Callum Thompson Unveils Solo Project AKA with Psych-Rock Anthem ‘It Grows On Trees (Money)’
In a bold expansion of his creative footprint, The Mysterines guitarist Callum Thompson has officially launched his solo venture, AKA. The project arrives with a high-energy debut single, ‘It Grows On Trees (Money),’ signaling a visceral shift toward experimental sonic textures.
Based in the culturally rich city of Liverpool, Thompson—who also operates as a producer—has crafted a debut that is equal parts melodic and chaotic. The track is a fuzzed-out psych-rock jam that serves as a sharp satire of the modern hustle and the absurdity of contemporary wealth accumulation.
The release is accompanied by a visually arresting music video directed by Charles Gall. Gall, whose impressive portfolio includes collaborations with English Teacher, Sports Team, and Sigrid, brings a surrealist edge to the piece. The video features human-sized dogs skateboarding and sprinting through the streets of Liverpool, mirroring the track’s disorienting energy.
Reflecting on the conceptual roots of the song, Thompson described the track as an exploration of “the surreal becoming real.” He noted that the song examines how identity shifts within the modern media landscape, suggesting that “certainty only exists in doubt.”
Does the modern obsession with productivity strip away our true identities, or does it simply evolve them? Could the satire found in ‘It Grows On Trees (Money)’ be the only honest way to discuss financial anxiety today?
The rollout for AKA has already seen significant momentum. Thompson made his live debut under the moniker this past January in Brighton and delivered an exclusive performance at London’s Rough Trade East for Record Store Day 2026. That particular set was captured and released as a limited-edition vinyl run for those in attendance.
Fans can catch AKA live at The Great Escape in Brighton on May 15. Those looking to attend can still secure festival tickets. Additionally, Thompson is slated to perform at France’s Midi Festival on July 24.
This solo pivot comes on the heels of The Mysterines’ 2024 release, *Afraid Of Tomorrows*. This second album marked a period of increased creative autonomy for the band. In a previous discussion regarding the unapologetic nature of the record, lead singer Lia Metcalfe emphasized the necessity of creative indulgence.
Metcalfe cited the influence of trailblazers like Lou Reed and Patti Smith, noting that their willingness to defy expectations is what allowed them to leave a permanent mark on music history. This spirit of defiance and risk-taking clearly permeates Thompson’s work with AKA, complementing the band’s reputation for raucous live performances in their hometown.
The Evolution of Psych-Rock and Solo Artistry
The transition from a band member to a solo artist often allows for a degree of experimentation that is difficult to achieve within a group dynamic. For Callum Thompson, the AKA project represents a dive into psychedelic rock, a genre historically defined by its attempt to replicate the mind-altering experiences of hallucinations through sound.
By employing “bleary” and “fuzzed-out” tones, AKA taps into a sonic tradition that prioritizes mood and texture over rigid structure. This approach allows the artist to tackle complex socio-economic themes—like the satire of capitalism—without the constraints of traditional pop songwriting.
When a musician steps away from a successful ensemble like The Mysterines, they often seek to explore the “blind spots” of their primary project. In this case, the focus on production and the intersection of visual surrealism and audio dissonance suggests that AKA is not just a side project, but a distinct artistic identity.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Callum Thompson AKA Project
- What is the Callum Thompson AKA project? It is a solo musical venture by The Mysterines’ guitarist, focusing on melodic and satirical psych-rock.
- What is the first single from the Callum Thompson AKA project? The debut track is ‘It Grows On Trees (Money),’ which critiques modern financial systems.
- Where can you see the Callum Thompson AKA project live? Upcoming dates include The Great Escape (May 15) and the Midi Festival in France (July 24).
- Who directed the music video for the Callum Thompson AKA debut? The video was directed by Charles Gall, known for his work with artists like Sigrid and English Teacher.
- How does the Callum Thompson AKA project differ from The Mysterines? While The Mysterines are known for a raucous rock sound, AKA leans further into psychedelic experimentation and solo production.
Join the Conversation: Do you think solo projects help band members improve their contributions to the main group, or do they risk splitting the creative focus? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with your fellow psych-rock enthusiasts!
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