Connect
To Top

Life & Work with Acoya of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Acoya.

Acoya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started making music at the beginning of college in 2019. I had just gone through my first real heartbreak and I had so many emotions that I didn’t know what to do with. Prior to this, I was already kind of dabbling in the music creating space, but I think my actual drive and passion for it was jumpstarted by these new emotions. I remember the morning I got the break-up text, I got up and I think I wrote 7 or 8 songs. I had never really written a song before either but it all just flowed out of me so seamlessly. After that, I found a whole new love for songwriting, which then led me to being an artist and releasing music, and eventually to music production.

Over the years, I just kept going at it, fueled by both passion and the desire to get better. I relished the reactions and connections I got from showing people my music, and I just wanted to keep doing that on a grander scale. Then in 2020, I moved home for Covid which ended up being a bit of a blessing in disguise. I kept working on my degree online, but other than that I had all the time in the world to make music and learn everything I could. Those few years really shaped a big part of my musical identity early on.

After I graduated, I discovered LAAMP, Stargate’s 9-month intensive program for artists and music production. After being granted a full-ride scholarship to the program, I moved to LA in September 2023. The program taught me so much both about myself and the music industry, and I don’t think I’d be where I am today without. Now with a whole circle of close friends and collaborators in LA, I’ve been steadily releasing music while growing my audience online.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road at all, not unlike many great artists’ journeys. I think a big part of the journey, especially in the beginning, were the mental hurdles. As many artists can relate, I’ve had my share of imposter’s syndrome and self doubt, but I think it’s how you continue on despite that resistance that shapes your character and makes the wins that much sweeter.

Another struggle has been financial, as we know artists and songwriters don’t make a lot of money. There’s a huge movement to change this by a whole new generation of musicians, so hopefully one day soon that’ll no longer be the case, but that’s definitely still been difficult.

The way I see things though, it’s all just a part of the journey and success awaits those who are patient enough to see it through.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a recording artist, singer, songwriter, producer, and model. My genre is on the Pop/R&B side, so a lot of upbeat tracks you can party to, with also a few you can slow dance to. I’m known for being a bit of a “loverboy,” since a lot of my tracks are rather flirty and romantic. One of my most memorable songs is actually called “Loverboy” which is where that nickname came from.

I’m definitely most proud of my work that I’ve also produced because I used to be really bad at producing. Like I used to be able to hear the grooves and melodies in my head, but now I can actually write them onto the page, so to speak. It’s also super gratifying to know that I had a hand in making every part of a song, while also absolutely loving it.

I think what sets me apart from the others is that a bring a certain hip-hop swag to my music. Like I don’t consider myself straight up the middle “Pop” or “R&B,” but rather a very palatable and unique blend of all three.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
For anyone looking to collaborate, my Instagram inbox is always open or you can email my team at [email protected]. As far as supporting me, just following me on social media or telling your friends/family about me is enough. I really just seek connection with my music, I couldn’t care less about the streams and accolades that come with it. As long as I’m making someone happy or emotional in some way, then I’ve done my job.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
@films.mark on Instagram

Suggest a Story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in local stories