Featured artist: Angel Farrah - La Unica - Multifaceted Musician
As part of our ongoing "Rap's New Generation" series, today we sat down with the upcoming underground artist Angel Farrah from Adelanto to talk about her recent music, her upcoming projects, her career advice and her overall experiences being in the music industry and she did not disappoint...
Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, Angel Farrah! Let's go back to the beginning of your career. How did you decide to become an artist?
Angel Farrah: I decided to become an artist at the young age of 11. Lisa Simpson from the show "The Simpsons" influenced me to play the saxophone due to having strong African American male mentors in my life such as Lisa did with Bleeding Gums Murphy. It really hit home for me. I took up the saxophone at 11 and never looked back. I even undertook playing other instruments such as the piano, contrabass, clarinet, and percussion. Before playing the saxophone, I wrote poetry and published a poem on a website long forgotten, but it was fun knowing I had something out there published. I was a student of literature and enjoyed reading poetry and short stories. At the age of 12 I wrote my first rap song and was inspired by artists, Tupac, Floetry, Kanye West, Jill Scott, and 50 Cent. That is when i began to explore skill, rhyming, delivery, and finding my own style. At the age of 21 singing came next and I wrote my own compositions and lyrics with my keyboard. I began to find my voice then. I was inspired by artists La Lupe, Celia Cruz, Alicia Keys, Aaliyah and Lianne La Havas. My love for music settled it all!
Don't let anyone tell you who you are and what you should be as an artist. Find yourself and do it on purpose.
What about concerts? Do you play live?
Yes I do! I have and still organize and promote my own shows whenever I have the chance.
Best punchline you ever wrote?
I've been getting recognition good and bad
the bad coming from them niggas feeling spite
'cause they ain't used to seeing a queen operate.
-"Torn In 2"
What are you currently working on? Did you release something in the past?
I am currently working on 3 latin singles and a track called "Torn In 2" for the Dope Fiend Mixtape brought to you all by Bang City Records. The latin tracks are Reggaeton, Rap, and Latin Neo-Soul. I have released works in the past you can find on Spotify, Itunes, Soundcloud, Google Play, IHeart Radio, and more.
Last but not least: Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
In all honesty I do not see myself signing with a major label because of the stigma attached and the strictly business oriented mindset that takes the magic out of the music for me. As an artist I feel my work and I should be a number one priority at all times. Major labels do not ensure that to you, but hey anything is possible depending on what can be worked out and when I have the brand to back it up. I understand the pros and cons completely. Pros of signing to a major label of course are the budget you can work with, purchasing power, advertising, connections, and the opportunities that can be provided. Cons are what I listed above including turnover, the bargaining power being against me, the throwing out of music, and loss of creative control with image and how my music sounds.
Any last words?
I want to give a shoutout to Dr. Martin, Mirk Beniah, Sam Kickups, Silas Richardson aka Big Shrek, the homegirl Daisy Jimes, my family, the whole High Desert, and especially my city Adelanto, California.
Where can people follow you to stay up-to-date?
Angel Farrah: https://soundcloud.com/angelfarrah
Thank you for your time. We wish you much success in your further career.
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