Akua Carson is budding like a cherry blossom and doing
it in the most unconventional way. The 28-year-old uses her
voice as a “metaphor” for personal development, where
confidence has played a huge role throughout years of s
elf-exploration. Her curly hair, tall stance and spunky style
evoke individuality on another level and it’s audible in the
music, too. With downtempo-laden synth, tribal percussion
and a voice both richly soulful and full of grace, “Gravity” is
the centerpiece single from Akua’s new EP, One’s Company.
The track is also featured on Episode 12 of the Showcase series,
Lost Girl. Akua believes that public exposure isn’t a factor of
affirming hard work, but rather an imposition from society.
“It’s funny because I’m getting past that point of needing
approval. I think it’s part of my Ontario upbringing of
succeeding and being acknowledged for something,” says the
London native. “I had a lot of themes of what is legitimate
because I didn’t grow up around artists or in an artistic home.”
Originally a closet singer, Akua’s talent wasn’t unveiled until
she auditioned for an elementary school play at age 10. Raised
by doting, biracial parents; a Nova Scotian mother and
Ghanaian father, she always knew she could sing with a “hairbrush in hand” or in the shower, but didn’t know how to share
her raw talent.
Everything changed when Akua moved to Montreal to study
international relations at McGill University. She joined an
acapella choir singing contemporary pop before branching out
into the local indie music scene.
During her undergrad, Akua began to compose original
music, mostly alone in her room, feeling intense emotions,
encouraging her to write captivating lyrics of relationships and
identity. She describes her sound as “more melancholic” than
“sunshine,” yet doesn’t imply that her audiences should feel the
same.
“I’m not at a place where I need lyrics to hit people and move
them. It’s more of a personal exercise,” Akua says. “It’s cathartic
for me.”
Writing One’s Company wasn’t easy. In November 2012, Akua
lost her father to prostate cancer after many years of struggle
with the disease and moved home from Montreal to be with
her family. Months after the grieving process, Akua reclaimed
her strength, putting “emotion to pen.” She believes that the
best way to honour an influential person is through chorus
and verse.
“If it weren’t for my dad’s illness, I wouldn’t have taken that
pause to explore music. There are all of these tiny little bless-
ings in dark times, you just have to look for them.”
The candid musician truly believes that “the power of people”
has enabled her to develop relationships in the arts scene.
From opening for Atlanta R&B artist Cody ChesnuTT to
playing Canadian Music Week at the Silver Dollar Room,
venue size doesn’t concern Akua, for it’s all a “matter of vibe.”
After performing at North By Northeast Festival in June 2012,
Akua received an inquiry from a high school acquaintance,
which led to an open-air homecoming set for the London
community.
“It was the most beautiful, intimate show,” she says of lights
strung and lawn chairs filled with neighbours young and old.
Akua has also connected with others as a vocal instructor at
the Rock Camp for Girls program with national charity, Girls
Action Foundation. Last summer, the artist witnessed young
women emerge from cocoon to butterfly.
“I truly like watching 13-year-old girls pick up a guitar on
Monday and play a song on Friday,” Akua regards the impact
of the program. “You see that confidence being cultivated in
the way the girls take risks and interact in a healthier way.”
With the release of One’s Company, this solo artist is more
than comfortable in her own skin – be it on stage, with fellow
artists and new environments. Gro v