In Conversation With Akemi Fox
Image: Zoey Jacqueline
Introducing Manchester’s low-fi soul queen: Akemi Fox. Working with producer/collaborator Teo, the dynamic duo describe their sound as ‘Alternative RnB’. Yet, on first listen, it delves into an array of genre spanning textures to deliver a collection of stunningly well-crafted soundscapes.
Having released a string of self-produced singles, including ‘Weightless’, ‘Disposable’ and the most recent ‘Lemon Tea’, the pair have found a unique way of working. Elaborating more upon their creative process, Fox explains, “I used to have bursts of inspiration and write a lot in books… now it’s more freestyling over a beat and recording to see what stands out,” admitting, “when I’m really in the mood, things just come to me.” Utilising the universal truth and delving into the fibres of relationships, it is Fox who takes charge of the lyricism, “sometimes I don’t feel like I’ve necessarily had that experience, but I can relate to it.”
In addition to Fox’s unique and free creative style, producer Teo is fully immersed in the sonic journey as the musical visionary behind the duo, “I have to imagine where the song is going to go, having that initial chord progression and beat quite firmly rooted into the tune,” he says, before adding; “Once the vocals are recorded, those things don’t change. I’ll add guitar, additional melody, as well as keys parts.”
The pair have taken their intimate sound to the stage, performing at venues such as Night & Day Café & Gullivers to receptive audiences; as well as performing live sessions for BBC Introducing Manchester and Sofar Sounds.
Their latest release, ‘Lemon Tea’, landed 4th May in the midst of the UK lockdown. Recorded in January, the pair felt it was the perfect time to release with the world coming to a standstill; yet reaffirmed the difficulties of preparing a release within a global pandemic.
“It was definitely still stressful… the day before, you’re thinking ‘I hope people listen to it’. Because of lockdown, people are at home but also they could still not listen to it,” Fox begins; before Teo adds, “we couldn’t do any shows to promote it, that was difficult.”
Image: Zoey Jacqueline
Speaking more about Lemon Tea’s video, Fox adds: “it definitely brought more attraction to the song. It was nice to still be able to have a video… I think we just worked with the resources we had.”
Despite limited resources, the pair focus on what they do have, which is natural talent in abundance. In addition to this, the duo recognise the importance of using their platform to raise awareness of systemic issues; recently donating 100% of Bandcamp earnings to Black Minds Matter UK, a mental health charity which strives to provide free professional mental health services for all Black people in the UK.
“As a Black woman myself, I thought if there is any way I can use my platform in order to benefit a charity such as Black Minds Matter, I would do it. I can’t imagine how some people are coping. We need more funding for mental health, especially for Black people in this time,” Fox says, before stating… “we want to help in any way that we can, even if it’s something as small as reposting content; by educating ourselves, we can educate others.”
“The industry has a responsibility,” Teo opens. “It has profited a lot from Black culture… We need to be paying people properly; young Black artists on 360 deals earning a pittance. It needs a light shone on it,” before expanding, “it’s good to see more people becoming educated on it, people giving out information on what is and isn’t good for an artist… but I feel like specifically, the music and people of Black origin are victimised by the industry.”
Listen to ‘Lemon Tea’ here:
This interview was first featured in Yuck Magazine Volume Three, available to buy here.