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Unsigned Music Awards

Nov 03

AKS at the Unsigned Music Awards 2016

By My Thoughts, Performances

I woke up this morning wanted to share something with y’all.

A few years ago I decided to take some time away from releasing music. For many differing reasons but mostly financial I told myself that I had to choose between pursuing some of the personal things I wanted to undertake as a man (the most important of which was getting married) and a musical career which until that point had been a relative liability. (You get out what you put in and all that jazz)

Anyway, in the midst of all that I was faced with obstacle after obstacle (life threatening health issues, family politics, lost studio sessions, corrupted hard drives etc), and loads of ppl telling me that I’d left it too long to put out a new project. I never stopped creating and albeit that I internalised some of those fears and problems…I never stopped believing!

Fast forward about 4 years and before releasing my sophomore EP I remember having convos with my business partners (Jason & Nii) about my goals with the project; the biggest of which was to transcend the achievements of my previous body of work! I took a leap of faith with the songs I’d written without a clear idea of how I’d meet every need but having faith that I would by God’s Grace.

Following months of successes since the project’s release; on Thursday night I hopped on stage at the inaugural Unsigned Music Awards, nominated for 2 awards including the biggest of the night and played to a full house audience of friends, fans, & movers and shakers in the industry.

Although I never walked away with the awards; I can’t deny how blessed I feel to have exceeded my goals.

And I say all that to say this:

The God of the mountain is the God of the valley. In each case He has a purpose.
Sometimes it’s better to take your time in the knowledge that the things God has set apart for you, will be yours!

Oct 09

What a Week…BBC 1xtra Playlists & UMA Nominations

By My Thoughts

This is a bit of a belated post to be honest. I didn’t really know how to put into words how things had progressed during the start of this October season, but undoubtedly I’m pretty happy about things right about now!

If I keep it 100% with y’all, the thing is that all of these forward motions happened at a time when I was trying to explain to some of those closest to me why I’m hardly at hand or present as much as they’d like me to be. It’s difficult to justify the time you’ve spent dedicated to something when people can’t readily see the fruits of your labour. I found it was even harder to walk people through the sacrifices we make as creatives and why “time” is one of those things.

Anyway…fast forward a few days and I get the news the title track for my recent EP, “Train of Thought“, is playlisted over at BBC 1XTRA courtesy of the great people at BBC Introducing. (Tune in all this week to catch #TOT getting spun).

bbc_playlist
Beyond that though, I also get the news that beyond a performance slot at this year’s inaugural Unsigned Music Awards, I’ve also been nominated for 2 awards!

The industry panel have me up for:

  • BEST ALBUM/EP/RECORD
  • BEST URBAN ACT

umas_both

It’s extremely humbling to be up in the mix alongside some insanely talented individuals.

I’m here continually giving thanks, ecstatic and hoping I get to take the award home.

Big ups to everyone who’s been supporting and rocking out with the EP and just generally been following my career up until this point. I appreciate every single one of you.

I hope these recent events show just how dedicated I am and act as a smoke signal to others. To the peeps close to me, I’m sorry…but this is where my time’s gone, and long may it continue to yield dividends! Love y’all.

#NothingMoreNothingLess

Aug 05

AKS at the 2016 Unsigned Music Awards

By My Thoughts

It’s funny how things go in music. A couple of weeks back I’m just getting word that the Jay Electronica gig I’m booked as support for is getting put on hold while the organisers sort out some issues, and in that moment I’m pretty deflated as you can imagine. I tell myself it matters not, since I’ve got a headline show around the corner. But fast forward 2 hours and some email exchanges and I’m booked to play this year’s Unsigned Music Awards. 

I guess God got me, huh?

I’m pretty stoked to be in amongst the performers on the night, so make sure you tune in on October 27th to catch the train arrive on a bigger platform.


#TheJourneyContinues. #NothingMoreNothingLess


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