Acoya is a Filipino-Dutch singer, songwriter and producer based in Los Angeles. His latest single “DUI” is a fun and sultry introduction to his upcoming EP. The track sits somewhere between Pop-R&B and late night R&B with its entrancing upbeat production and sensual lyrics.
Acoya attended a 9 month program at LAAMP (Los Angeles Academy for Artists & Music Production) and made “DUI” while he was there. The track was a team effort with him collaborating with other songwriters and producers. “I actually had the song for 3 years at that point but turned it into what it became today with the help of my co-producer Scorpio Vision and songwriter Eric Bonner. I also got some production notes from another collaborator of mine named Alyse Farrar. It all started with a demo and a melody and we built on that." he said. The lyrics in “DUI” naturally reference driving but Acoya sings of being under the influence of someone’s love. His songwriting often echoes the emotions he’s feeling, however, with a track like this, he also still wanted to give his listeners something they can enjoy and dance to. The smoothness of the production makes this easy as his breezy vocals paint a vivid picture of what’s on his mind. “I want people to feel energetic when they hear the song but there's also a sense of sensuality and confidence in the song too. I want them to feel all that in their bodies." he said.
Acoya’s time at LAAMP was integral to the development of his music career for multiple reasons. He learned lessons that enhanced his skills as both an artist and songwriter and the mental aspect connected to both of these. He has always led with emotion at the front of his songwriting since he started doing it but at LAAMP, he learned even more about the passion that comes with making music. “I also learned from Tor Hermansen of Stargate the importance of loving and believing in the music you create." he said.
Making music is a process for Acoya and that’s why his passion and love for it is so strong. It doesn’t happen instantly and multiple ideas are exchanged amongst his collaborators. All the ideas and parts come together and when they do, Acoya just knows he’s got it.
"I love telling the story I want to tell and having that 'aha' moment where every part of the song just clicks. It's like you're mining and digging and you strike gold." he said. The emotional central point of music is one of many reasons why Acoya loves it so much. He knows music itself is intangible but he loves how people can still feel it sentimentally in their hearts and minds. People can relate to the power of his words and form a connection between them and the situations they have been in themselves.
"I started writing songs after experiencing a breakup. I had never written songs before that. The feelings and emotions naturally poured out of me." he said
Acoya has plans to release an EP soon which will tell a story through its tracks and “DUI” is integral to it. These songs capture his feelings both internally and emotionally and give listeners an intimate look at how his heart works. Every song will be essential to the story he’s telling and have an intentional place in the tracklist. He looks forward to building a connection with his listeners through the vulnerability and intimacy of the project. “DUI” by Acoya is available on streaming services now.
You can see more of Acoya’s heart by keeping up with him on the following platforms.
Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
The Starlight PR Team thanks Acoya for taking the time to speak with us.
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