Just Angel is an angelic singer, actor, dancer, book author/writer, poet and musician from Kansas City, Missouri. Her entire life she has been surrounded by music with theatrical influences from both her mother and father. Just Angel has the ability to remain herself in a ever changing industry that demands women to be something they aren’t. She sets the perfect example for her daughter to be a lady, a business woman and to know the true value of self. During this interview, Just Angel makes it clear who she is, what she has accomplished without compromising and her story is truly inspiring! We speak with Just Angel to learn more about her.
When did you start taking music seriously?
I’ve always taken music seriously. I grew up in a musically gifted and performative family. My mother has toured, been recorded nationally, done theater and is established as a singer, pianist, teacher and director in her own right. My father is/was also a musician. Played Aux percussion and trumpet in a funk band. Both grew up doing music as children and also in ministry through church. I’ve been singing and dancing my entire life. It’s not only a God given gift, it’s DNA and classical training. Music has always been serious.
What made you decide to pursue a career in entertainment?
I don’t know if I ever pursued a career. I’ve always been a part of music organically as a child. Whether it’s been pageants, choirs, scholarships, stage plays, singing BGVS for local, national or international acts, it’s something I’ve always done. Since I was a child I’ve either done it per school, love or been contracted. It’s something I’ve gotten from my mother and have also pursued with her. We’ve traveled with stage plays and performed together in groups. I don’t think I’ve ever considered what I’ve always done as pursuing. Maybe branching out and doing my own music would be the only example. That would be the only difference. I’ve never looked at anything as trying to work in entertainment. I have always done it. But maybe, more specifically, I’ve challenged myself to share my own voice through my art form.
What was the best advice someone gave you when you were starting as a musician?
I don’t know if it’s really advice, but someone always seems to find a way to impart something similar. I’m always told to stay exactly who I am. People listen to me or want to hear or support me because I believe what I’m singing and it translates to my audience. Stay true to who I am and what I love. Sing what moves me.
When you perform and the audience sings along, how does that energy make you feel?
Truthfully? It can be overwhelming. Especially if I’m trying to get my feelings out or regulate my emotions and thoughts through my art. Most times it’s the feeling of connection that drives me to continue.
How do you deal with creative blocks or performance anxiety?
I wouldn’t say I deal with blocks. My head is always moving. My brain is its own separate mechanism of, not only moving parts, but scenes, storms and ideas. I’m autistic and have ADHD. I deal with social anxiety and contrary to public belief? I don’t mix with people well. So, yeah. Every performance is nerve wrecking. I’m never not a ball of nerves before I perform. Shaky. Mind goes blank. Or gets too full. But once I start??? We in a separate dimension.
How do you deal with the politics of the music industry?
I don’t. There’s no need. And no one placed them on me. I sing because I want to. And don’t when I’d rather not. You see me out or you don’t. I’m not just a singer that gigs. I’m doing Theater. I’m booked singing corporate gigs and in bands that allow me to travel. I’m a contracted independent artist and vocalist. Even with the awards shows I’ve, surprisingly, made to the finals, twice? I never campaigned. I didn’t post not one flyer. Or ask not one person to vote for me. People placed me in the top five best female vocalist KCPCA in 2020 and 2021. And I assume it’s because they love my voice or who I am as an artist. It made my heart swell and also made me extremely nervous. But, I’m not prone to all the things other artist go through trying to be seen or noticed. I just love music. I just love singing. If it’s just doing BGVS for local or known artists I’m HAPPY doing it. I’m really good at Foundation singing. No politics. I’m not in a competition or trying to rub shoulders. I just want to sing. That’s it. That’s all.
How does where you live affect your career?
Kansas City is home to me. I don’t know if it affects me at all. I’m not trying to be a star or anything like that. I just want my words and voice to help someone. Including myself. I’ve gotten opportunities to travel and perform on a multitude of stages and being based here never stopped anything. I’ve had a billboard in Times Square. I’ve performed for the legendary SOBs stage and at Carnegie Hall. I’ve performed at Midland, Kemper, and Starlight. I’ve toured. I’m featured on artists music. I’ve done online shows in the UK, Tokyo and Ghana. If anything, Kansas City allowed me those opportunities. There’s no better place to learn and grow. There’s so much talent and education here.
What do you like to do in your free time (outside of music)?
I’m a mother first. My daughter is my dream come true. I’m a musician. I don’t just sing. I just don’t play often in public. I play ukulele, woodwind and Aux percussion. I love to dance. Like when I say I love dancing? It’s like air to me. Music and dance go hand In hand. Had music not been on the forefront I probably would be dancing full time. Beyond all that I’m a published author. I have a book out and I’ve been published a few times before putting out my own work. I love animals and adore spending time with my closest friends.
What is your favorite song (by any other artist) of all time and why?
Favorite song of all time. Easy. It’s never changed. Since 1995. “In A Sentimental Mood”- Duke Ellington & John Coltrane. That’s it. That’s all.
What do you think is the most important thing for a musician to remember?
Do it because you love it. Do it because it moves you. If you are doing it for others or recognition? If you want to be seen more than actually heard? There’s no real reward in it. No matter how much money you get or how many people know your name. People remember how a song made them feel. No matter who sings it or how. I’ve heard someone not sing the best, but their convictions captivated me. It made me follow them as an artist. I believed their intention with their performance. I wanted to see more and feel it again. That’s how I’d like to be. From the stage through the speakers. I want what you hear from me to be understood. That should be the goal. That’s what musicians should strive for.
Visit Just Angel’s Website to learn more about her www.itsjustangel.com
