Posted by The music scene welcomes a fresh and introspective voice with AKTHEPROD ’s latest EP, ISOLATE. This deeply personal project dives into themes of solitude and self-discovery, reflecting the artist’s evolution from an innovative producer to a profound musical storyteller.
In an exclusive interview with Spin 98, delved into the inspiration behind ISOLATE, revealing that his battle with COVID-19 was a catalyst for the EP. “So the Covid-19 battle was minor adjacent to the actual personal struggles I’ve faced in my life, including trying to figure out my sexuality,” he shared. The EP captures these broader struggles, including his journey from being in the closet to embracing his identity as an openly gay artist.
Among the tracks on the EP, AKTHEPROD identifies “Sweet” and “Talk My Shit” as the most personal. He described “Sweet” as a reflection on the challenges of finding genuine love amid the often exhausting hookup culture within the gay community. “The message of ‘Talk My Shit’ is exactly what the title suggests,” he explained, addressing societal judgments and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
AKTHEPROD’s creative process involves feeling out the beat and identifying melodic patterns before crafting lyrics that tell a story. “Generally, my stories are unintentionally about finding love or past experiences of what I thought was love with male counterparts,” he noted.
Reflecting on the EP’s impact, AKTHEPROD expressed that ISOLATE has bolstered his confidence both artistically and personally. He sees this project as a culmination of his musical journey and growth. AKTHEPROD is open to exploring new themes and genres in his future work while continuing to build on the themes introduced in ISOLATE.
Ultimately, AKTHEPROD hopes that listeners connect with the authenticity of ISOLATE. “The message I’d like for fans to take away is that this is a quick introduction to my life; authentic and real experiences are found here,” he concluded. “Don’t fake your life for the sake of fitting in. BE YOURSELF.”