Triana Akila shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Triana, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’m dancing again! Fun fact – dancing was my first love, long before I started singing. I’m getting back into latin dance and afro gospel!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Triana Akila and I’m a Christ-lover singing my testimony. I’ve been leading worship since I was 12, but most of my songwriting has been centered around my life experiences – typically surrounding love and relationships. I’m shifting into a new realm – I’m moving into the Christian/gospel songwriting circuit. So be on the lookout because my next releases are going to be different – in a spiritual way that truly points listeners to God!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
This definitely bleeds into the reason behind my writing shifting. For several years I was running from sharing my story and I kept feeling the Lord nudge me to share my testimony through song. My interpretation of that turned into my first several singles and an album. But my life isn’t so focused on the love that I’ve experienced and lost anymore. It’s so much more and I want to share more through my original music just who God is. Music can reach places that I may never go, but the gospel must still be shared! Matthew 28:19-20
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“You are worth it”
So much of how I have navigated my life has been based upon the desires and perceptions of other people. I found real power when I dove into my identity, which is defined completely by Christ. Who does He say I am? What does He think about me? And that made all the difference in the decisions I make. I no longer operate from a place of only taking crumbs and then wondering why I’m still hungry (that’s a rewrite of a snippet in my notes that will probably never be released lol). I wish younger Triana knew how loved and deserving of good things she was.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That your influence is reflected by the number of followers you have. When I had my album release concert back in 2023, I had about 100 people pay to come support me! The people in that room represented belief, hope, faith, and love. As an independent artist, that means way more to me than 100 people listening on Spotify. It means more to me than 100 people liking my reel.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was genuine and generous. In fact, I hope that’s the story they tell about me even now, while I’m still here. I believe wholeheartedly in being your authentic self. People can only love the pieces of you that make it through the filter – don’t let it be counterfeit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/akilasings
- Instagram: @akilasings
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/akilasings
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/trianaakila
Image Credits
Derrick Davis
The Well Church – Creative Comms Team
