After recently marking the one-year anniversary of her critically acclaimed debut EP Colour You In, which has garnered over a million streams, amidst support from the likes of BBC 1Xtra, Tidal, BBC Introducing, TRENCH Magazine and Earmilk, with the release of the enticing ‘Carry On’ in December, Manchester alternative R&B singer and songwriter AKEMI FOX is excited to unveil her brand new single ‘SEE YOU SOON’, as she begins to tease her highly anticipated upcoming sophomore EP, in partnership with Northern powerhouse NQ Records and Virgin Music.

Written by Akemi Fox and produced by Swindle (Ghetts, Greentea Peng, Joy Crookes, Kojey Radical), ‘See You Soon’ is a stripped back summertime love song that’s underpinned by lush acoustic guitar arrangements, and held together beautifully by Akemi’s captivating voice, glorious vocal harmonies, and yearning lyrics about wanting to reconnect with a lover.

Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘See You Soon’, Akemi Fox says, “For me, ‘See You Soon’ is a cute summer song about love. It’s a song about confessing your love to someone and wanting to see them soon to reconnect to relive all the special moments you feel when with them. The song is described as though being in the sun during summer, and makes anyone listening want to bathe in that warm feeling of being in love. It’s a light-hearted song with a catchy rhythm with the message being that you want to see your loved one soon”.

Akemi Fox sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I think I always enjoyed singing cos it would make me so happy, I would always sing while my Mum dried my hair because I thought she couldn't hear me. My parents played a lot of cool music in the house, lots of different genres and it just made me wanna sing. I really enjoyed writing too, I would keep a diary where I'd share my dreams and keep ideas for lyrics that I thought I'd maybe use in the future. I think what inspired my lyrics a lot was romance films, I was so fixated on them as a teen, always wishing I was in love so when I experienced that feeling I just wanted to sing about it.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I love artists like Frank Ocean and would love to work with him, I'd also really love to work with Kaytranada, that would be such a vibe. I would say I am very inspired by Amy Winehouse, Erykah Badu, and Beyonce. I also am really inspired by a band called Daughter, I just love their lyrics so much.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I am not going to lie, I have made a lot of songs recently which hopefully I'll be sharing with you guys soon.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I always say it comes under the genre alternative R&B. I like to say my music is chill, something to end your night with or something to listen to while you daze out the window on a train.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I would say getting over or dealing with my stage fright, I think that was the moment I believed I could actually do this. I loved music so much but I was always so shy and I still am at times, especially with new people but when I started to see myself let go more at live shows, I was so proud of myself.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

I'd say give it a go you never know what will happen. If it is something you love doing, why not try to share it with the world, it could really connect with someone.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

[ K S R ] a fellow Manchester artist his new project is so sick you should defo check it out, his voice is insane.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Kojey Radical - Reason to Smile, FKA - Caprisongs, [ K S R ] - Peace + Harmony. All such vibes. I love to listen to a whole album when I'm on a long journey.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

This year I have started to go to the gym and I have been doing Yoga and Pilates class there every week which I love, it's a time where I can really switch off. Also, I really enjoy reading, I get so attached to stories. I love to go for a coffee and walks, making style Pinterest boards and I like to shop too.

10. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Crisps, a flask of tea & don't judge me but sparkling water haha!