Music Review and Interview with Akil – Ways

The intro to this track really gets you thinking. I like that it suggests getting to know someone, properly, before you make your move, particularly for a track from a guy to a girl; it’s a good vibe to create and it holds a lot of positivity. The track that follows is pretty intimate throughout, more so about a physical relationship than anything else, but that intro still shines brightly, and the music on the whole has quite an intimate ambiance to it, so it all works pretty well together.

It would be a little more unique if the language had steered clear of the clichés and stuck more with that initial idea, but for the most part there is good character in there, a little respect, and good vibes. The mood created by this piece of music on the whole is perfectly in keeping with it’s concept, so that’s a great match, and pretty important really – everything’s relevant, the right kind of feelings are brought to the surface by the music for what the artist is expressing in the lyrics.

There’s no massively noticeable hook, but the whole song kind of flows out around you as it moves forward, it has that trip-hop hypnotism that slows you and calms you down. The change in melody in the middle adds a much needed dynamic to the track, the lyrics speed up a little, but the vibe remains, so it all makes for an easy listening, summer evenings, late night loved up kind of track. The beat has a really nice ring to it, the depth of the kick drum, the bass, the hi-hat sounds great but a little break from that would’ve left a nice bit of space in the track. When it stops towards the end there’s this real moment of peace and reflection.

By Rebecca Cullen

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

Akil: My name is Akil. I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I knew at a young age that I would become an artist. I was inspired by music greats from the 90s era.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Akil: It took me a while before I actually found my name. It sort of found me. Akil means intelligent in the Egyptian language.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Akil: I think online music sharing is dope. I really like it because it gives artist like myself a chance to be heard. Yes I give away free music all the time. Because music itself is great and you cant put a price on greatness.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Akil: Well, to any and every artist, I’m no bigger or smaller artist compared to them. But to other artist that are up and coming, I say perfect your craft and network. Don’t ever be afraid of criticism because that true honest will enhance you if guided right.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

Akil: Everything is songwriting inspiration. Waking up can be inspiration if you look at it in that way. Even having  “no inspiration” is inspiration. My songwriting process starts by capturing an emotion rather if its being sad, angry or whatever. Then ill get real quiet.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Akil: Yes I do. Its a lot of free music actually. You can find my music on spinrilla, soundcloud , and datpiff.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

Akil: Buy some land, build a house for my family and invest the rest in myself. Also id invest in getting a skate park in Tulsa.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Akil: I still don’t know what working best for me. I just take it one day at a time.

 

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Akil: First off, check my new project “EP”. But yes I will be dropping a NEW project I’m working on. But I’m always working.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Akil: I already do what id be doing if I didn’t make music. I’m a artist in many areas. I’m a up and coming tattoo artist. Talking about self made.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Akil: I just stay on top of business so I can enjoy my creative time as needed. Its very simple.

 

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

Akil: . I say around June or July you can expect something. Just know I’m always working. I don’t take it too serious, I just really love music.