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In order to make a real impact in the music industry these days, your voice needs a unique quality that no one else can match if they tried. It seems that not only did newbie, A K U A take that class, but she aced it. The soul singer’s voice offers up a gritty softness I’ve never heard before.

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She mixes alternative-soul with electronic soundscapes and already comparisons have been made to Quadron, Jessie Ware and more. This unsigned artist won’t stay unsigned long. The Montreal-based songstress has recently released her EP, “One’s Company,” and it’s in constant rotation on my iPod. You should definitely get to know A K U A.

Age: 28

Hometown: London, Ontario

Who are you listening to? The Beach Boys…on vinyl…in my kitchen.

Musical inspirations? More than people, it’s been experiences, textures, smells and memories.

Biggest break thus far? Opening for Cody ChesnuTT. He was such a special person to meet and share a stage with.

Biggest fear as a new artist? Is becoming fearful.

Did you always want to be an artist? Deep down, yes. Growing up, I definitely had inclinations towards the arts, but I didn’t really think I could become an artist. I was always a “shower singer,” but primarily was a dancer and an athlete in my high school years. By college, I started singing recreationally, but was more academically-driven, wanting, at that time, to be a journalist or work in the “non-for-profit” sector.

Back then, I never would have imagined that I would learn to develop my inner artist the way I have over these past few years, nor did I realize how important it was to take that time and learn this inner version of myself that I was previously too scared to reveal.

If you were the love child of two musicians–dead or alive–who would they be? First two that came to mind–Prince and Nai Palm. Or Stevie Nicks and Sam Cooke. Or Brandy and Monica. The child is mine. [laughs]

Check Out A K U A’s Video For “Gravity”:

Stream A K U A’s EP here:

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