Q&A with Angelala
Singer and songwriter Angelala's latest offering, "Deeper", will have you looking for a more profound type of love while simultaneously keeping you on your (living room) dance floor with the remixes of the track. Upon first listen, you might notice somewhat of sexual innuendos, but that's just Angelala's creative use of lyrics with this dark and sultry track. But that's not the song's entire meaning, as she shared with us, "the song is about a deeper kind of love."
The Detroit native who now resides in NYC kindly answered some of our questions. We found out how she got to be the House Music songstress she is today, how she got creative with the song's recording during the pandemic, and what we can expect from her in the future. Speaking of which, she is certainly someone we will be keeping our eyes on as we see her creating more and more of our new favorite dance tracks.
IndieWavves: You're originally from Flint, Michigan. How do you think growing up there influenced your love for music?
Angelala: Growing up in Flint had a huge influence on me, especially since being so close to Detroit. Detroit was home to Motown, and it's also the birthplace of Techno. I still regularly listen to Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. They're just so smooth and soothing to me. I didn't get into Techno until I was a teenager. It was so different from mainstream music, and I was instantly attracted to it. I can't leave this question without shouting out fellow Flint Stones, Ready for the World. Still so obsessed with their music.
IW: You were initially a rapper and singer/songwriter in an NYC pop duo. What made you switch to House Music?
A: Entering the House Music world actually happened by accident. I was heading in a Dance/R&B direction and made three tracks. I sent one to Todd Terry to listen to, and he responded with a remix by him and Alexander Technique. The remix did so well, and I was getting recognized as a House Music singer. I love House, so I stuck with it.
IW: How was your experience with having to record "Deeper", during quarantine?
A: When I first listened to what the producer, R3V3S sent, I felt it had a deeper feeling. I played off that feeling which is why the song is about a deeper kind of love and how meaningful it is. I had to get very creative recording Deeper since I couldn't go to a studio. I bought a coat rack and put it in the corner of my living room. I hung a blanket over it to make a wall. Put another blanket over it and tacked the top to the wall for a makeshift ceiling. I had what looked like a blanket cave in my living room. I used a portable mic and went to work. It took some extra effort, but I'm very proud of the outcome.
IW: How did working with Jesse Saunders and his label Broken Records happen? How do you feel about that and the remixes?
A: I've known of Jesse Saunders for years, but I became friends with him a couple of years ago. I was beyond ecstatic when he said he wanted to release "Deeper" on his label, Broken Records. Jesse is credited for making the first House Music track called "On and On". He is very respected throughout the entire music industry, so it means so much having his support. The remixes of "Deeper" really complete the package. I love the energy BB Hayes brings in his mix. That chorus gets me every time. The Col Lawten mix is NASTY, as Jesse Saunders would say. It's that after-hours feel where you don't want the song to end.
IW: Who are some other dream collabs of yours? (like producers/artists/DJ's)
A: My favorite producers are Dev Hynes, Pharrell, and Daft Punk. It would be a dream come true to work with any of them.
IW: Can you tell us a bit more about the lyrics video for "Deeper" and what inspired it?
A: For the "Deeper" lyric video, I wanted to showcase where I like to hang out. I walk from the Lower East Side to one of my favorite chill but hype spots, Botanica Bar. Director, William Murray did a great job capturing some great nighttime NYC views.
IW: What can we expect from Angelala in the future?
A: I have a few more projects coming up. "Come Get It", produced by Joe Cozzo, is a dancefloor theme song. It's all about the love that lives on the House Music dancefloor. I just finished a song with UK DJ/Producer duo Monkeye - this one is a banger with provocative and sexy lyrics. I also have a Techno track coming out with Alexander Technique. It's been a while since I put out some Techno, so I'm really excited about this. Plus, I love working with Alex.
Written by Piera Lolandes