Shades is not just your average pop artist. He is a trailblazer in the queer culture, deconstructing the complexities of self-assurance and vulnerability in his latest releases. Songs like Body Bag delve into the realms of sexuality and the endless soul search for body empowerment, making Shades a lightning rod for innovation in the music industry.
As a proud representative of LGBTQIA+ culture, Shades uses his personal experiences of trauma and self-discovery to fuel his music. His upcoming debut album promises to be a cinematic journey through healing and self-discovery, offering a patchwork of textures that are both angry, sexy, and vulnerable.
With accolades from publications like Hoezine and Yass Magazine, Aka Shades is definitely an artist to watch. So, keep an eye out for his incendiary debut album and get ready to hear more from this exciting young prospect from London. Aka Shades is here to shake up the music scene, one sultry texture at a time.
What first got you into music?
I’ve been fascinated by musicians for as long as I can remember. I found an exciting escape in the world of music since I was a child and would dream of one day being able to express myself through such a captivating and entertaining art form.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I mostly describe my music as genre-less or genre-bending. I think the most common question a musician is asked is what kind of music do you make? I’ve always struggled with an answer as I’ve never felt tied to one style. I listen to such a variety of music and find inspiration all around me. I think there’s also always an edge to what I create, some people call it dark or raw, I guess you could simply call it authentic.
What does your music say about you?
Well, art is subjective, and I’m sure it’s different depending on the listener. Based on this album I would say honest, vulnerable and resilient.
What is your creative process like?
It really is different every time, but I’m not a technical musician at all. I’m inspired by emotions and mostly work from energy. There might be a particular experience that I am going through, a book I have read, or a movie I loved. Then either a particular soundscape or some lyrical ideas will begin the creative process.
Has your musical journey had a deliberate direction, or did it simply gradually evolve in whatever direction it found?
I go where the wind takes me, and sometimes I surprise myself with where I end up. It’s a very natural and holistic process for me, in a world that expects instant results and gratification I’ve learned to trust the process and keep an open mind, it has to feel authentic.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your current releases?
White Knuckle Ride is an autobiographical album and inspired by a time in my life that already feels quite far away. To go back and recapture that energy and that sound in order to complete this body of work and honor the concept was challenging at times. Especially once I had already begun working on new material from a new perspective, but I knew I had to complete and close that chapter.
What is next for you?
Well firstly, I’m taking a break! I have a hiking holiday coming up in Austria where I intend to recharge in nature and just be present and peaceful. Then it’s back to work, I’m always creating, always playing with new ideas and evolving as an artist. I’m excited to begin a new era of Aka Shades, to play, collaborate and explore.
Tell us about your most unusual talent or party trick.
I’m very intuitive, I normally know that things are going to happen before they do. And I can tell pretty quickly if a place is haunted.
If you could have any superhero power, what would it be and why?
It has to be flight, what’s cooler than flying? I can be quite impatient and at times introverted, I would love to Irish exit through a bathroom window and fly straight home!
What two nonessential items would you want if you were shipwrecked on a deserted island?
A solar-powered radio, and hot sauce!
Are you a cat or dog person?
CAT! I LOVE CATS. Cats are real spiritual creatures and my two babies are my world.
If you had a time machine, would you travel to the future or back to the past?
Neither! I’ve seen The Butterfly Effect, I wouldn’t mess with that, what’s meant to be will be.