Akira Sky falls for Brazil

Diving into the visual and thematic universe of Akira Sky is like having your expectations exceeded every time. First of all, the name that harks back to an ancient bloodthirsty Japanese hero is actually from a delicate, charming singer. Then, somber and poignant songs are contrasted with an extremely charismatic and smiling woman. Finally, she’s from a chaotic California, but also has the grace of a Brazilian who engages with nature. But before all these paradoxical characters, Akira Sky is an artist who exudes passion in everything she does, whether composing or acting for her videos, since the 20 something was just a kid.

“Block my number“, the latest video, is one of the best examples of Akira’s unique creative strength. Although the lyrics talk about a relationship in a critical state, the video seeks its vital energy in the quality time of any romance. And to do so, it counted, of course, on the Brazilian way of telling a story well, with a crew filled with Brazilians. “I feel like that Brazilian spirit –– expressive, layered, emotional –– really helped bring the whole video to life“, tells Akira (watch the video bellow)

We’re on each other’s team

Although she usually references classy names like Prince and Janelle Monae and has a voice similar to Norah Jones, Akira doesn’t fail to draw inspiration from other twenty-something girls who practically dictate the rules of the music industry today, like Lorde and Gracie Abrams. Not to mention the sad girl “genre” that she prefers to see as a community of talented and sensitive women rather than an arena of competition.

There are so many women writing deeply personal, emotionally honest music and I think that should be celebrated, not compared.

Akira Sky on the “sad girl” label

In the following short interview, you will get to know a little bit about Akira’s taste for Brazilian’s cheesy breads, along her entrepreneurial side that knows exactly where she wants to go in her career. She gives no tips about the steps to be taken, but one thing, however, is certain. Like most sensitive Cancerians, Akira will not give up the authenticity that have been shapping her brilliant work so far.

As we say in Brazil, “the Sky is the limit”.

2 5 Things about Akira Sky

RC: Blocking a number nowadays is equivalent to a kind of social death, a very cruel form of ghosting. However, in your single you beg for it. I imagine that the idea of ​​writing these lyrics came from some tumultuous relationship, can you tell us a little bit about it?

AS: That’s exactly what I love about the song — it’s not just about a breakup, it’s about that feeling when things are messy and unresolved, and you’re almost begging the other person to be the one to cut it off because you can’t do it yourself. It’s vulnerable and kind of unhinged, but in a way that felt really honest. I didn’t want to tell a perfect story, I wanted to capture the emotional chaos that comes with knowing someone isn’t good for you, but still feeling attached.

RC: You are very charismatic, which shines through in your videos, especially this latest one. It seems to me that Brazil played an essential role in it, would you like to tell us how?

AS: That means so much, thank you! Brazil definitely played a huge part, both creatively and emotionally. I’ve actually known Luiza Botelho, the director, for a few years now, and it’s been amazing to watch her star rise. She just won Best Short Narrative at the Pan African Film Festival! Luiza was actually the line producer on my last video for a song called Talk, and we had such a great experience working together that when it came time to shoot Block My Number, she was the first person I thought of.

It also just felt like the kind of song where I really wanted to collaborate with a female director — someone who could really tap into the emotional chaos behind it. Luiza brought on an incredible Brazilian cinematographer, Luisa Dale, so the whole creative team behind the video ended up being female, which was really special. And of course we had Pablo Morais starring in it, bringing so much energy and intensity. I feel like that Brazilian spirit –– expressive, layered, emotional –– really helped bring the whole video to life.

RC: The sound quality of your work is something that enchants and impresses. It’s almost like an ASMR experience, but in the form of art. Everything is minimalist and soft, reminded me of Norah Jones and Gracie Abrams. Tell us about the recording process of your songs.

AS: That’s such a beautiful comparison — thank you! I think there’s so much power in restraint. I produce a lot of my own music and I always try to leave space for the emotion to breathe. Sometimes the quiet moments say more than the loud ones. I tend to start with a lyric or melody that feels emotionally charged and then build the production around that — almost like scoring a moment in a film. It’s about getting out of the way and letting the feeling lead.

RC: Since I mentioned other female artists, do you have the impression that there is more female competition in this field that is popularly called “sad girl songs”?

AS: I think the “sad girl” label can be both limiting and powerful, depending on how it’s used. There are so many women writing deeply personal, emotionally honest music and I think that should be celebrated, not compared. We’re not all fighting for the same space; we’re creating an entirely new one. I’ve felt nothing but support from the other woman I’ve worked with and admired. If anything, it feels like a sisterhood of feeling everything a little too much, and turning it into something beautiful.

RC: What are your future plans until the end of the year? Can we expect a visit to Brazil? You are so welcome here.

AS: I would love that – – thank you! Right now I’m finishing up my debut EP, which I’m hoping to release this summer. These new songs feel like the most personal and honest work I’ve done yet, so I’m really excited (and nervous!) to share them. After that, I’m planning to start playing live again — in LA, New York, and maybe London. But Brazil? That would be an absolute dream! Hopefully someday soon. I already feel so welcomed.

Bonus question: Did you figure out what a “pão de queijo” is?

I did! I’ve had it many times, but I always called it Brazillian cheesy bread because I didn’t know any better. There are a couple good Brazillian restaurants in Los Angeles, but I’m sure they can’t compare to being there.

So, did you like Akira Sky’s work? Tell us on the comments section!