Angela Rose Utopia Interview

Introducing Newcastle singer-songwriter Angela Rose, who is proud to reveal her second single 'Utopia'.

With nods to the likes of Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell, and closer to home Asha Jefferies and Middle Kids, 'Utopia' arrives as a sincere and relatable look into the indie-pop meets alt-country world of Angela Rose.

"This release is all about youthful love and the euphoric feeling that comes with it," Angela Rose says. "'Utopia' represents a perfect world and state of being when you are with your person, it's like a bubble of bliss that is only between you two and it's super special. It's also an idealistic way of looking at love, a rose coloured glasses outlook. It speaks of the honeymoon stage of love but the melancholy undertones of reality still remain in the back of your mind, and that notion always manages to bring you back to earth eventually."

'Utopia' was remotely recorded and mixed during NSW's lockdown with emerging Sydney producer Tom Southey, out of Angela Rose's home studio. Additional tracking of guitars and drums took place at Spinlight Studio with producer Rhys Zacher.

With a natural talent for fusing country-influenced vocal tones with compelling indie-pop instrumentals, Angela Rose has been singing for as long as she can remember, drawing inspiration from the likes of Stevie Nicks, Dolly Parton, and Joni Mitchell, alongside more contemporary artists such as Taylor Swift and Kasey Musgraves.

"I grew up in a musical household heavily influenced by my grandparents, where classic country and western music was always played on vinyl and singing filled the house," says Angela Rose. "These women are all so inspiring to me, and are all trailblazers in their own right. They empower many women in the music industry, to aspire and achieve greatness. Their songwriting is a big influence on my own, and through listening to their music I felt that I could start writing music myself."

"For my music, I usually blend creative writing with snippets of autobiographical inspo. I love creating a story that people can relate to and connect with. Sometimes inspo comes from conversations, stories, books, movies, and my own life experience."

Interview with Angela Rose

Question: How would you describe your music?

Angela Rose: I would describe my music as storytelling, and it paints a picture for the listener! I love creating a lyric that translates and is relatable, and in terms of sound I personally enjoy the indie-pop genre and feel that it influences my music a lot! And there is usually a sprinkle of my country roots appearing in my tracks as well.


Question: Can you tell us about Utopia?

Angela Rose: This release is all about youthful love and the euphoric feeling that comes with it. 'Utopia' represents a perfect world and state of being when you are with your person, it's like a bubble of bliss that is only between you two and it's super special. It's also an idealistic way of looking at love, a rose-coloured glasses outlook. It speaks of the honeymoon stage of love, but the melancholy undertones of reality remain in the back of your mind, and that notion always manages to bring you back to earth eventually.


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Angela Rose: I hope that listeners will relate with the track and feel that in their own life experience, they will recognise who the person is in their life who takes them to Utopia and cherish them that little bit more.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Angela Rose: I love both! I love performing live and the energy it brings. There is nothing better than playing your own songs to a room of willing listeners. And I equally love recording because of the creative process. Experiencing a song coming to life is magic.


Question: Can we expect any upcoming shows?

Angela Rose: Yes, for sure! 2022 I'm planning on doing some live shows so stay tuned!


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Angela Rose: My biggest motivator when writing music is the joy it brings me. Creating is important to me and being able to express who I am through music is therapeutic.

Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Angela Rose: I'm currently loving Holly Humberstone! I'm obsessed with her lyricism and the production on her tracks. And I also have been listening to Taylor Swift's RED album (Taylors Version). Taylor is an all-time fav of mine, so her recent re-release of such a memorable album for me is super inspiring.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Angela Rose: My biggest inspiration to enter the music industry was probably my family. My family have always encouraged my music and supported my dreams, and they constantly inspire me to pursue what I love.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Angela Rose: If I could collab with another artist I would probably choose my biggest idol, Stevie Nicks! Unrealistic, but it's fun to dream!


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Angela Rose: My favourite part of becoming a music artist has been having people genuinely enjoy my music and reach out to me expressing their love for my tracks! It is the greatest feeling.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?
Angela Rose: One of the biggest challenges I have faced is probably self-doubt. It likes to creep in every now and again, but thankfully I'm surrounded by an amazing support system who encourage me to overcome the self-doubt and keep on pushing through.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Angela Rose: A typical day for me always includes coffee and hanging out with my cats haha! I am currently at Uni doing a Social Work degree so that usually keeps me busy! And I spend a bit of time at my day job - I am a disability support worker and I love it so much! I work with some amazing people who inspire me daily. And then when I have free time you will usually find me writing tunes or with my loved ones.


Question: What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

Angela Rose: The industry can be hard to navigate and overwhelming but surround yourself with the right people and trust your art, and you will find your way!


Question: What's next, for you?

Angela Rose: Next for me is working on my EP! 2022 is the goal for release, so I'm super keen to get stuck in and produce something I'm really proud of and love!


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

Angela Rose: Instagram 
Facebook 
Triple J Unearthed 


Interview by Gwen van Montfort