A quote Angela Sheik uses in the ‘About’ section of her Facebook page tells a lot about the Wilmington-based American artist. (“I cannot give you the formula for success but I can give you the formula for failure, which is: Try to please everybody.” Henry Bayard Swope). From viewing her fascinating YouTube clips and listening to her breezy vocal style and contagious rhythms, you can tell she makes music firstly, to please her own soul. It just so happens that in doing so, Angela is developing an ever-increasing fanbase of people worldwide who enjoy her music too. Angela has independently released three albums, toured the US and Europe and was also the 2011-2012 BOSS US National Loop Champion.
On her new album, ‘Home Before Dark’, due for release on September 16, the soulful music innovator opens up a world of sonic, rhythmic and compositional possibilities that have driven her success as a multi-faceted, trip-hop and electronic-infused folk-pop indie artist. The crafty multi-instrumentalist (autoharp, theremin, flute) works with producer (and fellow electronic fusion artist) RYAT to create a richly textured ten track exploration of deep grooves, infectious melodies, dynamic vocal harmonies and soulful ambiences as she grapples with spiritual issues in the wake of several deeply felt personal losses. Angela recently took some time out from her busy schedule to tell Australian Musician a little about herself.
How did you first get into looping?
I used a small, 2-pedal loop station to augment piano-based material originally, but at an electronic music convention someone recommended the BOSS RC-50. I found it to be a songwriting mega tool. It was love at first sight.
What was your first loop unit?
Digitech Jamman
What gear do you mostly use now on stage?
BOSS RC-300
What instruments do you use in conjunction with your effects?
BOSS RC-300, Moog Etherwave Theremin, Microkorg, Moogerfooger Low Pass Filter
What do you use to amplify your sounds?
Bose L1 Tower
What’s your latest recording?
Releasing “Home Before Dark” on September 16, 2014! Last record, “One By One,” was released February 2013.
When will you be back in the studio?
Just getting out actually, but I have a project on the back burner that is awaiting completion. Winter 2014?
What gigs have you been playing lately?
Earlier this summer I toured England and Wales with UK BOSS Loop Champion Suzy Condrad. It was amazing. I am currently holding off on gigs until my upcoming CD release tour in September.
Most memorable gig?
Probably the BOSS US National Loop Championship. Way too much pressure for one song, but I tried to leave it all on the floor. That, or opening for Meshell N’Degeocello. Her crowd gave me – the opener – a standing ovation, when I was half expecting them to talk through my set. I’ll never forget it.
Worst stage nightmare?
A sound person that doesn’t care.
Album that changed your life?
Portishead – Dummy, Zero7 – Yeah Ghost, Radiohead – In Rainbows,
What gigs are coming up in the next few months?
CD release tour – NYC, Chicago, Philadelphia, and my home town of Wilmington, DE. I love home town shows!
A good piece of advice for others regarding loop use?
Don’t give up. Things always explode the first few times. And READ THE MANUAL.
What are you most proud of with your music career?
Not giving up, making progress, working/collaborating with great people, and sticking to my guns.
Find out more about Angela on her website: www.angelasheik.com