Born and raised in New Orleans, Aka-Woody is a product of the city’s rich and diverse musical heritage. From the unmistakable sound of Jazz that resonates through the streets to the unique blend of genres found in the local music scene, New Orleans is a place where creativity thrives. For Aka-Woody, the city’s vibrancy and cultural fusion have been key influences in his musical journey. “The music is so diverse here. You can hear jazz seeping from every corner of the street, and there are artists performing at different venues around the city,” he says. “I definitely feel like there’s going to be a resurgence of many artists from New Orleans making their way into the mainstream soon. There’s a lot of talent in this city that gets overlooked. I think the people here need something fresh in their ears. They need me and what I have to offer.”
Aka-Woody’s ultimate goal is clear: to create music in every form and be the best at it. While he acknowledges the importance of success and the financial stability that comes with it, his passion for music transcends monetary gain. “Yes, of course, I want the success that comes with it so I can be sustainable in life. But if money wasn’t an issue, I know for a fact music would still be my pursuit. It’s a drug I can’t stay away from,” he reflects. Beyond personal success, Aka-Woody aspires to inspire others through his art. He values the power of music to connect people across boundaries and cultures. “One thing I value in music is the ability to connect,” he shares. “Having people from across the world be able to relate to your everyday problems makes the world not seem so bleak and cold.”
Despite his dedication and unwavering belief in the potential for music to bring people together, Aka-Woody is critical of the current state of the music industry. He believes that access to the industry, or rather the gateway to making music and entering the mainstream, needs to change. “Nowadays, there are so many people whose talent feels like it’s wasted due to the overabundance of random people getting a pair of headphones and a mic and making music,” he observes. While he fully supports the idea that music is for everyone, and anyone with a passion should pursue it, Aka-Woody expresses frustration with the over saturation of the market. “Don’t get me wrong—I think music is for everyone, and if you have a passion, go for it. But I see that a lot of artists fault themselves for not trying hard enough when there are people who take this craft and run with it and aren’t as serious as the creatives who strive to make this a solid career.
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For Aka-Woody, the over saturation of the music market is a challenge that dilutes the artistry and dedication of those who have truly committed to their craft. “It makes the market oversaturated with people who don’t care about the art as much as the people who put the ten thousand hours in to perfect this,” he says. With a passion for creating authentic, meaningful music and a vision to change the way artists navigate the industry, Aka-Woody is poised to make a lasting impact. His journey reflects not only his talent but his commitment to elevating New Orleans’ vibrant music scene and bringing fresh perspectives to the global stage.