Born in Canada, based in Australia, classically trained in piano and voice, an environmentalist and animal activist; Monique Angela is as interesting as her music.
In concise form, that’s Monique Angele’s resume. Of course, it leaves out important details, like that she’s a pop singer-songwriter; that she recently dropped a new album, called Alive; and that her crystalline soprano is angelic.
Wanting to understand what motivated Angele to abandon the world of classical music and turn to stylish pop music, Popdust sat down with the diva to get some answers.
How would you describe yourself?
I am an operatic piano pop singer-songwriter.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I honestly don’t know? Eating other people’s chocolate. Ha-ha.
What’s your favorite song to belt out in the car or the shower?
“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen.
Who is your favorite music artist?
Queen.
How did you get started in music?What’s the backstory there?
I started piano lessons when I was 7, went to university for music piano performance and I also studied opera and musical theatre.
Monique Angele – Pink Coloured Sky (Official Music Video)youtu.be
What musicians influenced you the most?
Queen, The Beatles, Elton John, Muse, Pink Floyd.
How, if at all, do your musical influences shape and impact your music?
I think they have impacted my music by their beautifully written melodies, chord progressions and overall lyrics.
Originally trained in classical opera, what motivated you to switch to the pop genre?
I felt that writing my own music was way more enjoyable for me. I still love classical music but I prefer having no boundaries in creating, singing and expressing the way I want.
You’re based in Melbourne, Australia. What’s the music scene in Australia?
The music scene in Australia is quite good! They have a few great festivals and overall the live music scene in Melbourne is very active.
You recently released Alive. What’s the story behind the title of the album?
The inspiration of the album as a whole is the expression of raw emotions and passions of what it feels like to be “alive” and to not be afraid to express oneself. I wanted to create something that pushed the boundaries in regards to songwriting, production and subject matter.
Your sound merges elements of classical, soul, and pop. What is your song-writing process?
I try to write organically so whatever comes to me I write it down. Sometimes it’s a piano riff or chords, sometimes it’s a melody and sometimes it’s an emotion or subject matter that comes first and inspires my writing process.
Most artists like to believe their music is evolving. Is yours? If so, is it becoming more pop-flavored or leaning toward more classical influences?
Yes, I do believe my music is evolving. I would say it is definitely leaning more towards the pop side.
Where was Alive recorded? Are you pleased with how it turned out?
Alive was recorded in Melbourne, Australia at Highway 9 Productions. And yes, I am very pleased with how it turned out. I think each song has a distinct theme and it came out really well in the recording.
Will you be doing any touring?
I did an international tour in Canada and London. My Australian album release show is October 20th. Future show dates will come soon!
Randy Radic is a Left Coast author and writer. Author of numerous true crime books written under the pen-name of John Lee Brook. Former music contributor at Huff Post.
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