Akira Galaxy Searches for Treacherous Virtual Love in Debut Single

There's something cosmic about singer-songwriter Akira Galaxy. Her other-worldly presence can be attributed to many things: her name, her hypnotic voice, the shimmery silver bodysuit she dons in her new "Virtual Eyes" music video. But, more than likely, the real reason is her ability to encapsulate raw human emotion from an almost outsider perspective. Her debut single, "Virtual Eyes," demonstrates this power emphatically, speaking to our innate desire for connection. 

"Virtual Eyes" comes at the perfect moment in our post-pandemic world. Like many of us,  Akira falls for a fantasy in her debut song, and her longing for affection in a broken world leads her to impossibly search for an idealized love. A winding guitar brings a nostalgic, 70s psychedelic feel to the track, along with dreamy synth melodies. Akira's collaborators, who've worked with indie rock acts like Beach House, know how to strike a balance between melancholic longing and hard-hitting rock. In addition, her ethereal yet husky voice has a Lana Del Rey-like quality, bringing a certain moodiness to the dream-pop single. Akira Galaxy is a rare talent who feels like she belongs in an alternate century or dimension, for that matter.

Tell me what the world is like cause I don't want to go outside, sings Akira on "Virtual Eyes." 

The music video sees Akira dressed reminiscent of a disco ball, surrounded by gaping fields and cliffs. The stunning cliffside location in the French countryside is a picture-perfect backdrop for the 23-year-old's frantic chase for love and connection. 

From fronting high-school bands to now sharing her music with the world, the Seattle-born singer was born with a passion for music. In this exclusive Fizzy Mag interview, we speak with Akira Galaxy on her new debut single, her musical influences, and Seattle roots. 

Thanks for speaking with us! Can you talk a bit about your writing process behind "Virtual Eyes"? 

Of course. The song was written in a state of brokenness, and I remember sitting down to write and finishing the whole song in one sitting. I was reading a few poetry books a day during this time, too, which definitely helped ignite the creative flow. 

The single combines many different music styles and eras pretty effortlessly; who were your main influences?

I was listening to a lot of Cocteau Twins and Portishead at the time, so subconsciously, I think the ethereal elements seeped into the song.

What's it like sharing your music with the world for the first time in this debut?

I've been songwriting for years, so to be able to finally share my songs feels exhilarating. I feel like my life is just beginning in a way. 

What was filming like for your first dreamy, cliffside music video? 

It was pretty surreal. When we were filming in Etretat, I couldn't get the smile off my face. We also had an amazing female team that felt appropriate to be coming out on International Women's Day.

Do you find spirituality to be an inspiration in your songwriting?

I wouldn't consider myself conventionally spiritual, but with the experience I'm reflecting on in this song, I definitely was tapping into something that felt cosmic and bigger than myself. 

Growing up in Seattle, has the music scene influenced your music?

Big time. My parents are big music lovers, so I grew up digging through records and going to shows from a young age. The first show I went to was Gorillaz at three years old. Then a bit later in high school, I started playing in bands and working at a local record store where different kinds of music were constantly flooding into my brain. 

What's going through your head during a live performance?

I try my best to clear out any room for thinking and just let myself go deep into the feeling of what I'm saying so I can clearly articulate the emotion of the song to the audience. The only way I can pull this off is if I rehearse a lot. It's important to have tools in your tool kit and to become so familiar with them that they come out when the songs ask for it. 

Your Instagram feed is absolutely stunning. Would you say social media helps shape your identity as an artist? 

I wouldn't say so. It's a place to share my creative work and more of an afterthought. My identity comes from real experiences and interactions. 

What's next for you?

I'm itching to hop in a van with my band and get out on tour as soon as possible!

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