Akurei Interview - One To Watch

Meet Akurei, Brisbane's triple j unearthed winner who opened the FOMO festival on Saturday. We had the opportunity to catch up with Akurei before FOMO Brisbane to talk about his production, the festival and his relationship with music.

Futuremag Music: How'd you move into music?

Akurei: I started playing music in the 5th grade, that was on saxophone. I did that for about 5 years and it was fun and I learned to read music, but it wasn't a form of expression for me, it kinda just felt like a skill and a hobby. I picked up bass after that and was involved in a few different projects during high school, but never as a song writer. Song writing has been something I've delved into only in the last 4 years, but I feel in the last year I've really found my groove and voice with it. The journey has really been one of self discovery, learning how I work best and learning to trust myself.

Futuremag Music: When you found out that you'll be playing at FOMO Brisbane what was your reaction?

Akurei: Like a combination of things, I was initially ecstatic, then nervous. FOMO is my first live show as Akurei. I've played as a session musician for a bunch of projects but this will be the first time I've ever played anything I've written in a live setting. We got the news with three weeks to pull a set together. I haven't slept much.

Futuremag Music: What can we expect from your live set?

Akurei: A lot of new music. I've only released two singles, and we're only doing one of those in the set.

Futuremag Music: Who are you looking forward to seeing at FOMO?

Akurei: SZA, Post Malone & Kaytranada. I'm so pumped to see these three acts live. Especially SZA, I was gutted I missed out on tickets to see her, so when I got the news about the FOMO set like half of my excitement was about seeing her play. Will also be bopping to The Kite String Tangle, his set is one of the live electronic sets going around Australia in my opinion.

Futuremag Music: If 'Akurei' was a cocktail what would be in it to best describe you and your music?

Akurei: I'd be an 'Old Fashioned.' Expensive and delicious.

Futuremag Music: What does 2018 hold?

Akurei: As much new music from me as I can release in a single year.