Akenya Is Transforming with New Single "Hades Moon"
By Rivka Yeker
Chicago’s very own multi-talented artist Akenya is returning to her solo work after spending years supporting artists like Noname, Tasha, Hayley Williams, Smino, and Saba. In addition to contributing to their records, live recordings and concerts, she has also been leading performances like Divas through the Decades in Millennium Park and selling out her 30th birthday show at Sleeping Village. Anyone in Chicago who appreciates music knows of Akenya’s uncanny ability to completely hypnotize a room. Whether it’s with a piano alone or an entire ensemble, her stunning and bold presence accompany a voice that could make the most atheistic person feel something beyond this realm.
This spirituality that Akenya manifests isn’t forced - it is innately part of who she is. Akenya, in addition to being an incredibly talented musician and vocalist, is also an astrologer. Her upcoming album Moon in the 4th is set to come out in the Springtime. It is an outpour of the way she views her life, self and relationships. As a deeply curious and spiritual person, she is always trying to find meaning, searching for anything that might provide guidance or at best, hope. This sort of personality requires one to be in a constant state of transformation, which is exactly what her new single “Hades Moon” directly alludes to in its lyrics.
Masterfully produced, “Hades Moon” begins with the lyrics, “Shadow’s got me again / Got me creeping again / Overthinking again / I ain’t been sleeping again / I’m addicted to sin / I’m addicted to pain / Every loss is a win / When I’m fully insane, ‘cause / If it’s bad then I want it / If it’s good then I don’t.” In a recent interview with These Days Mag, Akenya explained what a Hades Moon really is. A term popularized by astrologer Judy Hall, Akenya describes that someone with a Hades Moon “has an intense emotional nature, a powerful intuition, will often have to face addictions, obsessions, and destructive behavioral patterns that are often rooted in early trauma.”
Mixing Greek mythology with astrology, the song explores one’s own inner turmoil, self-destructive habits and intellectualization of emotional unraveling. A steady drum and bass are the undertone of the song as Akenya’s vocals bring in a dynamic balance alongside back vocals to create an effect of one’s internal monologue - and maybe even voices from above. The song, in many ways, feels like the protagonist’s confrontation with a cycle they need to break, a rupture in something that is no longer working for them.
The chorus sounds like a cacophony of supportive voices singing, “It's Just that Hades Moon / (When I'm all wrapped up in gloom / You can blame my Hades Moon)”, an introspection of mental health in relation to destiny. Akenya’s impressive vocals range in depth and octave keeps the listener on their toes and follows the internal mantra of the protagonist’s mind.
The song ends with a play on the root word “trans”, following a different medley of verbs like: “Integrate, Mutate, Elevate, Translate / (Transmute and then transform) / Transmute, Transform until Reborn / (I will transform until I am reborn).” The protagonist does not see the mind as an obstacle, but rather an opportunity to evolve. What started as a potentially a ridicule of the self turned into the possibility of something more.
This single is only the beginning of Akenya’s album debut, which will continue to integrate spiritual clarity with emotional vulnerability. Keep up with Akenya on Instagram, Bandcamp and her Website.