In the ethereal melodies that echo through the haunting corridors of AKICITA’s music lies a profound narrative—one of resilience, self-discovery, and the triumph over life’s darkest moments. From the small town of Prior Lake, Minnesota, to the grand stages of the UK Christmas tour with Leona Lewis, AKICITA’s journey is not just a musical evolution but a testament to the power of embracing one’s past to shape a brighter future. In this exclusive interview, AKICITA delves into the influences of Disney-inspired fantasies, the impact of traumatic experiences on artistic expression, and the cathartic release found in crafting songs like ‘FWMN’ and ‘Liquor.’ Join us as we unravel the layers of AKICITA’s artistry, exploring the intersections of cultural heritage, overcoming addiction, and the transformative power of music in connecting with audiences on a profound level.
Your early life in Prior Lake, Minnesota, and on the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux reservation is described as both independent and Disney-obsessed. How did your upbringing shape your musical influences and the artist you are today?
I’ve always been pretty independent, so wandering off singing random melodies was always my thing. I feel because I was so Disney obsessed, the melodies that I came up with have a sort of a fantasy/ fictional world feeling to them. But make it a little haunting and dark… and that’s my vibe now. I picked that part up later in life from things I’ve gone through.
The press release mentions that your home life was changed by traumatic events. How did these experiences impact your approach to music, and do you find that your music serves as a way to cope with or express those experiences?
The traumatic events that I experienced definitely changed my approach to music. In fact, it made me feel even more connected to music. I found that through my melodies and lyrics, I was able to express and truly feel feelings that were more vulnerable without the fear of anyone telling me how I “should” feel. I can just say how I really feel and let it be what it is. I love feeling that free. Music does that for me.
Congratulations on being selected to support Leona Lewis on her UK Christmas tour! How does it feel to have this opportunity and share the stage with such an established artist?
Thank you so much! It’s such a dream come true honestly. So exciting and so nerve-wracking at the same time. I couldn’t be more honored and grateful for the opportunity.
Can you tell us more about your single ‘FWMN’ and the inspiration behind it? How does this song represent your journey and the message you want to convey through your music?
Yes, FWMN is about people not believing in you until the rest of the world does or until you’ve got a certain status. It’s about the journey of being imperfect and making mistakes along the way to success because that’s what it takes. Failing is the best teacher. Most people are clout chasers, so they won’t care to see your potential and truly believe in you until you’re already there. So the message is that as long as YOU believe in yourself and you never give up, no matter how many times you fall, you will make it. Then you can just let your success speak for itself.
Opening for Leona Lewis on a Christmas tour is a significant milestone. What does it mean to you personally and professionally to be part of this tour?
It’s a huge milestone. This is the biggest moment of my career thus far. It means everything to me.
Leona Lewis mentioned that she’s been following your journey and admires the truth and power in your music. How does it feel to have the support of such a well-respected artist?
Leona is such a beautiful soul. She has been nothing but supportive of me, and I feel so blessed to get this kind of support from such an icon. I will remember this forever.
Your background includes Dominican and Native American heritage. How does your cultural background influence your music, and do you incorporate it into your performances?
Yes, possibly in the actual way I sing. I haven’t fully tapped into my Dominican or Native American heritage music-wise yet. I’m very excited to explore this in the future.
You mentioned that this will be your first time in the UK since you were young. What are you most looking forward to during this tour, both in terms of the performances and your time in the UK?
I am most looking forward to experiencing the amazing crowds! I’ve heard nothing but good things. I’m excited to enjoy the different vibes over there. The culture. Oh and also watching my producer Ben drive on the other side of the road…
The press release mentions that your single ‘FWMN’ is a cathartic release of angst and insecurities. How important is it for you to use your music as a platform to express personal experiences and connect with your audience on a deeper level?
The whole reason I wanted to start from the beginning of my story was to show people that you really can make it out of the darkness. You may even fall back into it, but you’ll get out of it again. That’s part of the journey. I’ve had a rough beginning, but that doesn’t mean that has to be my future. That’s the message behind my EP ‘Future in Disguise.’
Your journey from a small town in Minnesota to pursuing a music career in Los Angeles is quite remarkable. Can you share some insights into the challenges you faced and how you overcame them to reach where you are today?
