We had the opportunity to interview Angelique, a 21 year old artist from Toronto! She draws inspiration for her unique sound from alternative vocal styles, classical R&B, and experimentation. The result is a one of a kind alt-pop sound that hooks the listener. Check out her music, but before you do, check out our interview!
1. How did you come to pursue music and how long have you been at it?
"I grew up surrounded by music. There was always music playing in my home, we talked about the songs we loved and why, it was always important. I’ve been writing and performing since I was 3 or 4 years old, starting with simple poems and melodies and its just progressed into this beautiful life. My uncle was a musician before he passed away. So I guess it’s always been a family affair. Although I always enjoyed expressing myself musically, it was never really something I saw as feasible until my brother Scott actually pushed me to take the first steps a few years ago. I’m so thankful that he did, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else."
2. Could you walk us through your process of writing music?
"My writing process is really organic and free flowing. I usually begin with a concept or musical inspiration, I’ve been working lately with the amazing producer Jacob Spitzer. Jacob actually came to me with the beat for Wings in one of our first meetings and I was blown away. He’s great with accepting my idea’s and concepts and working with me to fulfill exactly what I want. He has so much raw talent and I’m so lucky to have him on my team. After the music is done, I’ll usually run with the conceptual idea and begin to feel out a mood in the song, write a hook that encompasses the theme, and then the verses to accentuate that. I come from a freestyle mind space and so it’s a lot of trial and error when writing lyrics. I let myself flow freely until I really feel it in my heart. I think that’s also what makes it so therapeutic, its all real."
3. What artists have inspired you in your career?
"I am so deeply inspired by any artist who is able to wholeheartedly speak their truth. Anyone who is comfortable in their own skin because I feel like that’s something that I still struggle with. I am so inspired by artists like SZA, Daniel Caesar, Jessie Reyez, Beyoncé, etc… Two artists on the heaviest rotation in my playlists right now are actually a girl from Australia named Kaiit, and Swedish singer Seinabo Sey. These two women are so empowering and raw. I really respect that in an artist." 4. Do you have any favorite music gear (guitars, amps, effects pedals, keyboards, etc.) that you love to use? If so, what’s the story on them?
"I love Gibson guitars, specifically the black top Les Paul. My mom always reminds me how my late uncle saved and saved for his, and how she could hear him and his band practicing at all hours of the day. Its so special to me, knowing where the music bug first bit. Its musical heritage, and a fantastic guitar. I’ve already touched on how new I am to actually taking control of my career, when I first took that leap of faith we went to Dreamhouse Studio’s here in Toronto. We record on a Neumann U87 Mic, it adds a great brightness with a little bit of color to my vocals. I think that, alongside how meaningful that first step was will make that mic forever hold a special place in my heart."
5. Can you describe the vibe at your live shows? Also, what do you enjoy most about a venue when you do a show?
"Its really inclusive, I want everyone to feel welcome and safe. I welcome all walks of life to come together and enjoy music. There’s a great mix of my original songs, plus covers of songs people love to hear. I love to preform, I whole new person comes out when I’m on that stage. I have an exciting announcement coming soon to my Instagram so be sure to follow so you can see! I hope to meet so many of you amazing people soon."
6. What is one thing that you want the public to know about your music?
"I just want people to know and take away that it’s okay to be open about what makes us all human. My music is all genuine and derived from experience. I want to share with you all and help in any way that I can."
7. Do you have any upcoming projects you would like fans to know about?
"Well I can’t speak to release dates exactly but I have a lot of new material and live show’s in the works so stay tuned for all of that!"