It's not the first time I mention this but the UK r&b scene is really something else - and even though there have been talks that r&b is dying, I think it's quite the opposite. Here's yet another proof.
Akemi Fox, a young & incredibly talented Manchester singer, just released her 3rd EP in the dark. We've been covering her journey on the blog since 2020 but she actually started a couple of years earlier. Since then, she's been getting music out very consistently, including a collaboration with Moby (yes, the one you're thinking about). It all resulted in frequent live performances across the UK - i.e. opening live for Kelis, and support from the likes of BBC 1 & 1Xtra.
In this interview, she shares more details about her music process, the concept of her new EP, her family, and much more.
What is your first music-related memory?
I used to sing really loud when my Mum dried my hair, I thought she couldn't hear, haha. It was cute because she wouldn't disrupt she'd let me belt my little heart out.
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I was brought up in a house where music was always playing. My dad listened to a lot of jazz music - he named me after a Japanese pianist called Akemi Kuniyoshi, and my mum played a mixture of music from rock to R&B. I spent most of my time listening to music channels, listening to loads of 2000s and 90s R&B, which I think this inspired the music I make today. I kept diaries and wrote lots of songs as a teen, I always thought maybe one day I'll use these lyrics and I did. That is when my passion for making music formed and I started to share my work on Instagram as I got a bit more confident.
Music aside, what would you like to do for a living?
I think I'd have a fashion brand and do styling or I think I would have my own coffee shop.
Who is Teo, the producer behind your works?
Teo is my boyfriend, we met because he slid in the DM's to make a song nearly 7 years ago and the rest is history!
Walk us through your music creation process. Do lyrics or melody come first?
Ooh, it depends. For me lyrics usually flow when I hear the beat, it's like it tells me what I should say. I often go into the studio with no idea what I am going to say but for the recent things I have made, I have had something in mind that I wanna talk about. I guess having a word or feeling in mind, you find ease in creating the song because it comes out quite naturally. It's fun though you never know what you will make and how easy the process will be.
How did you get to work with Moby on "fall back" (part of his 2024 always centered at night album)?
It was back in 2022 when he reached out to make a song and of course, I had to say yes. It was such a fun experience making something different from my usual style, it made me think outside the box. It's amazing to have worked with such an icon like Moby.
What was the tipping point when you thought "Okay, this music thing is actually going to be something"? Or is there ever such a moment?
Ooh, well, it was sort of when I finished my degree, I thought this is the time to give it your all and that's what I have done ever since. I can't lie there have been many challenges but it's such an amazing job I have some great opportunities and I'm manifesting that there will be many more.
You just released your 3rd EP in the dark. What is it about?
The name reflects the artwork that was taken on my film camera at night. It comes from a sense of vulnerability faced sometimes when you are in the dark when things don't seem so clear, I feed this feeling into the songs. The project contains 7 tracks that uncover feelings of uncertainty that I had been feeling and my journey to self-acceptance. It also, touches on themes like intimacy, from me uncovering insecurities in myself like in the song "be yourself" and "press play" to embracing my sexuality and newfound confidence in songs like "give it to me" and "hold my face".
What do you feel changed for you (both as an artist & a person) between your debut single back in 2018 & your latest release?
Oooh, I guess a lot of new experiences and meeting new people inspired a different feeling in my music. Also, I feel like you evolve so as much as I'd say my sound is similar I've just tried slightly different vibes such as lyrical themes and style of production.
Performing live vs. performing in the studio?
I think my favourite is performing live, I think I find it so much scarier but it feels good to connect with the real people that are listening to your music. I love recording but it can get very repetitive and frustrating sometimes. I guess performing live feels very free and I love an excuse to get dressed up and chat with the audience.
What is the r&b scene in the UK like?
I think it's amazing, there are so many talented artists doing their THING right now. I love artists like Odeal, RUBII, Mahalia, Jorja Smith, Sasha Keable, Pip Millett and that is just to name a few. I can't wait for more of the world to find out about our R&B scene.
If you could choose any name(s) to collaborate with, who would that be?
Ooh, I always say this but it would have to be Kaytranada I just think we'd make such a good song. Maybe the more I say it, it could maybe happen one day!!
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