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Angelala is an American singer/songwriter from Flint, MI, now in NYC. Her music is Vocal House, Techno with some R&B seasoning. Clever lyrics and a sensual tone paired with fire beats are what you can expect from her.
Growing up near Detroit her mother listened to Motown and her father listened to Rock. Her early inspirations are Aretha Franklin, Prince, En Vogue, Pat Benetar, Sade, Tina Marie, and Donna Summer. As a teenager, she started frequenting the legendary Techno parties in Detroit. After attending the Winter Music Conference in Miami she was immediately hooked on House Music. After many trips to Chicago and then making the move to NYC she then realized she didn’t want to be just a fan, she had to be a part of the House Music family.
Although she yearned to make House Music, her initial introduction into the music business was as a rapper and singer/songwriter in NYC electro-pop duo HRT BRK and then A&B. After about a year she decided she could no longer fight her need to make House Music. Angelala went solo and hasn’t looked back since. Her first release as a solo artist, ‘Torture’ was with Grammy-nominated House Music innovator Todd Terry. It reached #1 on the Soulful House chart on Traxsource. She has releases on Inhouse Records, Terminator Records, Let There Be House, Pocket Jacks, Break It Down Music, Fidget Music, and Broken Records. She has performed at legendary NYC venues such as Bowery Electric, Highland Ballroom, Pyramid Club, Pianos, Electric Room, The Rosemont, and Macri Park.
Q&A with S&S
S&S: What’s your style of music? How do you describe it? I make Vocal House. I strive to write lyrics that are relatable and thought-provoking.
S&S: Who or what was most instrumental to you when it came to music? My Dad. He always had music playing and he is the reason I appreciated listening to whole albums. We had family that lived hours away so on car rides he would play whole albums. Yes, it was all Rock, but just like any genre, there are different forms of Rock. Whether it was alternative like NIN or Nirvana or if it was what is now considered Classic Rock like my favorite band Led Zepplin. He introduced me to powerful female writers and performers like Pat Benetar and Heart. Pat Benetar is my all-time favorite singer, male or female.
S&S: What drives you creatively? Growing up I did not intend on being in the music business. In High School and in college I couldn’t stay away, taking as many music classes as I could as electives. In hindsight, music was my therapy. It’s been a dream come true to not only be a part of it but to be able to make House Music. A genre that represents love.
S&S: How much does your audience influence you and your music selection? If referring to music that I’m making, it doesn’t make that much of a difference. I make music that I love. Fortunately for me, there are many others that share my opinion. If referring to performing, the audience does make a difference. If in a lounge setting, I’ll perform slower more intimate songs, but if in a club setting I like to perform the bangers!
S&S: What artists or genres do you listen to when you’re not working? I really love Dev Hynes, Toro y Moi, and Banks.S&S: Do you have any favorite memories of growing up with your family? I super loved going camping up north in Michigan. Going swimming and eating food cooked on the campfire was the best! I still go camping several times a year in upstate NY.
S&S: Is there anything you would like people to know about you? I’m originally from Flint, MI. My city has been through it, but I’m still so proud to be a Flint Stone! It made me appreciate so many things in life.
S&S: Are there any charities you are working with or excited to tell us about? I held a benefit for the Flint Kids Fund to help with the Flint Water Crisis. Unfortunately, the many kids in Flint will experience lifelong challenges because of the carelessness of politicians. I had many performers perform for free and many artists donated their works to be auctioned. Attendees donated a minimum of $10 for entry also. All proceeds went to the charity and I got to deliver the check with my mom by my side. She is the first in our family to be born in Flint.
S&S: Are there any questions that you wish people would ask you? That hasn’t been already asked? Nope, cant think of one!
S&S: And on the flip side of that, are there any questions or references you wish people would stop asking or using? What are you instead of what nationality are you.
S&S: What artist(s) have you been the most excited to work with? Todd Terry and Jesse Saunders. They’re huuuuge innovators in House Music.
S&S: Are there any artists that you dream of working with on a collaboration? Dev Hynes!!S&S What advice would you give to an aspiring artist? If you love it, stick with it!
S&S: What can we look forward to next from you? My next release Love, Light, Happiness is out, here on S&S! It’s the first time I’ve worked with the producers’ Tech Us Out. Other upcoming releases are Look of Love, produced by Col Lawten and Claborg. Come Get It, produced by Monkeye on HotL Records. Sideview, produced by Panevino is getting mixed now. I’m also writing a follow-up of my last release, Deeper with R3V3S. This will be our 4th release together! I’m super excited about this very soulful and inspirational song <3Q&A By: Shannon “Skip” Syas – S&S Chicago
S&S Records, Inc. (and S&S Chicago, Inc.) was established in 2005 by 4-time GRAMMY® nominated producer Steve “Silk” Hurley and global DJ/Producer Shannon “DJ Skip” Syas. Merging Hurley’s worldwide commercial success and Syas’ strong global following, the dance label has become home to numerous musical greats and one of the most respected blogs on the internet.
