Q&A: AACACIA
Where do we even start?! After featuring on Lee Mvtthews’ track “Bones” and winning the competition to sing with Drax Project at the sold-out 2019/2020 R&V Festival, AACACIA’s career has only been skyrocketing. She’s since been signed to Universal Music, released her first two singles “Bend” and “Runaway”, plus landed a feature on Drax Project’s new track “Firefly” alongside Fetty Wap!
We’d love to know a little bit about your musical journey so far!
I was about one semester away from finishing my degree when I decided to drop everything and work towards a music career. I was abruptly certain about going on this path haha it was all a bit random! My family and friends thought so too. That was 3 years ago. I did Kapa Haka and choir in primary school then kinda went into a shell throughout high school. So I’ve been hustling and bustling for a while now, and am really happy to see and feel where things are going at the moment.
Your latest single “Runaway” is absolutely stunning! Can you tell us about the meaning behind this song?
Thank you!! It describes the feeling of wanting to escape an environment that’s holding you back from growth and opportunity. It’s so easy to get stuck in your own ways and put a hold on branching out. This life is so short, so why not try live a wild and adventurous life!
We also love your debut single “Bend”! Can you tell us about what inspired the concept of this track?
“Bend” is mainly about using the nightlife as an outlet to drown out issues that are going on internally. I used to go out far too often, and looking back I realised it was because I was really unhappy with the life I was leading. As soon as I switched a few things around, the need started to become less.
What was the writing process like for “BEND”, and what was it like recording in Drax Project’s L.A. studio?
“Bend” was a funny one. It was the second session I did with Neil and we finished “Bend” within about 3 hours! The concept was really easy to grasp and we had heaps of fun writing it. I remember us being so excited that day!
Recording at their studio in L.A. was crazy - I feel like that’s a dream of most musicians and I was lucky to have experienced it. COVID hit almost as soon as I got there, so we recorded in a voluntary lockdown, waiting for Trump announcements, ha! There were lots of silver linings from that trip, and I was lucky to have lived that out as we don’t know when we’ll be able to again!
Plus, you feature on the Drax Project’s track “Firefly” alongside Fetty Wap which is insane!! How did that come about and what was that experience like?
Insane alright! Still wrapping my head around that one.
I’ve been working with Drax for a wee while now, and they just approached me and asked if I wanted to feature. I flipped when they asked! Being an artist that is just starting out and being asked to feature on a track like this was pretty unreal. Still feels unreal hahaha but all in all, very grateful to the guys for putting me on.
What were your top highlights working on the epic “Firefly” music video?
Having a team that was willing to put me in a light that I’d never seen myself in before was definitely the highlight. I saw a part of myself that I knew I had potential to find, but hadn’t quite seen yet. Also the whole process of scratch to finish was really fascinating.
We’re so excited to hear more of your music! What can you tell us about it at the moment?
Eeeep! I’m busting to release more music. I’m writing all the time. 2021 will be a big year of releasing music I assume :)
Who are your biggest inspirations in music?
Lianne La Havas, Amy Winehouse, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson. Basically artists that are strong, have real messages to spread and have a whole lotta soul!
If there’s anything you could change about the current music industry, what would it be and why?
The tall poppy syndrome thing is very real. I’ve definitely felt it. It’s hard to stand out in this industry and it’s easy to feel insecure when you’re faced with amazing talent left, right and centre! I guess a shift in this culture would be awesome, and I think with the recent increase in awareness, it’s happening already!
Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you love or connect with?
Teeks - “Remember Me”. Ugh, I love him! Neil MacLeod is one to watch - “Viscera” is my favourite so far! Deryk, L.A.B, Drax, RIIKI, imugi 이무기, Sons of Zion … so many!
What do you love most about living in New Zealand? Do you have any favourite places to travel to or local spots to visit?
Taupo is home for me, I travel there at least once a month to be in nature and see friends/fam! Ahipara is home too, such a breathtaking place.
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt in your career so far?
I have to be confident in myself and block out any negativity so I keep the motivation to move forward. I also think it’s really important to stay grounded as your reality can become blurred quite easily.
Lastly, if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?
Do 3 acts of kindness a day, spread to high vibrations cause they’re contagious. Individual effort really counts. Having a reusable coffee mug is one of the easiest things you can do to lower carbon emissions!
Thanks heaps AACACIA! Make sure you keep up with her on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify or Apple Music.
