Indie Music Artist Spotlight - Angello Black

Born in Texas to Salvadoran parents, Angello Black lived with his single mother. As a young child he remembers going to El Salvador and listening to an artist by the name of El General (Reggaeton). His sound rescinded with him for years to come. “I felt his music through my veins and from there on I made a decision that I wanted to one day make music like that” At the young age of 10 Angello’s mom could no longer financially or emotionally support her son that she had no choice but put him in foster care. Throughout the years he lived with several families, the last of which he grew very close too. His foster Grandma, who was a singer herself, inspired and encouraged him to pursue a musical career.

Everything starts with just a dream. A tiny spark. When Angello Black was just 14 years old he had a dream of performing that seemed so real, so vivid that it became his life’s goal and ambition. As a first generation musician, he began exploring the sounds he heard around him and has developed into a hip-hop artist primed for superstardom with a growing fan base stretching from the U.S, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. “Music is a part of my life, countless sacrifices life-changing experiences, music moves me everywhere. It’s the fuel to my soul. I enjoy the process of producing my craft, performing it. Its a way of life. But it’s also serving as in influence to those aspiring to peruse their dreams”, says Angello. Black adds, “My style is very modern, Latin EDM, hip-hop, rap. I usually switch it up – English and Spanish in the records. I keep it diverse in my music”.

His sound is an amalgamation of today’s boss hip-hop tones with rhymes displaying a feverishly versatile Latin swagger, taking cues and lessons from his influences such as Jay Z, Eminem, Young Jezzy, and Tego Calderon just to name a few who have laid the groundwork before him. Angello Black has also been writing private projects for television programming, commercials, ads, and movie trailers for a while now as an in-demand independent artist. Having already successfully created music for brands such as Warner Bro’s , Buzz FeedNetflix, and Toyota, Black is confident in expressing his future, “I predict my music will be collecting Grammy’s and Billboards, it will be heard globally and thru out the entire universe. “

With the care and sweat equity that Angello Black puts into his work as both an artist and performer one is apt to believe his prediction will easily come to fruition. Currently, Black has three tunes he wrote and produced “Rap Don”,“Chapulin” and “Cumpleaños” featured on Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube. He says his music is a reflection of the life he has lived and seen set to compositions. One can tell that sky’s the limit for the young rapper as he proclaims, “this upcoming year of 2018 will be in full force of promotion and marketing my music campaigns. I also will be more involved in major labels and brands. Expanding my music all across the globe.”

Angello is currently gearing up for a promotional campaign promoting his new music and his new music video. He hopes to also one day to open up his own organization that will mentor foster children and let them know that there is hope out there with great opportunities.

1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?

As I finessed my writing skills and develops comfort recording I began to enjoy producing music. Then after showing people my craft and getting great reactions that was a fuel to continue to make more music. I been influence by a great amount different artist and producers. To name a few, Jay-Z, Young Jeezy, T.I., Ludacris. In the latin divisions, names like Daddy Yankee, Tego Calderon, Pitbull, etc. I’m also big on EDM and Dubstep one of my top favorite is Skrillex.

2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why?

I’ve heard my tone has a lot of similarity to Pitbull’s. The tone of my vocals but different flow. I’m also on that similar lane so the upbeat music gets a lot of comparison.

If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?

I don’t mind the comparison, especially when compared to strong successful artists. But I have my own unique sound and style. The delivery of my hooks and verses are pretty catchy. Also my messages are more trap like lyrics.

3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write?

I’m connected and always have my ear to the streets. I enjoy creating stories and concepts based on my own life or others.

What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?

The hardest was staying persistent and learning the business. Not everyone is willing to share the secrets of the ins and outs, also differentiating between the pros and cons of the music industry.

4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?

I listen to the instrumentation 1st, vibe out to something that moves me then I write according to what the beat makes me project.

5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?

As far as getting recognition, right now its all about marketing utilizing social media, radio, TV promotion. Promote with new concepts of memorabilia. Working full force with my publicist.

6.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?

I wouldn’t mind partnering with a major label. Of course depending if a deal makes sense. If it can generate income and we can both win I’m all for it. I honestly wouldn’t know much based on how much the music industry has changed. Because nowadays there are many platforms to move music. Unsigned artists have the potential to create income without needing a major label.

7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?

It would be pretty difficult because of the huge volume of artist competing in this present age. Fans want to be linked and connected with an artist on a daily. As an artist we have to stay current and relevant to keep our fans interested.

8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?

My music is pretty mainstream. Our fans might not understand that this is a business at the end of the day. We have to create music that sells. This is what we gave our lives for. This is how we support ourselves and our families as well.

9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

I see myself earning major awards for my work. Already traveled around the world touring. Programed on all major networks. Commercialized, have more projects on movies. Be more stabled and grounded in the music industry.