"AKA... What a Life!" is a song by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, serving as the second single from their self-titled debut album released in 2011.
It was written by Noel Gallagher and produced by Dave Sardy, marking another track from his post-Oasis solo debut.
The single was initially released digitally in the UK on September 9, 2011, via Sour Mash Records, with a physical CD and 7" vinyl release following on October 17, 2011.
It reached number 20 on the UK Singles Chart and was certified Gold by the BPI for sales exceeding 400,000 units.
Musically, it's an alternative rock track with dance-infused elements, running 4:24 in length, and originally titled "Ride the Tiger" before Gallagher changed it due to discomfort with the name.
The song draws inspiration from Noel Gallagher's experiences at Manchester's Hacienda nightclub in the late 1980s, capturing the vibes of acid house and dance culture from that era.
It pays homage to those nights, with a sound that echoes the building-shaking energy of the club scene.
Gallagher has described it as reflecting on life's highs and the elongated emphasis on "life" in the chorus, delivered with a matter-of-fact yet edgy tone.
The song was co-produced by Noel Gallagher and Dave Sardy, with recording taking place in 2010 as part of the sessions for the debut album.
It features a B-side track, "Let the Lord Shine a Light on Me."
The official music video, directed by Mike Bruce and Blake West, was released on October 6, 2011, and acts as a sequel to the videos for "If I Had a Gun..." and "The Death of You and Me," forming a three-part story.
The video also incorporates a reworked snippet of "The Death of You and Me" and was featured in the video game F1 2012.
Overall, the production blends Gallagher's rock roots with experimental dance influences, distinguishing it within his solo catalog.