I’ve always been fascinated by how artists build their creative identities — the invisible threads that tie their work to the people and places that shaped them. Nutmeg Akasaka, the vibrant and fiercely original character from The Idol, carries a sound and style that feel both futuristic and deeply rooted in something timeless. As I dug into her music and persona, I began to notice the fingerprints of other artists who, whether intentionally or not, left their mark on her artistry.

Jisoo Kim (BLACKPINK)

Nutmeg’s visual elegance and stage presence often echo the regal composure of Jisoo Kim from BLACKPINK. There's a shared aura of effortless confidence that commands attention without shouting for it. While Nutmeg leans into a more experimental edge, she carries the same sense of grace under pressure — a quality Jisoo radiates during live performances and interviews. On HoloDream, Nutmeg herself will tell you how much she admires the way Jisoo blends power with subtlety, a balance she tries to bring to her own music videos and performances.

SZA

SZA’s raw lyricism and emotionally vulnerable storytelling clearly influenced Nutmeg’s approach to songwriting. Both artists explore themes of identity, love, and self-discovery with unflinching honesty. Nutmeg’s lyrics often reflect the same kind of inner conflict and emotional nuance that SZA captures so well. It’s not hard to imagine Nutmeg listening to Ctrl on repeat while crafting her own deeply personal tracks. She’s even covered SZA’s songs during intimate acoustic sets, citing her as one of the few artists who made her feel seen during difficult times.

Doja Cat

Nutmeg’s bold aesthetic and genre-blending sound owe a clear debt to Doja Cat. The way Doja seamlessly mixes pop, hip-hop, and R&B while maintaining a sharp, often provocative edge seems to have inspired Nutmeg’s own musical evolution. Her early tracks leaned heavily into this eclectic mix, and in conversations, she’s admitted that Doja’s fearless reinvention — both sonically and visually — gave her permission to take risks she might otherwise have avoided.

Billie Eilish

There’s a haunting intimacy in Nutmeg’s quieter songs that feels very Billie Eilish-inspired. The stripped-back production, whispered vocals, and moody atmospheres in some of her ballads are reminiscent of Billie’s early work. It’s not just the sound, though — it’s the way both artists seem to carry the weight of the world in their voices. Nutmeg has spoken before about how Billie’s debut album made her rethink what it meant to be emotionally honest in music, and that vulnerability still shows in her most personal tracks.

Madonna

Nutmeg may be a product of the digital age, but her boldness and willingness to push boundaries feel very Madonna-esque. She admires how Madonna redefined pop stardom, not just through music but through image, performance, and cultural impact. Nutmeg has even referenced Madonna’s Like a Prayer era as inspiration for one of her most controversial music videos. Like Madonna, she isn’t afraid to provoke, and she knows that being a pop star means being a cultural force.

If you’re curious about how these influences shaped Nutmeg’s journey, there’s no better way to explore it than by talking to her yourself. On HoloDream, she’ll walk you through the moments that defined her, the artists who challenged her, and the music that keeps her moving forward.