Angela Severiano "Making it Happen"
Feb/17/07 10:08 |
Music
STRIVE: Where are you from?
Angela: I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota....Raised in Orlando, Florida.....and moved to NYC 3 years ago.
STRIVE: Your name has been popping up all over.... From 102 JAMZ in Orlando. You are on the Jimmy Eat World- Interscope Web Site as their "Favorite Song/Artist." You have radio, club shows, and a song on Compilation CD "Club Hits". You've achieved more than most with out a Major Deal. How did it all come together?
Angela: Well I have been working at this for several years. I initially moved up here to sing for former Bad Boy Executive Damon Eden with a production deal. At that point I had this illusion that because I had all these "Names" around me and a "Situation" that I would record an Album and people would hear it. I was unaware of how much hard work it takes to be heard in this industry, so once that situation ended I began to really work.
In the Summer of 2005 I began working with dance producer John Kano and put out a dance record "Baby I Want You," even though my passion & first choice has been R&B/Pop. That song created enough buzz to get performances through out NYC including massive venues like Webster Hall. The ironic part is that after over a year of working with John, I discovered that he was the former Head A&R of AV8 Records, and that his Hip Hop Label Havana Hoodz has records playing all over the world! Together John, my Friend Dee, and myself wrote the record thats putting me on the map....Myspace To Your Place.
STRIVE: What's something new you have been working lately? We hear you been making some great connections in hip hop.
Angela: Several months ago I had a meeting at AV8 Records for my Myspace Single (Which AV8 supports). While I was there, Laze Elliot & MOP were in a session and asked me to sing for them, within an hour I was in the vocal booth recording with MOP!!..It was all kind of surreal. I have been working with them since. To me that’s a true example of how in an instant your whole life can change. Laze is a musical genius with such an amazing business sense. In him, I feel like my music is finally ready to elevate to a whole new level. A place that I haven't seen yet, and that is so exciting. I also did some work with the Narcotics (Def Jam) recently. They did the official remix of the Myspace Record. Their music is so amazing too, I feel very fortunate.
STRIVE: Who influenced you the most in your career/life? Is there anyone's path that you particularly admire now and would like to emulate?
Angela: There have been many phenomenal individuals that I have been fortunate enough to work with and know. I have to say my biggest influence to date, is someone who has guided me to the place that I am at today, Julius Erving (Dr. J).
Back in 1999 while I was interning for the Orlando Magic, Julius was Vice President. At that point in my life I was sort of a lost child. I had dropped out of college, wanting to move to LA. Julius provided a Mentor ship that redefined my goals. He encouraged me to finish me Education, and then to leave Orlando for more. There is no question that I am a more solid "woman" as a result of the gift of his friendship. One day I hope to leave half the legacy he's created, with the same dignity, grace and class.
The STRIVER in You
STRIVE: What signifies a STRIVER to you?
Angela: A Striver is someone that regardless of what material and commercial success they have OR have not received keeps reaching and working for more.... No matter what ones goals may be in life, someone who lives their life passionately working towards creating their "Vision"- Keeping faith no matter what...... that is a STRIVER.....
STRIVE: How do you define success? People often talk about "Making IT", but when will you consider yourself as having made it?
Angela: Leadership & Balance....So many people work so hard at achieving success that they lose themselves. For me my family values and faith remain first. Once I know that I have reached my audience musically, have a beautiful family, and have REALLY given back to society. Then I will know I have made it!
To Our Readers
STRIVE: What is the insider perspective on getting ahead in your industry?
Angela: One of the greatest things you can do is really try to find work relationships with people that you enjoy. It’s not always the easiest thing to do, but things become so much smoother when you can.
STRIVE: What advice would you give others attempting to make their dreams come true? What are your 3 lessons for success?
Angela: 1. It’s inevitable that you will have to work with (and for) others to get in, but in that process never stop working on your greatest asset-YOURSELF!
2. Always think of fresh, unique ideas and ways to present your talents. Lead don't follow......
3. NEVER-EVER lose faith!
Last Words
STRIVE: What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning.
Angela: First thoughts of the day.....always gratitude..... Gratitude to God for all my blessings that I continuously receive.... love, life, health and the opportunity to do work that I enjoy.
STRIVE: What do you know for sure?
Angela: That NOTHING is for sure, each day is such a gift...
STRIVE: What's next and what can STRIVERS do to support you? Angela: Next is My Single Video which is in the works. My music will also be on itunes soon too, so be on the look out.
I'll also be acting in the Vagina Monologues (for a second time) in February 07…. I have always acted on the side (my first time on television was on the Mickey Mouse Club), but music remains my focus. I'm going to continue riding off the success of the Myspace Record, and have my debut album ready for release in Spring 2007. For support you can always go to my myspace page www.myspace.com/angelaseveriano to view upcoming shows.....I have shows coming up locally including at the Madison Square Garden for the Rangers, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and in my home state Florida! Also information regarding VDAY 2007, will be there as well. You can also purchase the Compliation CD "Club Hits" that has my record "4 Who U R" (Just Don't Matter)- in stores or online at http://www.micmacrecords.com/domain/modules/shop/product_info.php/products_id/60
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