The music industry often pressures artists to project a flawless, unbreakable image. This demand for perfection forces many musicians to hide their struggles. It makes connecting with an audience difficult. Listeners want real stories, but artists struggle to balance public expectations with their personal growth and identity.
AKA V, an independent rock artist, uses her platform to challenge these industry standards. Her latest single, "Tough Girl Code," addresses this problem directly. It shows how vulnerability can drive both artistic and personal growth. We sat down with AKA V to discuss the inspiration behind the track, the process of finding personal identity, and how openness builds a stronger connection with fans.
Q: The music industry often expects artists to maintain a tough exterior. What inspired you to challenge that standard and write "Tough Girl Code"?
AKA V: I’ve always preached vulnerability. I do think keeping some mystery works for some artists but that’s just not the type of artist I am.
Q: Finding your identity involves constant change. How does this single reflect your personal growth compared to your earlier work?
AKA V: I wrote Tough Girl Code after realizing that I had been playing the “tough girl” for so long. It felt like who I am, but then I realized it was just a persona I was hiding behind. My previous work was a lot about dealing with anxiety but never about the actual trauma causing the anxiety. Over the past few years, I’ve been doing a lot of work on myself. I uncovered a lot of patterns that helped me survive in the past, but that are not doing me any good anymore and Tough Girl Code was one of them.
Q: Many musicians struggle with the fear of being too open with their audience. How did you handle that fear during the songwriting process?
AKA V: Writing this song was definitely uncomfortable but the producer helped me see why that was the path forward.
Q: The song focuses on breaking down personal walls. What advice do you have for other creatives who feel pressured to maintain a flawless public image?
AKA V: Everyone is human and I think music fans love to see that the artists creating the music they love are also humans just like them. It builds a sense of community around flaws, traumas and weird personality quirks and that’s beautiful. Perfection is boring!
Q: When listeners hear this track, what specific message do you hope they apply to their own lives?
AKA V: My hope is that they realize that pushing people away by pretending to be tough isn’t doing them any favors. Yes, it protects them from being hurt but it also doesn’t allow them to truly feel love, which is why we’re here in the first place. I don’t believe you can truly be fulfilled by spending most of your time by yourself. You need people you love and who love you to share the highs and lows with.
This conversation highlights the value of honesty in music. By ignoring the pressure to appear invincible, artists build a stronger bond with their audience. "Tough Girl Code" demonstrates that vulnerability is a useful tool for growth, rather than a weakness.
As the entertainment business changes, the demand for transparent storytelling will increase. Artists who rely on their true identities will shape the future of the market. AKA V is setting a clear example of how to turn personal challenges into relatable music.
