New York, NY — Akira Ishi is a 19-year-old singer and songwriter from New York whose emotionally direct songwriting and understated production have quietly built a devoted audience online. She now releases “Bangladesh,” a sharp, indie-rock–leaning single inspired by the raw honesty of Liz Phair, as she prepares for her debut album, The Paraphiliac.
“Bangladesh” marks a stylistic pivot for Ishi, trading the intimate softness of earlier work like “Morning After / Free” and “Julianna” for a more confrontational, guitar-driven sound. The track embraces lyrical discomfort and emotional bluntness, leaning into imperfection rather than polish. It’s a deliberate step toward the themes that define The Paraphiliac: desire, fixation, identity, and emotional contradiction.
“I wrote ‘Bangladesh’ after getting tired of censoring myself,” says Akira Ishi. “Liz Phair made me realize you can be blunt, messy, and still honest, and that’s what I wanted this song to feel like.”
In addition to her solo releases, Akira Ishi has collaborated with Annie Clark (St. Vincent) on the track “Oh My God,” signalling her connection to a broader alternative music lineage. Currently sitting at approximately 4,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Ishi is focused on expanding her fanbase through consistent releases and a more outward-facing era of her work.
“Bangladesh” serves as an early introduction to The Paraphiliac, with additional singles and visuals expected in the coming months.
About Akira Ishi:
Akira Ishi is a New York–based singer and songwriter whose music blends indie rock and alternative pop with deeply personal lyricism. She began releasing music as a teenager and gained attention for songs like “Morning After / Free” and “Julianna.” Her work prioritizes emotional honesty over polish, often exploring discomfort and vulnerability head-on. She is currently preparing her debut album, The Paraphiliac.