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Singer-songwriter Angela Mukul, 24, describes her sound as ‘pop with a touch of soul’. The Californian born and raised artist has been performing since she was 15, many may have recognized her from CW’s music competition The Next as she was one of Gloria Estefan’s chosen four. Her talent and drive have certainly not gone unnoticed and recently she has been nominated for a Los Angeles Music Award as female singer/songwriter of the year, August 27th saw the release of her first solo EP titled Free (iTunes/CDBaby) that she proudly, self funded from a kick-starter campaign and has been followed by the music video for her first single I’d Rather Be Single on September 4th.
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Can you share with us your story, when this started and how it all came about?
For as long as I can remember I’ve always loved to sing. I’d make up songs and sing them to my family using our fireplace as a stage I sang in choirs and musicals all through out school, but it was when I first learned guitar that I really discovered that this was my life calling. Immediately, I began performing as a solo artist at coffee shops and various Orange County venues. I continued performing, songwriting and also began recording in the studio (backup vocals, songs of my own, etc.). After graduating college I then moved to Los Angeles to continue my pursuit of music. I was a contestant last year on CW’s The NEXT and was mentored by Gloria Estefan. Just this year, I launched a Kickstarter campaign and greatly succeeded in raising the funds to record and release my 6 song EP titled “Free” and shoot a music video for one of the songs off the EP “I’d Rather Be Single.” Now, I am continuing to write songs, perform, upload videos, and spread my music to the world!
You’re a great songwriter – where do your inspirations come from when writing the songs?
Thank you so much! My inspiration comes from my personal everyday life experiences as well as those of others around me. It never ceases to amaze me how a song can connect so many different people from so many different backgrounds. A song can take on infinite meanings with each person and that is the most inspiring aspect of it all to me. My goal in songwriting is always, always, to connect to another person, to empower them, and to show that we all feel the same things. I love that! Like they say, music is the universal language and I am so very happy to be able to serve as a messenger.
You definitely are inspiring and empowering – you were able to release your first EP and Music Video due to your very own kick-starter campaign that you raised $15,000, that’s amazing, tell us more.
Aw thanks! Well, yes it was pretty amazing! I cried with joy when I reached my goal and then about died when I exceeded that goal by $5,000! It was a humbling experience to see the support that I received. Even more, it has been so rewarding for me personally to fulfill the rewards for my backers. A number of them were quite personal….I wrote a song for one of my backer’s wife as her birthday present, I sang a couple duets with my backers and uploaded them to YouTube, and I even wrote & recorded a 6th song to go on my EP, that song is “I Will Always Sing For You.” The campaign really was more than I could have dreamed and I’m so grateful to those that were a part of making it happen. It is certainly helping to lead to great things.
Love your voice – listening to your songs, I can hear a mix of Amy Winehouse, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift and you’ve done some great covers on You tube of Taylor Swift and Amy Winehouse – has their music been inspirational to you? Who else?
Thank you! Ah, I love all of those ladies and their music has certainly been inspirational to me. My ultimate favorite female voice is Amy Winehouse. Katy and Taylor are both such great songwriters and extremely successful artists that I admire. Beyond these artists…I draw inspiration from music of all genres. I grew up listening to Bob Marley, The Beatles, Sheryl Crow, Queen…the list goes on. Artists I have on heavy rotation currently are Ellie Goulding, Lorde, Avicii and…well shoot, the list goes on here too 😉
You play the guitar, do you play any other instruments?
Guitar is definitely my main instrument. I started leaning piano, but I wouldn’t call myself a pianist by any means….sooner than later I will though!
What type of music do you like listening to?
Oh boy you don’t want to get me started on this “list” again do you? Hah! All types…pop, dance, urban, hip-hop, singer/songwriter, acoustic, indie, rock…
Who is your biggest fan?
My mom. She is the one person I can say has always supported my music wholeheartedly since the day I expressed to her my dream and career path. She did make me get that college degree though! I’m so happy that I did…mama knows best.
You are currently up for a 2013 Los Angeles Music Award as a female/singer songwriter of the year nominee – congratulations – how do you feel?
Well thank you! I feel honored. Being recognized for what you pour your heart and soul into is always a very wonderful feeling.
You worked with Gloria Estefan on “The Next” can you tell us a little bit about that, and do you still keep in contact with Gloria Estefan?
Working with Gloria on The NEXT was awesome. She is one of the sweetest, most down to Earth people I’ve ever met. She treated me like a daughter and gave sincere advice. I am really lucky to have had that chance and to still keep in touch with her today. To answer, yes I talk to her regularly and am happy for her recent album release “The Standards” too! She’s a very kind, talented, woman of character that I look up to.
Where would you like your career to be in the next 5 years?
I’d love to be touring my 2nd album. I haven’t traveled much and can’t wait until I get to perform worldwide and experience various countries, towns, and cultures. With the Internet, it is possible to connect with people from all over and it is so awesome to see fans of my music in over 20 countries. I’m counting down till I get to come to them with my music live.
Where can we buy your songs or E.P?
You can buy my songs and EP ‘Free’ on iTunes as well as many other online retailers like Amazon, CD Baby, etc. If you’d like to order a physical copy of the EP you can order it here and I’ll ship it right to you! You’ll get an instant digital download with the purchase of a physical. You can also stream the full EP on bandcamp and Spotify.
Where we can follow you?
Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube
NAME: Angela Mukul
HOME TOWN: Yorba Linda, CA
FAVORITE FOOD: Frozen Yogurt
FAVORITE PHRASE: Yay
FAVORITE TUNE RIGHT NOW: Stay the Night – Zedd ft. Hayley Williams
SOMETHING THAT WOULD SURPRISE US ABOUT YOU: I wait tables part time
YOUR IDOL: God
FAVORITE COLOR: Yellow
PET HATE: Poor table manners
DRESS STYLE: Girly with edge and spice!
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