not limited to environment, experiences or relational interactions, each song I write – from conception to completion – has a unique creation story.
BLAKE: During this creative process, do you feel you work better alone or in a team?
AKOUO: During the creative process of songwriting, I almost always work alone. However, I have collaborated with others, and will continue to do so.
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BLAKE: How do you feel about the Internet in the music business?
AKOUO: I believe the Internet in the music business is a great tool. Global reach or exposure is certainly more attainable, which is a primary goal of using the Internet.
BLAKE: What is the best compliment you've ever received?
AKOUO: The best compliment I've ever received was: 'Your music inspires me.'
BLAKE: If you had an extra two hours every day, how would you spend it?
AKOUO: If I had an extra two hours every day, I would spend it reading literature and improving my musical skills.
BLAKE: If you could sit down with one of your favorite artists, who would it be and what would you ask them?
AKOUO: Even though he has passed, Maurice White of the R&B group, ‘Earth, Wind and Fire’, would be the artist of my choice. I would ask him one of the same questions you asked me: ‘What is your creative process when it comes to songwriting?’
BLAKE: In your opinion, which decade do you think produced some of the best music to date?
AKOUO: In my opinion, the 1970's produced some of the best music to date. That particular decade created music with a social conscience, a soul. Also, that music’s diversity of expression and full-sound quality, make it generationally relevant.
BLAKE: When you are working on a new song, who is the first person you share it with?
AKOUO: Because my concentric connections are many, it is hard to predict who the first person is that I share a new song I'm working on with. Most likely, however, it will be a family member.
BLAKE: Is there new material in the works and when will fans get to hear it?
AKOUO: Yes, there is new material, which should be released within the next six to nine months. It's a fifteen song album, with broad audience appeal; something for everyone!
BLAKE: I look forward to hearing your new work! Thank you for letting us get to know you better as a musician and I wish you the best of luck and continued success.
https://www.theakademia.com/artistkit/Akouo-ImIntoYou.html
https://www.facebook.com/AKOUO-103150336405003/
https://twitter.com/akouomusic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jpi_30fl3Gg&list=UUPqpfH9K1aDujVhAAsGdnqg&index=4