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LOS ANGELES, CA- The name sounded familiar, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Akua … Hmm … I swear I’ve heard that name before. Then it hit me … she was a Red Bull Sound Select artist who I saw open for Sylvan Esso back in 2015 for 30 Days In LA.
I scoured the web to find some of her latest music, but the only thing I could find was the Dean Blunt produced track “Blue Iverson” that she had featured vocals on which was released 8 month ago.
Apparently, AKUA took some time off from music since her Red Bull Sound Select days, but she sounded quite lovely at Girlschool. From 2015 performance, I recalled that she stood center stage behind various keyboards and samplers during her performance that was predominantly electronic while wearing a billowing white dress. For Girlschool, she didn’t play instruments, opting to perform to a backing track and wearing a red jumpsuit. A stark contrast from what I recalled prior.
Stage left was dressed with an OG cassette player and a retro lamp which set a comfortable and classic mood. As soon as she started to sing, I got the sense that that “classic” vibe was the atmosphere and tone she wanted to set.
I wish I could have recorded few more clips of her singer her music to refresh my memory, but I want to say that her music, while still utilizing plenty electronic sonics, has evolved to focus more on soul/alternative soul musical themes. With her steady soprano voice, I got some classic Minnie Ripperton vibes with a modern edge, and I found myself swooning to her melodies. Looking forward to her releasing some new music, and I want to see if my first “second” impressions are right.
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LIVE CLIPS
Akua at Girlschool 2/3/18. Review and photos coming soon to @BlurredCulture. pic.twitter.com/byV3BWlIOY
— Derrick K. Lee (@methodman13) February 16, 2018
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