Motown Records Latest Signee ANGEL Discusses Moving to the US, His Biggest Inspirations and More!

Motown Records latest signee is an artist named ANGEL. In the last few months the UK R&B artist/producer released his new single, ‘Rude Boy’ featuring Haile, and video with HipHopDX.

He sat down with his mentor, the legendary Swizz Beatz for an intimate conversation exclusively with Complex, and just released a new loosie, “Tongue Song,” a flip of Sisqo’s classic “Thong Song.” 

Learn more about Angel in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! How’s 2016 treating you so far? How’s your summer been going?

Thanks for having me.  2016 has been amazing, been keeping my head down working on the next body of work. Summer’s been great, to be honest I’ve been out of the sun and in the studio. (Laughter)

What were some of the highlights of 2015 for you and your music?

2015 was a good year. I had the opportunity to do a lot of observing and it was amazing to see so many people from the scene doing well without any compromise.

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? 

I’ve always wanted to be a musician, My dad and uncles are musicians so I have been blessed to be around it forever. When you have grown up in a household filled with music, you have no choice but to build a passion for music.

Can you recall your earliest musical memory?

Some of my earliest memories are watching my Dad perform with some of the biggest Reggae musicians. I was so inspired.

Congratulations on signing with Motown Records recently!

Thanks so much, it’s a blessing.

Why do you think this is the right place for you and your music today?

I think people want to hear honest music right now. The heritage they have and the artist’s that have started their careers on the label are incredible, most importantly they see the vision and believe in me which allows me to creatively be the artist I want to be.

What’s it been transitioning from the UK to the US?

It’s been cool has and pretty seamless.

Has it been a hard adjustment to make for you? 

I’ve grown up listening to US music and watching US films, so I almost feel like I’ve lived there through them. (Laughter)

Do you have family here in the states?

I do. My dad has loads of cousins out in the US.

Can you elaborate on how you would like to bring real Black British culture to the US?

I think Black British culture has been misconstrued for many years. London in particular is such a multi-cultural city, Black culture has been so integral in London, especially in music. I really wanna share that in my journey.

Where do you get the inspiration for your music? 

A lot of my inspirations come from experiences, either mine or those close to me.

Is that constantly changing?

Music has allowed me to travel a lot, going to new cities and meeting new people that inspire me all the time.

Can you talk about how your newest singles “Rude Boy” and “Tongue Song” came together?

Rude Boy was like a reintroduction, a snapshot of where I’m from and what I’m about. Rude Boy is a British term that represents the guy coming from where I’m coming from. When I was last in LA we were in the studio listening to 90’s/00’s R&B and Thong Song was one of the records, My A&R was like you should do something with that. When I got back to London, I was in the studio working, started building ideas and Tongue Song was one of them. As soon as I did it I uploaded it to my Soundcloud cause I wanted everybody to hear it.

At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music?

Do music that is honest to you and it will connect with the people. It’s all about helping heal those who are going through relative situations. Music is a universal language that transcends language and race.

What do you hope listeners take away from your songs?

My music is an authentic reflection of me. I’m just a simple man with genuine intentions. I want people to know that I am just like them. I make mistakes and I’m still learning just like them. My songs are a snapshot of my life and where I am at some point.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself and your music?

Keep your eyes and ears peeled. I am gonna be releasing music that’ll make you feel something again. =)