• photography Pierre Crosby

    Interview with Dream Pop Star Akira Galaxy

    Written by Yasmine M

    Let us introduce Akira Galaxy, a new star on the sky of indie pop. Having grown up in an artistically family, the singer draws inspiration from touchstones like Radiohead, Cocteau Twins and Fleetwood Mac. With a her rich alto vocals, it creates what she desribes as genre, dream pop. As Odalisque Magazine get's the opportunity to talk with the singer, she is prepering for her summer tour with Winnetka Bowling League with stops such as San Diego, New York, and Chicago.

    Can you share the story of how your journey in music began?
    Yeah! I went to an art centric grade school where I played half a dozen instruments  and when I was 10 I got my first guitar and wrote my first song. Then in high school  I started taking it seriously and playing with different groups around Seattle. I  remember at one point, jamming with some friends in a closet and recording  drums and guitar off my laptop speakers on Garageband. A week or so later, I got  an interface and recorded some distorted, reverbed out vox. I was continuously  writing and experimenting the years following and at 19 decided to move to LA to  get serious. But funny enough, it wasn't until I came back to Seattle that I really  discovered my sound and “What's Inside You” was written.

    When creating music, what specific emotions do you aim to evoke in your  audience?
    I’d like people to feel validation and one-ness in the innate desire for human  connection and the love and loss that coexists. I’d also hope that some people  could take parts of the music as creative fuel for something of their own.
    What are some of your primary inspirations when making music? Poetry, short stories, mythology, record stores, used musical instrument shops…

    What are your aspirations for the upcoming year? 
    Definitely working on a new album and touring overseas.

    Could you share three noteworthy or amusing facts about yourself?
    1. I’ve taken 60+ hrs of mime class for my stage performance. Intention in  performance is really important to me. Whether that’s in the way you  stand, look at the audience, move your hands.. It all makes a difference  and helps convey the intended message to the audience.
    2. Akira Galaxy is my legal first and middle name.
    3. I played a munchkin in 50+ performances of the Wizard of Oz play in  Seattle when I was 3 years old.

    Reflecting on the start of your career, how has the experience been so far? And what are some of the things you are most proud of?
    Man, it’s been extremely rewarding. Since the EP came out, I’ve gotten to play a  ton of shows and am now starting to play festivals. The bands gotten super tight  and comfortable through this which is something I'm proud of.

    Additionally, do you have any aspirations or advice for aspiring artists?
    Put in the hours. Sit down consistently and do the work. A quote that an old friend  once said to me and has always stuck with me, “the more you fish, the more likely  you are to reel in a good one.” the same goes for writing. You’re gonna write a lot  of throwaways and then you hit gold and sometimes the throwaways are gold but  you just weren't in the place to see the vision. Everyday you're a new kind of artist;  your voice may sound different, your emotional state may be different, etc.. work  with that current version of yourself. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. My best music comes when in a state of  childlike curiosity. Experiment. Let the song guide you and when you hit the gold,  stay there for as long as possible.

    What aspect of your artistic side do you wish to improve upon? 
    It’s hard to choose one thing, but I'd love to get to a place where I can fully  produce and mix my songs. Slowly but surely..

    Could you give us some insights about the making of your latest EP? How was the process of writing and producing it?
    Yes! I wrote the record in Seattle in my childhood bedroom. It was a perfect  combination of things–my first stack of poetry books, a reverend guitar I was lent, the time to reflect, and the limitation of virtual human connection. I also was  getting really experimental with some reverb pedals (specifically the oceans 11) at  the time which I think took a big part in shaping the feeling of the songs.
     

  • photography Julia Sixtensson

    Dr. Martens x DJ Suzy ”Archive Sandals” Collection

    Written by Emelie Bodén

    In the vibrant tapestry of Stockholm's music scene, DJ Suzy emerges as a beacon of innovation, infusing her tracks with a unique technicolor glow. Amidst a landscape known for its precise pop melodies and dark metal undertones, DJ Suzy defies conventions, crafting soulful compositions reminiscent of Erykah Badu's groove, Mariah Carey's vocal prowess, and the introspective depths of Tyler, The Creator's flat-7th side. But DJ Suzy is more than a songwriter; she is a world-builder that crafts songs and videos rich with symbolism, cultural references and personal insights. This collage is the DJ Suzy experience. Her musical gift and crystal-clear artistic vision make chaotic emotion become pop perfection.

    Adding yet another layer to her artistic canvas, DJ Suzy is poised to embark on a thrilling collaboration with Dr. Martens' archive sandal collection. Wearing the Laketen Mule and the Wrenlie Fisherman Sandal, DJ Suzy embodies the timeless 90s nostalgia that Dr. Martens’ new collection is all about.

    What DJ:s or musicians inspire you the most?
    My friends that also makes music, but lately I’ve been listening KARRAHBOO, I like her style ;)

    What is the best place you’ve performed?
    When I had just released my first EP I’m still changing, we had a release party and all my friends were there. It was so special.

