A Raw Exploration of Love with “DND”

As she prepares for her debut EP, “DUMB,” rising artist AKIA releases “DND,” her first single of the year. The track, which dropped on March 14, encapsulates the feelings of uncertainty that come with questioning love. With a captivating acoustic backdrop, ​AKIA croons, “Tried to call you, you ain’t sleep / Got ya’ phone on DND / Are you where you ‘sposed to be?”

Describing the song, she refers to it as a “raw and hypnotic R&B anthem” that delves into the turbulent waters of a toxic relationship. The lyrics vividly capture the paranoia and heartbreak that stem from a lack of trust, particularly highlighted by the eerie absence of communication when her boyfriend’s phone is set to Do Not Disturb. The raw emotion in “DND” showcases AKIA’s commitment to bringing a fresh perspective to the genre.

What to Expect from the EP “DUMB”

Looking ahead, ​AKIA is gearing up for the release of her EP “DUMB” on March 28. In addition to “DND,” the four-track project will feature a new track titled “My Girl Gina,” teased on Instagram with the lines, “Now I gotta roll my windows up because I don’t want nobody to see me daydreaming / Trying to figure out if you got some takeout on the side.” While fans await the EP, they can still vibe to her previous releases, including “F.a.f.o (Freestyle)” and “Soft Girl Era,” both of which debuted in 2024.