Meet Ak Jameson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ak Jameson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi AK, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

There’s something about the word “no” that fuels me. Maybe it’s because I grew up surrounded by it. I was surrounded by restrictions that had nothing to do with ability and everything to do with very outdated rules. Being a woman in my society meant constantly being told what I couldn’t do. But even as a child, I knew something was off. You know, when you go “Hey! That’s not fair.” And I was right.

No one could ever give me a real reason why certain doors were closed to me. So, I refused to accept it. Instead of being discouraged, I became relentless. If the world told me I couldn’t, I set out to prove that I could. And I sought out the people who were already breaking barriers because finding the so-called “rebels” was also fun.

I’ve lived, and continue to live, in a world where the odds are often stacked against me and yet those same odds fuel me. I wanted to be a mechanic, a boxer, a rockstar, a soldier, a pilot… not just because I was drawn to them, but because at some point, society said women don’t belong here and nothing excites me more than proving people wrong.

Persistence isn’t just about ignoring the naysayers but it’s about using their doubt as fuel. I did a social experiment and changed my Twitter handle to just initials and a last name. The amount of response I got and respect I received when people assumed I was a man was astounding. Because of course, only a man could be a talented music producer.

Every “no” I’ve ever heard has been a stepping stone to a louder, more undeniable yes. And I will keep going, not just for myself, but for every person who’s ever been told they can’t. Because we can. And we will.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My name is AK Jameson, and I’m a singer-songwriter, composer, and producer. Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was that kid who paid more attention to the background music on the news than the actual headlines. The one who recorded video game soundtracks straight from the TV with a boombox, just to listen back and study every note. Looking back, it’s no surprise that I’d eventually want to create something just as magical.

One of my greatest joys as a child was experimenting on our family keyboard, discovering chord progressions that moved me. When I realized I had a natural ear for writing and playing music, it became clear this was something that needed to be a part of my life. Music brought me joy, gave me an outlet during tough times, and allowed me to be both a listener and a creator.

A life changing moment came when a friend introduced me to an online community where musicians from all over the world remixed and reimagined video game soundtracks (shout-out ocremix.org). That space sparked something in me and really gave me the push to start composing my own music. I began sharing my work with friends and on social media, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. That encouragement planted a seed, and soon, I took a leap. I reached out to other musicians, looking for people who connected with my sound and wanted to bring it to life on stage. That was the birth of my band, Right Proper.

Today, I’m an active, gigging musician with a growing presence and consistent shows in my area. You can find out more about my music at www.rightpropermusic.com and follow me on social media @right.proper. And the best part? I’m not just the frontwoman—I run this band. In an industry that still underestimates women in leadership and music production, I take pride in carving my own path. And this is just the beginning.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three key qualities that had the greatest impact on my journey were passion, curiosity, and perseverance.

First, find something that brings you joy, something that excites you, and fuels your creativity.. maybe even something that keeps you going even when things get tough. Passion is what turns effort into something meaningful.

Stay curious and always be learning. Find magic in the little things, ask questions, and never stop exploring. Dream big, but also take the time to research, connect with others, and immerse yourself in communities where you can grow. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people and mentors can open doors you never even knew existed!

And most importantly, never give up.

The road won’t always be easy, but resilience is what separates the dreamers from the doers. Support others, lift each other up, and keep pushing forward because every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to where you want to be.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

One of the biggest challenges I’m currently facing is growing and reaching the right audience. In many ways, this feels a lot like modern dating. Social media plays a huge role in this, but it’s a constantly shifting landscape that requires persistence, strategy, and a bit of luck.

One of the best ways to overcome this is through real, in-person connections. I’ve been making an effort to attend more local shows, meet other artists, and build a community. Connecting with other bands and collaborating on exciting, meaningful projects helps expand our reach in an organic and authentic way. The more we support each other, the stronger the entire music scene becomes.

At the end of the day, we all need each other. As the famous quote says, “We rise by lifting others.” Truer words have never been spoken, and I believe that fostering these relationships will not only help overcome this challenge but also create something much bigger than any one artist alone.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Show and band photographers:
Sanna Nour
Marcia Quackenbush
Albert Jiang

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