Having already turned out a breadth of dazzling delights this past year, UK-based artist Angael is back on the grind once again with her passionate new single 'All Leopard'.
Bringing back more of that rousing alt-pop aesthetic she has earned a reputation for, 'All Leopard' makes for an incredibly immersive listen throughout. With her warm and embracing vocals spread across a vibrant production throughout, she is certainly one to keep a close eye on for the months ahead as well.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and influences over the years.
What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
My first cassette was Kylie's 'Fever', there's so many photos of me as a child posing with "I can't get you out of my head" hand/dance moves. That album is an absolute 10/10. I've always been a HUGE pop fan, and buzzing to take a trip down memory lane and see Kylie this year at BST! Just songs that make you feel good, with nice, borderline subdued vocals.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
As a child, I definitely had a few different musical identities- but more recently, I was in an indie rock band called Rilke. We took a lot of inspiration from the likes of Oasis, and Jeff Buckley- I was told by a friend my vocals on top gave it more of a PJ Harvey-type feel. I'm really proud of the music we made, although my leaning towards pop took me back into my solo work in 2021.
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
I think the mediative/therapeutic/cathartic side of being a musician/creative in general. My late Grandmother would tell me "go and write a song" when I felt down, as she knew it was my coping mechanism. Working on something from the ground up, all the way up to release, especially when you're happy with the end result (which isn't always the case) is very rewarding! The personal growth I can see music has helped me with, especially with confidence is priceless. I'm a different person from who I was before I started sharing music publicly. Through all its ups and downs!
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
That's funny, I actually have a playlist of songs called "Songs I Wish Were Mine". Circling back to my fondness for a subdued/melancholic vocal- Dido is a huge influence for me. I love the song "Here With Me"- it's very atmospheric. I love that '90s/early 00s sound that could have been extracted from an espionage thriller. I also love "Harleys in Hawaii" by Katy Perry- it's so underrated! I love the soft synth of it. Apparently, it's the adult departure from the song "Teenage Dream" and that makes so much sense.
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
I'm not sure I'd relive any moments, but there are a few I'd re-do. One being - do not drink a vodka orange five minutes before a show - juice and vocals are NOT friends! Worst performance of my life!
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
I'd love to have a huge dance banger with Chase & Status or Major Lazer. I think when they bring out featured artists as a surprise at festivals, that's so exciting. Just to get lost in a dance tune.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
At the moment, Shygirl would be super cool to collaborate with. I went to Club Shy recently at Fabric in London and it was so fun- I love how her music pulls in UK influences like grime and garage, and makes it electronic/dance. So cool. Who'd have thought we'd get a second rendition of Babycakes? I really think Mura Masa and I could cook up some amazing stuff. He's totally producing my favourite songs at the moment.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
I hope that I am able to make a living off music and perform with the stage setup I dream of having. As an independent artist, it's hard to try and orchestrate a band setup- even things like being able to afford to supply the drummer with an in-ear monitor to play to a click. Sourcing instrumentalists is hard. That's my biggest struggle at the moment. Just to have the resources to be able to do what I love, and work with people I know we can make absolute bangers together would be awesome.
Angael's new single 'All Leopard' is out now. Listen to it below.
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