Local Sounds: a k u a
a k u a only recently began indulging herself in music after spending most of her life pursuing her other passion: dance. One of her first experiences as a vocalist was with the Effusion a capella choir and, from there, she began working as a backup singer for several Montreal bands. All the while, she secretly wanted to start a solo project that could showcase her unique and eclectic sound. Finally, a year later of experimenting with a loop pedal and vocal effects, a k u a has honed in on her sound; a unique mix of R&B, soul and folk that is a pleasure to the ears. Her raspy and dynamic voice blends effortlessly with her simple, yet intricate loops and harmonies.
a k u a plans to start recording her first EP in November of this year in order to release a finished product in early 2012. In the meantime, she has been hitting up several venues around Montreal, sometimes mixing her one woman show with a full band and giving audiences a taste of what’s to come. She has also released several self-produced songs, such as “Push Harder” whose video earned her a spot in the 2010 Silver Sound Music Video Film Festival in Brooklyn, NY last fall. This video showcases her humble and unique personality, as well as her sense of humour.
If you’re curious to see what her live performances are like you can check her out every Monday from 2 to 3 p.m. at Le Depanneur café on Bernard street in the Mile End. Perhaps the biggest news of all is that a k u a will be playing on September 24 at Le Belmont as part of this year’s Pop Montreal Festival with She’s Got a Habit and The Incubator.
Check out a k u a on facebook and myspace
Photo credit: Alana Riley
