Akiva performs both solo and with a fantastic crew of musicians. Akiva has been privileged to play with players like: Simon Miller (drums/percussion/vocals/bass) Jared Scott (guitars/bass/keyboards/drums) Paul Loren (keyboards, vocals) Josh Churgin (bass) Philip A. Jimenez (bass/everything else) Dom Dorman (guitars) Tim Fagan (guitars/vocals) Voyce (drums) Sam Smith (drums)
**FREE AKIVA DOWNLOADS (from the NEW record)**
So the plan was to give you 6 songs, 6 "singles" from the new record as FREE downloads and now they're all here. They may not be here forever so get them while you can. Pass them to a friend, please spread the word around. To download just right click on the link below and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As":
Performing Songwriter says: "It may be difficult to define Akiva's music, but no matter what you call it, we promise you're going to dig it." (December, 2006)
Akiva's music career began while playing Counting Crows covers for classmates at UMASS. A neurobiology major, he pushed any ideas of a serious music career out of his head as he pursued his original dream of becoming a brain surgeon. “I love understanding how people work and all the intricacies of personality,” he said. But while studying abroad, Akiva found himself spending more time playing gigs in English Pubs and popping up on local radio than dissecting gray matter. “There’s no passion in a paycheck alone,” says the singer/songwriter. “I need more substance than that.”
After returning stateside, a chance encounter with producer Philip A. Jimenez (Wheatus, Easy Anthems, Beat Radio, The Diggs) at a friend’s backyard wedding led to Akiva’s critically acclaimed debut release, Bueno Y Sano. As one DJ put it, “it’s one of those Cds you don’t want to let your friend borrow. Laid back groove and Muy Caliente!” (UTA Radio). Next came his follow up, The Hermosa EP, which had college students everywhere singing along to the classic west coast summer anthem, “Holler Hermosa”. Discovering Artists proclaimed, “…this album will propel his career…a dazzling collection of tracks.”
Akiva has brought his mellow soul sound to such legendary venues as The Bitter End and The Knitting Factory in New York, The Mint in Los Angles and the Georgia Theatre in Athens. He has become a sought after opener for acts like RUSTED ROOT, JOSH KELLEY, INGRAM HILL, TOBY LIGHTMAN, and RON SEXSMITH and has showcased at numerous conferences from NEMO Boston to the NACA Nationals (Boston) to Atlantis (Atlanta) and the Midwest Music Summit (Indianapolis). His music is also featured on various compilations such as Sonicbids Listen Volume 1, Decent Xposure and Sunny Delight’s Summer 4 Ever: Road Trip 06.
“Music is a release. It’s a way for me to put everything out on the table and be vulnerable. And that keeps me coming back for more,” he said. And as the word continues to spread, radio stations from Santa Monica to Boston have added Akiva’s music to their playlists. Soon enough, you’ll be coming back for more too.
Akiva – and his music – have a way of getting inside your head.
"...this album will propel his career...a dazzling collection of tracks"
- Discovering Artists
"This is AKIVA's finest work to date. Listen to "Holler Hermosa" and you'll hear why AKIVA is one of today's best new emerging artists".
- Joe Madonna, Music Director, 91.3 WVUD
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Akiva...Thanks for the kind comment. Your music is awesome. I hope you had a great weekend. I did. And I hope you have a fantastic week. Take care, friend! ...from, Ben.
Not much my man. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit just rocked my face off last night at Isle of Palms. You gotta work your way back down towards Gareth's hometown. The south is currently where its at...2 turntables and a microphone style!
Another weekend beckons us. It’s time to; Laugh with loved ones, Share time with friends, Volunteer, and to Play. Sending Hugs and Smiles too! Your friend Katherine a.k.a. Katie
yay for touring =) and yay for seeing you at the end of august most likely! know any good/cheap places to stay there when we visit? we'll talk soon! holla at me sometime :) ahhh i cant wait to see you!!!
I wish could come alone, this whole no driving thing is getting old, haha. Probably the only person my age who doesn't lol. Still trying to find someone to come though :)
So I was definitely excited to try and come to the show in Baltimore, on Monday, cause its been just way too long....But no one can come with me, so I dont know if I can make it after all :( <3
AKIVA!! I am so sorry about your trip :( that sucks. How are you my Holler Hermosa Friend?? I am rolling on through to say a hello via myspace. We should really work on getting you some show out here in La La Land! :) miss you dude -Kaydee
oops, I did that once also..... I was on the way out of the country at the airport and didn't realize I need a visa also. I was meeting friend in Europe who was flying from La.... He got there but I didn't!!!! Don't make yourself to crazy..... shit happens!!!!!!
where is it that you lay your hat these days? i noticed you have a show coming up in brooklyn- would love to try and swing by. ps sorry about your trip- who took u to the airport? laugh & a smile
