Akira Sky is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She recently released a new track Block My Number. Akira has starred in various projects including the TV series Shadow and Bone. She is the granddaughter of Sylvia Meals who played the original Mary Anne Creed in the Rocky series.
Hello, Akira! Welcome to our interview. We're very happy to see you. How are you doing?
— I’m doing well! The sun is finally starting to come out in New York.
We are interested in your story. You are a singer and actress. Tell us how did you decide to connect your life with these areas of work?
— I actually started really young. I was the kid writing songs on the playground. I don’t remember it, but my mom says I asked for piano lessons when I was three. I’ve always just been drawn to music… to harmonies, storytelling and figuring out how to turn feelings into sound.
I lost my grandmother at a young age and it was a really difficult time for me. Singing became an outlet for my grief. I remember singing Adele’s Turning Tables at my school’s talent show when I was 8. I had no idea it was about a manipulative ex, but I could feel the deep emotion in it and tapping into that pain was lowkey healing. My Nana was an actress too. She played Apollo Creed's wife in the Rocky movies. I’ve always felt like acting helps me stay connected to her.
What genre do you identify your music as? Do you write your own songs?
— I write and produce my own songs. Songwriting has always been how I process the world. It’s where all the overthinking, escapist daydreaming and anxiety goes. Lately, I’ve been collaborating with other writers and producers too, and that’s been a very exciting shift. Some songs just hit different when they come from shared energy.
Genre-wise, I don’t love putting a label on it. I always say I make music for the beautifully overwhelmed. I like to capture the messy, emotional experience of being alive right now. Sometimes that sounds like high-energy alt pop, sometimes it leans more dreamy or raw, but at the core there’s always that singer-songwriter honesty. I want people to hear it and feel like, “Okay, I’m not the only one”.
Are you listening to your own songs in your daily life?
— I’m always writing, so the new stuff I’m working on tends to live rent-free in my head. Once a song is actually released, I‘ll put it in a few of my playlists and let it shuffle through naturally.
Congratulations on the release of your latest single Block My Number. It seems like there’s a story behind it. Is there anything you can share?
— Block My Number is about that feeling when something ends and you’re left with way too many unsaid things still echoing in your head. It’s messy and complicated and slightly unhinged at times and I think that’s what makes it so relatable.
I love tapping into that emotional space in my music – the in-between, the chaos, the overthinking at 2 a.m. Block My Number taps into that swirl of frustration, vulnerability, and wanting to protect your peace even when you’re not quite over it. It’s that tension between letting go and still wanting to be heard.
Is there a music video planned as well? We really enjoyed the video for your song Talk.
— Yes! In fact it might be released by the time this interview drops. I got to work with Luisa Botelho, a fabulous Director from Brazil. She just won Best Narrative Short at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles. And my co-star is a wonderful Brazilian model and actor, Pablo Morais.
Do you have any favorite songs of your own? If so, which songs is it and why?
— My favorite is usually whatever I'm working on at the moment. Right now, that's the songs for my upcoming EP – I'm really in love with where they're going. They feel the most personal and the most true to who I am creatively. I can't wait for people to listen!
Shadow and Bone! We can't help but ask about this beloved project for us and our audience. You had a cameo role. Share your impressions with us. Were there any behind-the-scenes stories you can tell us about?
— I’m such a huge fan of Leigh Bardugo and her books, so I was over the moon when the writers found a couple little spots for me. In season one, I played a servant at the Little Palace - my character’s job was to help General Kerrigan take off his jacket before he goes horseback riding with Alina. The costumes were insanely detailed and that jacket was heavy wool that kept getting stuck on Ben’s arm. I was just an extra - blink and you’ll miss me - but Netflix ended up using that moment for one of their promos, which was wild. Jessie and Ben couldn’t have been nicer. I think I still have the dialogue from that scene memorized.
In season two, I played a waitress at the Crow Club. The story I made up in my head is that my character fled the Little Palace and made it to Ketterdam, where she joined the Dregs. I even got a crow and cup tattoo on my arm, which was amazing. I also roped the cast into doing the Beyoncé drop - it was a TikTok trend at the time. Freddy was pretty mortified by the idea, but everyone else was game. It was a super fun day.
If you could play any existing character, which one would you like to choose and why?
— I guess it’s not technically “existing”? but I read they’re turning Once On This Island into a movie and I’d love to play Andrea. It’s rare to come across a role that feels so specific, but still leaves room to bring your own interpretation to it.
I also really love playing characters who sing. There’s something about using music to express what words alone can’t. It’s like getting to pour even more emotion into the performance, which feels really natural to me. And if it happens to be a musical I already grew up loving? Even better.
Which projects will we see you in the future? Will we hear any new music soon?
— I’m currently finishing up songs for my first EP, which I’m really excited about. It’s been a long time coming, and I finally feel like I’m capturing the sound and stories I’ve been wanting to tell. That being said… I’m an egregiously self-aware perfectionist, so this EP has been a process of learning to let go a little and just release the thing.
Once the EP’s out, I’d love to start performing more - small clubs in LA, New York, maybe even London if the stars align. Connecting with people in a live setting is such a big part of why I do this, so that’s the next step I’m really looking forward to.
Are there certain life principles that you adhere to?
— I try to lead with kindness — toward other people, but also toward myself. It’s definitely easier said than done. A lot of my songs live in that space between being way too hard on yourself and holding space for mistakes.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have any other hobbies?
— I love a fun workout activity. Catch me roller skating, taking aerial silks classes, or even indoor climbing – if it sounds chaotic and fun, I’m there. I’m so often in my head that I like a fun physical challenge to shake my brain up.
Outside of that, I’m really into photography and film, especially anything with a strong visual aesthetic. I find myself pulling inspiration from movies, music videos, and even fashion editorials when I’m working on my own visuals. And lowkey, fan editors deserve more credit. I still get Shadow and Bone edits in my algorithm that leave me distraught. Like, you paired these characters with THAT song? Devastating. Thank you.
Favourite movie?
— Moulin Rouge.
Favorite TV series?
— Currently – Severance. Shoutout to Severance editors too, they cook.
Favorite game?
— Hades.
Favorite book?
— «Six of Crows»!
Your favorite quote?
— If I have to pick... "In a mad world, only the mad are sane." — Akira Kurosawa.
Favorite color?
— Purple.
Your favorite singer/band?
— This is basically impossible, but right now? Doechii.
Your favorite song?
— Also impossible — depends on the hour honestly.
Three recent songs you've added to your playlist?
— Soft Spot by Keshi.
Shoulda Woulda Coulda by FLO.
A Chair In The Sky by Joni Mitchell.
First album you ever bought?
— I Am…Sasha Fierce (Deluxe Edition).
What's your house from Game of Thrones?
— I haven’t seen it, but I’m always Team Pedro.
Most played song on your playlist right now?
— **CUDN’T B ME** by Jessie Reyez.
What track might describe the pace of your life?
— Nissan Altima by Doechii.
Go-to karaoke song?
— Defying Gravity.
Dream artist to collaborate with — living or not?
— Prince.
Marvel or DC?
— Give me Studio Ghibli, Demon Slayer, or Jujutsu Kaisen and I’m good. I like my heroes a little weirder and more emotional.
Hobby you’d love to get better at?
— Crochet.
Do you have an idol and if you do, who is it?
— Beyonce will always be so iconic to me.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
— Emotional. Restless. Creative.
What superpower would you like to have and why?
— Teleportation or superspeed-flight — life would be so much easier.