    Do you have any way to prepare to go onstage?
    Where the f*** do I even begin haha.. I massage my voice with different techniques, voice warm ups and straw phonation. I stretch, do yoga and meditate. Also me and my keyboardist have started a secret handshake that we do right before going on stage - But that’s all I can tell you haha.

    What advice do you have for someone who wants to become an artist?
    Believe in your ideas even though everyone might not get you at first. Trust what comes easy to you but still be open to try new things regarding collaborations and goals.

    Can you share any upcoming projects or goals you have?
    I’m releasing new music this spring! My first single is called Digital girl and will be out everywhere on May 16th! <3

    Can you tell us about your experience as a DJ and an artist so far?
    What I love the most is playing live and especially when you feel like the audience is responding to the energy I give out because I can feel it bouncing right back x2 and that is amazing! But it also feels just as good when I just finished writing a new song that I’m obsessed with so I’d say it’s 50/50.

    What genre of music do you listen to that inspires you?
    Swedish jazz and hip hop but everything can inspire me, I'm not really genre based.

    What was the best part about collaborating with Dr. Martens?
    Hard to say, maybe actually just wearing the shoes they looked good they smelled good I feel so fresh starting out the summer in them!

    Do you have any connection to the 90s style that has inspired the Archive Sandal collection from Dr. Martens that makes these pieces special to you?
    I’m a 90s baby, born and raised!

    Link to Dr. Martens ”Archive Sandals” Collection with DJ Suzy here (Archive Fisherman Wrenlie Black) and here (Archive Laketen Mule Charro)

    Link to DJ Suzy's spotify here!

    photography Julia Sixtensson
  • Zalando Opens ARENA by Zalando: A New Streetwear Destination in Stockholm

    Written by Fashion Tales

    Zalando reveals a lineup of exclusive collaborations during the ARENA by Zalando pop-up, showcasing three prominent music artists: Grammy Award-winning sensation Bavé, actress and hip-hop star Jelassi, and vibrant club personality Nápoles. The pop-up serves as a dynamic cultural space, hosting curated streetwear assortment, exclusive product launches, workshops, exhibitions, and live performances in order to foster creativity and celebrate local street culture. ARENA by Zalando is Zalando’s first physical pop-up in Stockholm, temporarily located at St Paulsgatan 22A and is open Thursday - Saturday from May 3rd to June 29th.

    Zalando, the leading e-commerce destination for fashion and lifestyle proudly unveils ARENA by Zalando, its inaugural physical streetwear pop-up in Stockholm. ARENA by Zalando promises an unparalleled experience, blending Zalando’s streetwear fashion highlights with vibrant cultural engagement.

    To inaugurate this venture, Zalando is thrilled to announce a series of exclusive partnerships at the pop-up, featuring three notable music artists: Grammy Award-winning marvel Bavé, actress and hip-hop luminary Jelassi, and Grammy-nominee and club personality Nápoles. Each artist will curate the ambiance and offerings for a three-week period, infusing their distinct style and creativity into every aspect of the space.

    Streetwear has always been a reflection of my surroundings. I am excited about the pop-up as it will be a great opportunity to demonstrate this reflection of my environment that I grew up in, both musically and aesthetically,” says Bavé.

    For me, streetwear goes hand in hand with personal expression. I look forward to inaugurating the pop-up and want the space to be a place where you feel welcome and inspired,” says Nápoles.

    I’m really looking forward to meeting people in the pop-up, it’s not every day you open a shop. Clothes are a way for me to describe what mood I’m in - if it’s a good day you can tell, same with bad. We should feel free in what we wear closest to our bodies. I hope we can inspire and bring new energy to the Stockholm streetwear scene,” says Jelassi.

    ARENA by Zalando promises an immersive journey into the world of local street culture, featuring curated streetwear assortments, exclusive product launches, exhibitions by artists like Axel Wahl and Nikki Sherridan, interactive workshops led by Port Au Mansa and Wawa Print Shop topped with infectious beats by DJs like Mixing Dots, DJ Fredrika Ribbing, and Bianca b2b Heavenly Motha.

    We are thrilled to expand our presence physically for the first time in Stockholm and become part of this vibrant community. As a testament to Zalando's dedication to the local street scene, we are excited to collaborate with the talented Swedish creators, who each add an authentic touch to the pop-up offerings and events. Customers can expect a dynamic atmosphere where fashion, music, and art converge to create an interactive experience in order to facilitate creativity and celebrate the local Swedish street culture,” says Fabio Baum, General Manager Nordics & Benelux at Zalando.

    Coffee enthusiasts can also indulge in a cup of premium coffee from Lykke Kaffegårdar, adding an extra touch of pampering to the experience.

    ARENA by Zalando is brought to life in collaboration with the Swedish creative agency, Studio Bon. The pop-up is temporarily located in the heart of Stockholm at St. Paulsgatan 22A and is open Thursday - Saturday from May 3rd to June 29th. For a detailed schedule of events and collaborations, visit www.zalando.se/arenabyzalando and join Zalando to celebrate local street culture and the intersection of fashion, music, art.

    image courtesy of Zalando

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