Indie-rock newcomer Akira Galaxy has just released her debut single “Virtual Eyes”, a soaring and ethereal alt-pop track that captures the poignant yearning for connection in the midst of a remote love affair. The song was inspired by her experience of falling in love during the pandemic, only to realize that the moment was built on a fantasy once real life resumed.
Akira’s rich and husky vocals are at the forefront of the song, blending perfectly with the dreamy and atmospheric production. The track’s poignant lyrics convey Akira’s desire for her lover’s “impossible devotion”, creating a sense of longing that is impossible to ignore.
But beyond its musical merits, “Virtual Eyes” is also a deeply personal and cathartic song for the singer. As she explains, “Writing this song was a cathartic experience. It came together when I was in a state of complete brokenness, and being in the vortex of this song is what pieced me back together. I think the most secretly beautiful thing about life is turning the darkest moments into light, and the way I know how to do that is through the music.”
The music video for “Virtual Eyes” is a perfect visual accompaniment to the song, directed by Silken Weinberg and Angela Ricciardi and shot on location in Paris. The video captures the hypnotic beauty of the track, following Akira as she chases her elusive lover through mystical French landscapes. With this record, Akira has established herself as a promising new voice in the indie-rock scene.
Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Akira Galaxy, where we delve into the inspiration behind “Virtual Eyes,” her creative process, and what’s next for this talented artist. Check out the full interview below and be sure to keep an eye on Akira Galaxy’s rising star.
Congratulations on your debut single “Virtual Eyes.” Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired the track and how it came to be?
Thank you! I was reading a lot of poetry at the time. I remember picking up a T.H. Jones book on loneliness off the shelf and the song flowed out of me pretty soon after. I find it really important to stimulate the brain with creative information while I’m writing and one of my favorite ways to do this is to skim the shelves.
The song has a dreamy, atmospheric quality to it. What kind of musical influences did you draw from while creating it?
At the time I was listening to a lot of Cocteau Twins and Portishead so I think subconsciously my music went into dreamland. I was also experimenting with some reverb pedals that were part of the groundwork of the song, which you can hear throughout the verses mainly.
The accompanying video was shot on location in Paris, which is such a romantic city. Was that a deliberate choice for the video’s setting?
Yes, it was definitely intentional. The theme of the song is the fantasy of love, so I wanted the music video to feel dreamlike and have romantic, hyper-realistic landscapes which France felt perfect for.
Take me back a bit, what was your upbringing like in Seattle and what sparked your interest in LA?
I was raised by artist parents so I was flipping through records at home from a young age. Then in high school, I worked at my neighborhood record store, Easy Street, where I was exposed to vastly different tastes. I left Seattle to go to college in Southern California and was drawn to Los Angeles where I was around other like-minded, obsessive music heads.
Coming from a musical background, when did you first realize the power that songs have over people?
I’ve been entranced by music for as long as I can remember, but looking back, one of the most powerful moments I experienced was seeing Queens of The Stone Age live for the first time. They were one of my first gateways into the world of rock music.
You have a very unique and distinct vocal style. Did you always know you wanted to be a singer, or did you come to it later on?
I think I did always know. I played a munchkin in a Wizard of Oz play in Seattle when I was three years old and I remember my parents telling me that when I auditioned, I bursted in and started singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and immediately booked the job. And throughout grade school, I was always on the playground singing to my friends. I have a video somewhere of me writing my first song dedicated to my brother when I was 10 years old. But it took me until I started playing in bands in high school to find real confidence in my voice.
That being said, what inspired the themes of emotional connection and bittersweet realizations in your music?
These themes came from falling in love while the world was frozen. It was a special moment where people were able to take the time to fall in love solely with one another’s minds. The bittersweet realizations came from reflecting on that time and questioning if it was just a figment of my imagination or not.
Let’s talk about your upcoming music, what are you most excited about and what are you most nervous about?
I did a west coast leg back in October with Alex Cameron which got me really excited to hop in a van with my band and tour some more. I’m probably most nervous about sharing the music because it’s the first time that people can have a look into my mind and vulnerabilities.
Outside of music, are there any other creative outlets that you enjoy exploring?
Yes, definitely. But a lot of my other creative outlets go hand in hand or benefit the music in some way. I’ve been taking mime classes the past year and dance choreography which has been great for performing.
Finally, what message do you hope to convey through your music?
If anything I’m writing from a personal point of view and just trying to be honest and vulnerable on an emotional level with my lyrics and I’m hoping people can connect to that in some way.
