UK-based singer-songwriter Angael's unique blend of modern alternative and UK nostalgia, drawing inspiration from early 2000s pop icons like Dido, and Timbaland's catchy sounds, is establishing herself in the music industry.
She returns with her latest offering, "All Leopard", that blends pop, hip-hop, and alternative sounds. The single showcases her versatility, blending melancholy and hope with infectious melodies and introspective lyrics.
We sat down with Angael to discuss her music and much more. Here is what she had to say:
Hey Angael, welcome to FLEX! How are you?
Hiya, doing well! It's finally starting to feel like summer in London so that naturally makes everything better :) Cool to be talking to you guys!
Congratulations on your brand-new song 'All Leopard' - what inspired this particular track?
Thanks so much. The use of sampling in hip-hop has always inspired me massively. Whilst researching into traditional folk music to inspire my work, I came across a beautiful acapella rendition of the 16th century, traditional English song "Greensleaves". As soon as I heard it I knew I wanted to repurpose it into a pop song, and the feeling was so strong to do so. Honestly like some sort of calling! I thought, if I don't do it someone else will. I listen to the acapella original version all the time now to feel a sense of calm- I love it.
And do you have to be in a certain mood to write?
Everyone always says writing is more of a habit you have to form and get into, but with having a full-time job it's hard to always set aside the time. I'd love to be able to quit my job and write all the time, that's the end goal after all! But yes, I find I either have to force myself to write or suddenly feel inspired and get into it. There's no in-between. I often procrastinate from writing, I guess there's a level of insecurity- as most writers will know, it takes writing some terrible songs to get to the good ones. Putting yourself through that isn't always comfortable.
How was the recording and writing process?
For 'All Leopard', I worked remotely with producer Soundmason, as he's based in New York state and I'm currently based in London. I provided the sample track, ideas for the drum beats, and other reference tracks to really hit that indie-hip-hop crossover nail on the head. After only a week or so of back and forth over different versions and vocal ideas - we had the final version I could take to get my vocals recorded professionally to. I worked with producer/engineer Imad Salhi at his studio in Hackney. Everything was so easy and exciting in creating this track- which confirmed even more so that I was doing the right thing. Creative flow in action.
For viewers who don't know Angael, how would you describe your sound?
I would say my sound is familiar, whilst also providing something new to latch onto. I have clear references and people that inspire me, such as Lana Del Rey, Dido and Timbaland- but I'm also always striving to incorporate unexpected elements into my songs. A lot of my songs tend to build to a big climax at the end which is where most experimenting takes place. As well, I like to actively pay homage to my roots in Manchester, and brit-pop. I've been experimenting a lot with genres recently- so don't be surprised if one track sounds entirely different to another. I really don't think thats a bad thing! That's just me really- I don't like to restrict myself when it comes to expression. Every single at the moment is its own little world/project. I'd love to work on an album that is more focused though, for sure. I have some ideas...
And what are some of those activities that you engage yourself in when you aren't writing or recording in the studio?
Music takes up a large part of my life/thinking/past times- any independent artist will know it unfortunately drains you of your finances haha. But my favourite thing to do outside of music is to spend time with my friends. My love language is quality time, so as long as I'm simply in my loved one's presence, I'm happy.
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