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

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