Interview with Akshan

A fusion Of R&B And Reggae Influences that produce a “real, classic, eclectic” and unique style of music, is one way of describing this man’s musical sound. Who is this Sing Jay that crafts this musical synthesis? He is Akshan, and having entered the musical arena in 1996, he is now poised and ready for combat with his album “Time Fi Akshan”. Lia sat down for a one on one with this rising Sing-Jay and found out about the diverse musical platform, solid lyrical armor and resoundingly clear message that his soon to be released album will deliver to the music world.

Lia:Akshan, where were you born?
Akshan: Well I was born in St. Mary, Jamaica. I am from an area called Grants town.

Lia: What are some personal experiences that influenced your music?
Akshan: Going back to Jamaica and seeing my family is a motivator. It makes me strive to take things to another level just for the sake of helping on a broader scale. Also my father passing, I strive for success to fulfill his dreams of what he would want his son to be. My experiences with women is also a big influence. I have had many strong women in my life that influence the way I treat, act toward and react to women. I try to maintain a positive vibe at all times, yet stay real with it.

Lia: I hear that…. What are three words that would describe your musical style?
Akshan: REAL- I only sing and chant bout things. I don’t let the illusion of things cloud my music. ECLECTIC- I love experimenting with my craft so you never know what style you gonna get. CLASSIC- I create songs that will last the test of time. I don’t just make a tune fi make people move. I make music that you can hear years down the line and still feel it.

Lia:Your music is described as being ‘a fusion of reggae and R&b sounds’. What are some of the R&B artists and sounds that were influential in creating your unique style?
Akshan: Early on I loved R&B groups like Boyz II Men. As you will see in my music I am big on harmonies. I always liked the showmanship of early R. Kelly and the writing skills of artist like JOE. I listen to all genres of music on the regular but as far as my R&B roots, those artists, along with songwriters like Brian McKnight influenced me most. I am big on things like the content of songs. I don’t just like making a song and rhyming just to rhyme…. When I listen to music I break it down in my head and when I write you can hear that, and that’s hot! I want my songs to have content. That’s why these artists appeal to me.

Lia: Being a musician is not just about holding the mike, it is about your ‘stage presence’ as well. Was there Jamaican that you emulated, or that helped you to perfect your on-stage performance?
Akshan: Well first off, my all time favorite artist…mi haffi big up KOLONJI. A lot of artists are emulating Kolonji, but the difference in me in respect to that is I admire Kolonji to the utmost but I don’t want to be Kolonji; I want to be Akshan, therefore I emulate the presence, the charisma, the willingness to experiment with the music and things of that nature. Also, Sizzla is and has been the most influential artist thus far on the music I do. His stage presence, his lyrics, his persona are established at a level that you have to respect. I see it today in the music coming out of JA, especially with the resurgence of the conscious sounds. I also look to Spragga Benz, who was the first artist that made me want to DJ. The lyrical ability and love for women are what I admire most about him, and I try to keep those characteristics in my music.

Lia: The music industry is not an easy business to be in. What keeps you going when things/the journey get a little bit rocky/uncertain?
Akshan: Just the people around me and truly internal meditation….I admit I get down at times, but having positive people to keep you grounded and focus is key, cause tuff times in this biz are really tuff, but it makes the nice times that much better. I meditate because when you feel like you were put here for a purpose it makes the journey to achieve that purpose much more worth it. I reflect on a quote Lauren hill said on her last album “living your passion is the best way to serve the most high” I look to that quote often [and] as long as I am living my passion and pursuing my dream, no matter what obstacles the industry throws my way.. I can deal.

Lia: What is the most important thing that artists that are following in your footsteps should know about the music industry?
Akshan: If you are gonna do it, you can’t be half stepping. You got to take it serious if you really want it. Personally, I know it’s the only thing I want to do with my life so I dedicate my time and money to Akshan, like it’s a child. I would also say that everything in life worth having is worth working for. This business has many obstacles, many of which I never even thought of when I started out. It’s your job as an artist to know as much about the business as you can. Protect your self, copy right all your music, and always conduct yourself professionally. Perception is a big part of this bizniz. When people see that you are professional they will treat you as such. Lastly, I would say build relationships. When I say relationships, I mean with other artist, producers, promoters… whoever. You never know when someone will be in a position to possibly help you.

Lia: Do you have a favorite track on the cd? If so, what makes it your favorite?
Akshan: On the album my favorite is between ‘Heaven’s Door’ and ‘A Try’. Heavens Door is a song that just came to me and when I got the riddim, it wasn’t even meant for me. It was a hip hop track but the melody of the song spoke to me and the lyrics just flowed. I wrote it after the 911 thing happened and things were all crazy in the world. It’s really just an inside look at a person trying to deal with life and seeing that things is not getting any better, and callin to the most high for answers…, something we all can relate to at some point in our lives. It’s just a song that makes me reflect and vibe out at the same time. The other song ‘A Try’ I love it for the energy and feel of it. It’s reflective of a relationship I had with a female, but overall just a song I like to listen to.

Lia: So can we look forward to a single in the future?
Akshan: For the single we are doing a joint single. We are working on the video now…, working out concept etc. The video will be for the song “Ohh Well/A Try.” We have a really good concept and I think it’s gonna be hot when it’s done!

Lia: Akshan, to our young brothers and sisters in Jamaica what do you want to say…
Akshan: I want to say… whole tight and keep on striving fi di best. Nuff tings a try whole yo dong right now, but under every dark cloud, a bright light a shine. No give up pon yo dreams, caa the light ago shine fi us all individually at some point.
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Lia: For the fans and others who want to see you in ‘akshan’, how can they get information on upcoming performances?
Akshan: On my website www.akshanmusic.com we have a mailing list that you can sign up for. Show information and ‘Akshan updates’ are sent out often cause it’s Time fi Akshan!