Akia: What is RnPop?

Muzikscribe
Jun 3
4 min read

Following her audition for American Idol, The Land of Opportunity singer-songwriter Akia would later appear on the reality show Ms. T's Music Factory. From there, viral live streams of her impressive vocal abilities, along with high profile collaborations with GloRilla and Swagg Jazz of Memphis group the Savages would soon follow. After forgoing a scholarship to the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Akia, who has since moved to Atlanta, Georgia, is now pursuing her music dreams full-time.

Let’s hop into this lead single, "Soft Girl Era," produced by Needlz — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

I was playing around with a poem, went to the studio and made it into a song.

How then does “Soft Girl Era“ either differ and / or compare to previous Akia entries?

“Soft Girl Era” has its own space; sometimes I’m soft, sometimes I’m on my crazy sh*t.

Of course “Soft Girl Era" comes courtesy of your still forthcoming debut LP, Dumb, Crazy, Stupid — Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?

Because I’m a woman, my feelings change. Overall, I’m a lover girl; I want to be soft, but then sometimes where it’s the days people get it confused. Lbvs’ we’re moody!

As a songwriter when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from?

Things I experience; sometimes I fantasize, and even take from what people around me

experience.

Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Jatavia Akia Lamb?

Very young. I always liked music. My grandmother was a DJ. She DJ’d at the skating rink every weekend for a while; I used to dance in the middle of the rink . Although I didn't like singing because of my shyness, eventually I started to embrace it.

Now you’re originally from Forrest City, Arkansas, correct? So growing up in ‘The Natural State,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

I grew up listening to Bey, SWV, Keyshia Cole, Johnny Taylor, Chris Brown. My family love the blues.

That said, how do you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and / or

perform?

I recently started calling it ‘RnPop’; it’s like a mixture of RnB n Pop music.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?

I want people to feel good when they hear my music. I want to be that small percentage of the world that makes people feel good. My lyrics might make someone’s day, you never know.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I can’t think of someone off the top of my head BUT it would be a male rap artist;

I miss the RnB / rap duos. The rappers are singing themselves now.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

Probably a Super Bowl halftime show; everyone loves football that would be amazing

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?

It’s getting where it needs to be.

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

Allowing myself to take the proper steps, and not skipping anything through the process.

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

Maybe acting.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

Dreamville Festival. People that seen me for the first time ended up screaming my name. Could you imagine how that feels?

What’s an average day like for you?

I’m a pretty chill person. An average day is, like, me singing in the house all day and cooking; I like to cook .

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans...

I reply to messages and comments. In person, I give hugs and photos.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

Performances are my favorite. It’s like a relief for me. The business is the least. It’s stressful and I hate it. All honesty.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

I made a post the other day saying, Remember music is supposed to be FUN. My perspective on music is really about emotion.

Whether you rap, sing…write, keep going and keep changing the world with your art because whether you know it or not music is a HEALER. Lol, to me. You never know who’s listening or who you inspire. Your lyrics just might touch someone today; stay consistent and be great

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

I see myself headlining tours, receiving Grammys and just taking over the lane I’m creating for myself.