Callum Thompson of The Mysterines Unveils New Project AKA with Fuzzed-Out Single ‘It Grows On Trees (Money)’

Liverpool musician Callum Thompson’s new project AKA drops the psych rock single ‘It Grows On Trees (Money)’ blending fuzzed-out grooves with sharp social satire.

A Fresh Sonic Venture from a Familiar Face

If you’ve been keeping tabs on The Mysterines, then you’ll know the powerful riffs and raw energy that guitarist Callum Thompson brings to the table. Now, stepping out from the band’s collective spotlight, Callum has launched his solo project AKA, delivering a fresh sound with his debut single, ‘It Grows On Trees (Money)’. This track is a perfect blend of fuzzy psych rock and melodic hooks, capturing a hazy, dreamy vibe that feels both modern and nostalgic.

The Liverpool-based musician and producer takes listeners on a sonic journey that playfully satirizes the modern-day obsession with money and the surreal nature of wealth acquisition. It’s a song that feels both personal and universal—reflecting on identity and certainty in today’s media-driven world.

Callum Thompson performing live – a new chapter begins with AKA.

A Visual Ride Through Liverpool Streets

The single comes accompanied by a captivating music video directed by Charles Gall, known for his work with English Teacher, Sports Team, and Sigrid. The video is a quirky, imaginative spectacle featuring giant, human-sized dogs skateboarding and darting through the streets of Liverpool, adding a whimsical yet slightly surreal undertone to the track’s themes.

You can watch the video for ‘It Grows On Trees (Money)’ right here:

AKA – a new identity with a bold sound. CREDIT: Press

Behind the Music: What ‘It Grows On Trees (Money)’ Means

Callum Thompson shares insight into the song’s meaning:

“It’s a song about the surreal becoming real. It’s about finding yourself when you stop looking. It looks at how identity evolves in the modern media age – and the sense that certainty only exists in doubt.”

This reflection perfectly captures the paradox of our digital age—where the lines between authenticity and performance blur, and certainty feels elusive. The fuzzed-out psych rock texture of the song mirrors this haze of modern existence, making it a thoughtful yet catchy track that sticks with you.

Live Debut and Upcoming Shows

AKA made a live debut earlier this year in Brighton, unveiling his new solo identity to an eager crowd. Thompson also treated fans to an exclusive set at Rough Trade East in London for Record Store Day 2026. The intimate performance was so well-received that it was pressed onto vinyl and made available as a limited edition for attendees—a true collector’s gem.

Looking ahead, Thompson is set to perform at The Great Escape festival in Brighton on May 15. For those lucky enough to snag tickets, it promises to be an electrifying showcase of AKA’s fresh sound. Later this summer, on July 24, he’ll also take the stage at the Midi Festival in France, connecting with fans across the Channel.

The Mysterines’ Evolving Sound and Confidence

While Callum explores his solo adventure, The Mysterines continue to build on their momentum. Their second album, Afraid Of Tomorrows, dropped in 2024, marking a confident leap forward for the band. Lead singer Lia Metcalfe opened up about the album’s creation, reflecting on how life’s ups and downs fueled their creative fire.

“I’ve been through way too much to not overindulge in creating something new, when given the opportunity,” she explained. “The driving force behind this band has always been for it to be this outlet for creativity. Whenever I feel panicky or a bit lost, I tap into that inner child and remember why I started doing this. This new album feels unapologetic.”

There’s a raw honesty in that unapologetic spirit, something that resonates deeply whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the band for the first time. It’s that fearless embrace of creativity, the willingness to break rules and challenge norms, that gives The Mysterines—and now AKA—such magnetic appeal.

“There are some ridiculous moments on the record but if we don’t do it now, when are we going to do it? That’s why I respect artists like Lou Reed and Patti Smith. They did the thing that everyone thought you shouldn’t, and that’s how they made their mark. That’s how you create something unique.”

Why AKA’s ‘It Grows On Trees (Money)’ Matters

This debut single from AKA isn’t just a side project; it’s an exciting new chapter in Callum Thompson’s artistic journey. It speaks to anyone who’s ever felt the strange contradictions of modern life—the lure of money, the search for identity, and the fog of uncertainty in an age of relentless media.

The fuzz-drenched guitars and groovy rhythms tempt you to nod along, while the lyrics invite you to look deeper. It’s clever, catchy, and a little bit off-kilter—the kind of track that you might find yourself humming hours later, wondering what it’s really about.

So whether you’re a psych rock enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a good tune with bite, AKA’s ‘It Grows On Trees (Money)’ is worth your playlist.

FAQ

• Who is AKA, and what’s his connection to The Mysterines?
  AKA is Callum Thompson’s solo project. Callum is the guitarist for The Mysterines, branching out to explore his own musical ideas.
• What style of music does AKA’s debut single fall under?
  The single blends psychedelic rock with fuzzed-out, melodic elements, creating a hazy, engaging sound.
• What themes does ‘It Grows On Trees (Money)’ explore?
  The song satirizes the obsession with money and reflects on identity and uncertainty in the modern media age.
• Where has AKA performed live so far?
  AKA debuted live in Brighton, performed an exclusive set at Rough Trade East in London for Record Store Day 2026, and will be playing at The Great Escape in Brighton and Midi Festival in France.
• How does this project relate to The Mysterines’ recent work?
  While The Mysterines released their confident second album in 2024, AKA offers a more personal, experimental outlet for Callum’s creativity, complementing the band’s evolving sound.

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