Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Hannah - Vocals
Rene - Guitar
Adrian - Guitar
Matt - Bass
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Akazia? How long has the band been around?
Akazia is the first serious band for our members. The band has been around for a little over two years.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
We sat around with a dictionary looking through words. We came on to the Acacia tree, the skinny umbrella tree we all remember from the Lion King. The tree is known for being strong and resilient, thriving in the arid desert environment. We thought it would be a fitting symbol for our band. Next we played with the spelling and phonetics to make it our own.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
We all work together as a band to write our music. Everyone pitches in and plays an active role in the process. Most of our songs are about relationships and the ups and downs life brings. Even when life looks bleak it's best to push forward and fight on, never give up. We are in the process of writing a new EP. I don't want to spoil anything, but there are some exciting changes in the works.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
We listen to everything ranging from classical, EDM, country, R&B, rock... Honestly there isn't really a style that I can think of that one of us in the band don't listen to from time to time. It's important to have an open mind to music and never set up barriers. I think we are influenced by everything we hear.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Matt and Rene went to school together and were inspired to start a band shortly after the Disney remake of Freaky Friday came out. We all grew up listening to Linkin Park, Paramore, and Green Day. Those bands really drove our interest in music.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
Each member has their own unique pre show ritual. Hannah likes to drink a tea or coffee. Matt very meticulously goes over his gear ensuring everything is connected properly. Adrian will be out smoking a cigarette. Rene’s usually over in the corner stretching and warming up.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
I think we can all agree our biggest highlight has been releasing our 6 song EP “This is Personal.” We worked really hard on it, never cutting corners, and going the extra mile to create the best product possible. In the end it was worth it and we are all very proud.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Tonight Alive would be a great band to tour with. Women in bands are so rare in the rock world and it is always so inspiring to see a successful female fronted band like Tonight Alive. It would be amazing to tour with Black Sabbath. Come on, that would just be sick!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I want to thank Kill the Music for this interview. You can check our EP out on our website Akaziaband.com. If you like what you hear, it's available for purchase on various platforms like iTunes and our site. We are currently writing and some new exciting songs are in the works and will be out soon. Follow us on Facebook and come out and say hi at one of our next shows!