AKICITA’s introductory tracks ‘Monster’, ‘You Already Know’, ‘Liquor’ and ‘FWMN’ have seen the Dominican / Native American take her first steps towards becoming one to watch in 2024. Whipping up dark pop and alt-rock influences fromBanks and The Neighbourhood through to Nirvana, and exploring raw, unfiltered issues of trauma and survival in her lyrics, AKICITA’s rise is powered by a warrior’s zeal for marching onwards regardless of what obstacles may arise. Now AKICITAshares her first body-of-work as she unveils her debut EP ‘Future In Disguise’, which is released alongside its title track and new single.
The stories AKICITA has already explored highlight the depth of uncompromising takes on personal life challenges that she has overcome: ‘Monster’ reflecting upon her early life as an outcast on the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux reservation and at boarding school; ‘Liquor’ addressing her issues with addiction head-on, a story that’s continued with the subsequent breakdown of a relationship on ‘You Already Know’; and ‘FWMN’ vowing to fight back against every struggle. The music is just as essential, united by foreboding synths, moody beats, theatrical-scaled drama and a voice that can be her one-way ticket to a bigger future.
AKICITA says, “My EP ‘Future in Disguise’ is about not knowing how bright your future can be in your darkest moments. It can be completely disguised through dark lessons you must learn to get to where you’re going. Sometimes, the brighter the future, the tougher the lessons. That’s why I wanted to name it that. I’m so excited that it’s finally out there for people to hear. The beginning of my journey has been rough but I don’t have to let it be my future too.”
The EP’s title track is one of two new songs which feature on the set. Closing the EP only adds to its emotional exorcism, as AKICITA sounds as if she realises she has triumphed over the problems she has faced and is now heading somewhere altogether brighter. And who needs fairytales when she’s instead writing her own future?
She adds, “I wrote this song genuinely reflecting on how far I’ve come. How much I’ve survived. So many years of wanting to give up and never actually giving up. Which led me to thinking about how far I am really able to go. How bright my future is just based on what I’ve been able to overcome thus far. What’s another fight to a fighter? Of course I can do it again. And again and again. Nothing is out of reach at this point. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
The ‘Future In Disguise’ EP is completed by a second new track in the shape of ‘Nick of Time’. It’s a simple message but one that’s of prime importance to AKICITA’s story. Essentially: if you don’t believe in her artistry and ambition, that’s your problem.
All six songs on ‘Future In Disguise’ were written by AKICITA alongside producer Ben Wylen (Arlissa, Dan Caplen).
AKICITA was born in the small town of Prior Lake in Minnesota and grew-up as a confident and Disney-obsessed child. But that changed with trauma both at home and at boarding school, a time that ended when she moved alone to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music when she was just 18. Gradually, however, partying and addiction overtook her goals, leading to the breakdown of her first serious relationship. She recovered, but relapsed during lockdown, before she connected with producerBen Wylen, who helped her unlock the stories and experiences that give her songs a lived-in, diaristic intensity.
Later this month, AKICITA will embark upon a major UK tour – and indeed her first ever – as special guest to Leona Lewis. It includes a huge show at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena (December 9th) as well as a London show at the Eventim Apollo(December 12th). Please see HERE for a list of all dates.
‘Future In Disguise’ tracklist:
1. ‘You Already Know’
2. ‘Liquor’
3. ‘Monster’
4. ‘Nick of Time’
5. ‘FWMN’
6. ‘Future In Disguise’
Leona Lewis UK Support Dates:
November
28th – Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall
29th – Glasgow, SEC Armadillo
December
1st – Cardiff, Utilita Arena
2nd – Southend, Cliffs Pavilion
5th – Newcastle, O2 City Hall
6th – Sheffield, City Hall
8th – Bournemouth, International Centre
9th – Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
12th – London, Eventim Apollo
14th – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
15th – Brighton, Centre
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