Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie Donkin.
Angie, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I grew up in a musical family with my parents and two older brothers in San Francisco California. My parents raised me on classics from the 60s and 70s mostly and I started singing and dancing at 3 years old. I’ve always known that I wanted to be a singer and performer. I have sung on a variety of albums and collaborated with many bands and circus’s with styles ranging from psychedelic rock, folk, world, opera, reggae, Latin, and electronica. I spent a lot of time studying voice. I graduated from LACM in 2001 as a vocal major. After graduating from LACM, I began working in bands as a background singer while also studying and teaching about music cognition and the neurological effects of music in a cultural group setting. This work inspired me to explore conceptual live productions with multimedia art. Vibrasol was my 12-piece band, featuring dance and acrobatics, that I fronted. I used this as my vehicle to create the conceptual performance art at Unknown Theater in Hollywood from 2007-2009. Also, co-creator of the San Francisco based electronica band, Dust Red Skies 2010-2013. I was introduced into the Cirque industry after my first audition with Cirque Du Soliel where I began studying with Laur Fugere. I took a role in Cyclope Circus, MAAG Productions, Basel Summer 2014. I also worked on the creation of Cirque Eloize’s production Saloon 2016. I created my own theatre production; Under The covers, Dolore- an intimate one-woman show featuring soundscapes and audience participation. This is when I started to perform under the name of Angel Black-Orchid and that’s the name I continue to use. This year, I released the 60s and 70s tribute album called Classic Beauty 2019. I am currently working on another album of original songs that I hope to release before the new year.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am a singer, dancer, and a songwriter, I play guitar, drums, and piano. Singing and Live performance is my forte. My goal is to revolutionize the way people experience live music. I want to create a multi-sensory atmosphere that’s interactive and combines several mediums like dance, theatre, visuals, and performance art. I love shows that involve the audience and create an inviting musical environment that encourages active participation. I believe Music connects families and communities with each other and with their humanness. I also love to take the audience to another world. I use different forms of performance to enhance the experience. when I perform, I often go off the stage into the audience and love to find new ways to include and connect with them. I have a wide range of things I do. Sometimes, I play classics from the 60s and 70s and try to get people to sing with me and enjoy that wonderful nostalgic music that so many have a strong connection to. Artists like Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Linda Ronstadt, Bob Dylan, Sam Cooke, Carole King, Bonnie Raitt and Dolly Parton. My theatrical performance art is edgy, featuring more obscure artists and original songs and soundscapes. I’m really into electronica and psychedelic styles. I often use props and create artistic themes using lighting, different props, and set pieces. I like to make a statement when I perform. I always have concepts and stories weaving through my productions. Currently I’m focusing on exposure, I feel becoming more known allows me to reach a wider audience and attract opportunities to create larger scale productions. I dream of working with more artists, producers, and to play big venues and travel worldwide.
How can artists connect with other artists?
Best way to connect with other artists is to go see shows. Then introduce yourself. Go to jam sessions. Instagram is another great way to meet other artists. Collaboration has always been wonderful for me. I learn so much from working with other people. I am currently a one-woman show and it is more lonely right now but I am finding it to be the only way to make a living at music. Ironically, it’s actually made collaborating with other artists easier though. It’s interesting, how not having to rely on others to entertain a crowd makes it easier when I do work with other people. I think it’s because I know my sound so well, that really helps with communication.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Follow me on social media and come and see shows. Buy my album. Connect me with labels or producers that are looking to work with new emerging artists. Share my songs on social media and tag me in any photos or videos that you record at my live performances. Like my videos on YouTube.
My new album is currently up on band camp
New Album: https://angelblackorchid.bandcamp.com/releases
Website: angelblackorchid.com
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCye9OyhScSQeB7yAjAQD_-g?view_as=subscriber
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0guTCZeyRr9nnuzbJFGXoV
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/angeli-plankton
Instagram: angel_black_orchid
Facebook Page: Angel Black-Orchid
Contact Info:
- Website: angelblackorchid.com
- Phone: 626-807-2907
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @angel_black_orchid
- Facebook: Angel Black-Orchid
- Twitter: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0guTCZeyRr9nnuzbJFGXoV
- Other: My Album: https://angelblackorchid.bandcamp.com/releases
Image Credit:
Photo 1: Photo by Donna DeLory
Photo 3: Photo by Adam Michardi
Photo 4: Photo by Scott Robson
Photo 7: Photo by Adam Michardi
Photo 8: Photo by Scott Robson
Photo 9: Photo by Dawn Marie Yurkovic
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