Absolutely. I remember coming out to Los Angeles when I was 18, scared to death. I had no idea what I was doing or where to even start on this journey. My best advice is to charge at your fears. Once you face them, you realize it’s not really that scary, and you’re gonna be okay. The best way to conquer your fears is to just do it anyway. Do it scared. Then you can do anything really. Ask your guides, spirit, or whatever you believe in to guide you to where you are meant to be, and have faith and trust in yourself. Never let go of that belief in yourself and your dreams.
In your recent track ‘Liquor,’ you explore the theme of addiction. How has your personal experience influenced your music, and what message do you hope to convey to those who may relate to your story?
My personal experience with addiction has been such a rollercoaster. I’ve been sober then relapsed then sober and relapsed again and again… Not gonna lie, it’s hard. Not only is it hard to quit but it’s also hard to accept the reality that you actually have a problem. There’s so much denial and so much shame that comes with it. Most times the shame would lead me to another relapse. So many times I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to stay sober. All I can do genuinely is take it day by day. I don’t think past today. I just tell myself I won’t drink today. So the message I’m trying to convey to those who may relate is that you are not alone, truly. Most people will not understand the complexity of addiction or believe that it’s a disease, but focus on the people who do understand or even just the people who are willing to see past your addiction and who you truly are at your core. Surround yourself with support. This disease is not for the weak.
At 18, you made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. What motivated you to take such a significant step, and how did your early experiences in Los Angeles shape your artistic journey?
Honestly, a huge reason why I decided to move to Los Angeles was because I wanted to get away from the environment that held so much trauma and bad memories for me. I never felt I fit in anywhere anyway. I wanted to at least be in a place where there was so much more opportunity to be who I envisioned to be. It just made sense.
Starting a career in the music industry can be tough, especially without connections or prior knowledge. What were the initial challenges you faced in Los Angeles, and how did you overcome them to establish yourself as an artist?
Oh, it’s unbelievably difficult to start a career in this industry. I had to go through some unfortunate experiences with various people to realize not everybody has the best intentions for me. People can sell you a dream that, in reality, is just for their own personal gain.
The press release mentions that you spent time partying to fit in, and this eventually led to discovering that your drinking had become an addiction. How did you recognize and address this challenge, and in what ways has this journey influenced your music, particularly in tracks like ‘Liquor’?
I spent a lot of time in the club scene because I wanted to fit in, but I also thought that could be a way to get noticed. I thought that was the main way to make connections. It became my entire lifestyle, and I didn’t realize it was a problem until I had my first relationship. We lived together so combining our lives was a huge change for me since I was used to being so independent and on my own. It was affecting other people at this point. In an obviously negative way. I wrote ‘Liquor’ about this experience.
Your chance meeting with Ben Wylen is highlighted as a turning point that helped unlock your creativity. Can you elaborate on how this meeting influenced your music and contributed to your artistic development?
Ben is such a passionate, hard-working, and devoted man to his craft. It’s inspiring, really. I didn’t even know how to properly write a song with verses, a chorus, or a bridge, and he guided me through every aspect of songwriting that I know today. I wouldn’t want to be on this journey with anyone else. I never have to over-explain myself or what I’m trying to say. And he knows me so well now. We just make the perfect team.
You’ve bravely explored your past in your music, calling upon influences such as Banks, The Neighborhood, and Nirvana. How do these influences manifest in your work, and how do you use your music to tell your story and connect with your audience?
Those are just some of the many artists I’m influenced by, but it’s the way their music makes me feel. It moves me. And I always want my music to do that. Even if they can’t connect to the lyrics as much, I want the music to make them feel connected to me. Through that similar feeling.
The name AKICITA translates to warrior in the Dakota language. How does this name reflect your identity as an artist, and what message do you hope to send to your listeners through your chosen stage name?
This name not only describes who I am as a person, but it’s also a way that I wanted to represent my native heritage. My ancestors were all warriors. For generations, my people have been silenced, and I thought what would be louder than this? I hope I can use this platform to shed light on uncomfortable topics that are rarely discussed but that is very important to me. I just want to make a positive change in the world. A legacy worth leaving. I am at the beginning of my learning journey when it comes to my native history and even my Dominican side, but I am excited to take everyone on the journey with me. xo
