Following the release of her latest striking single No Gold, we catch up with 17-year-old AKINE to talk about inspirations, fears and women in music.

What’s the story behind your upcoming EP?

My upcoming EP is an exploration into what fear is and the consequences it has on shaping us as people. I write music when I get frustrated by what is happening around me, like when I see people being ignorant, intolerant or abusive towards others.

What do you try to tell in your music?

I want to encourage people to think for themselves, to question things that happen around us. It’s what moves us forward as a society.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Inspiration usually either comes from my own life or something really random like a phrase someone says, a movie, a news report, or even stand up comedy.

As a female young artist, do you think there are different expectations towards women in music industry?

Absolutely. From what I see, Female artists are judged more for being ambitious, overly provocative or not enough so, their looks or demeanour, the list goes on and the twist is that you can’t ever please everyone. It’s pointless to even try. As a young person, I can only ask that my opinions aren’t disregarded due to my age.

Do you have any role models in music?

There are people who I highly respect for the quality of music they make, such as Nirvana, Fiona Apple, Daughter, Florence and The Machine, Neutral Milk Hotel and Damien Rice. However, I can’t say I have a role model.

Name one thing you’re scared of.

I’m terrified of wasps. Never been stung and it’s a fear of mine. That’s where the insect cover art came from.

Pick one song that could be the perfect soundtrack to your life right now.

“Oats in the water” by Ben Howard.

Your debut single Pray For The Prey examines the role of organised religion in the face of civil war in your country of Ukraine. Do you think musicians should be vocal about politics or religion?

I think that if an artist has something to say, they should say it. I don’t think it should be an obligation or something forced.

And a cliché question, what does music mean to you?

Cliché answer – to me, Music is hope.