Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Sheik.
Hi Angela, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a musician and an artist, but I started out my career with a music education degree. One day I woke up as a middle school band teacher in Philadelphia and realized I’d resorted to constantly nagging students to practice their instruments when I hadn’t picked my own up in years. But why? I began a journey of exploring what drew me to sing and play, and eventually learned that the answer was my own original songs. I started writing and performing with a loop pedal as my main instrument, eventually performing steadily around the east coast. The loop pedal provided me with limitations and structure that resulted in more simple and memorable pop songs. It also allowed me to produce in front of the audience in real-time, which I loved. Over the next ten years, I was able to perform all over the country as well as several international tours, opening for fantastic acts such as The Neon Trees, Julia Holter, Joseph Arthur, Midge Ure (Ultravox),Terra Naomi, and renowned bassist and pop singer Meshell Ndegeocello. In that time, I released several demo EP’s and two studio albums, “One By One” and “Home Before Dark.” Unable and unwilling to keep up with the grueling pace needed to make a living as a touring artist, I began producing music as well as pitching to opportunities in film in TV. Some success in that area lead to a move to Los Angeles in late 2018, where I networked like crazy and volunteered at every music event I could. I quickly landed a part-time job managing the Guild of Music Supervisors, which has taught me loads about the music industry, professionalism, and navigating the world of sync.
Over the years, I’ve really learned to value community and have founded and supported several groups here in LA. This includes helping to lead the Female Frequency LA chapter, creating an online women-only songwriter’s group called Womenz Zong Zirkle that meets every 4-6 weeks, and leading an artists-of-faith accountability group that meets once a month. While still balancing my part-time job as executive manager of the Guild of Music Supervisors, I’m now working on my next studio project, an EP titled “sibling” that explores the brutal but beautiful landscape of platonic relationships. “sibling” is slated to release in early 2022.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been intensely challenging every step of the way but also a great adventure. Indie musicians are expected to wear so many hats these days. Management, social media, tour booking, branding and marketing, graphic design, website building, accounting, stage design, tech support, sound person, merch development, salesperson – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. These can easily choke out the purely creative time with music and steal the love for being in the business at all. My number one challenge moving forward is PROTECT THE LOVE of what I do and honor my calling as an artist and a facilitator. It’s a tall order, but it is vital.
Moving to LA as a 42 year old female musician was very hard. For four months I felt like the oldest, least accomplished, least attractive, least connected, least cool, least important person in the room. I had to look every one of my insecurities in the face and make peace at some level in order to keep going. I had to find the motivation and hope to breathe deep, say a prayer, cross the room to one stranger at a time and say “hi”. It was incredibly difficult but so valuable. I learned so many lessons along the way and that work has really paid off. I learned not to overlook my fellow misfits.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m known for using technology and unusual sounds – loop pedals, plastic bags, envelopes, cell phones, toys, and unusual instruments – to create pop songs. I try to bring that same intense sense of curiosity into the studio. I’m known for bringing my audience in to participate. I ask them to sing, shout, jingle their car keys, etc. to be a part of my live show.
I’m most proud when I take risks – both in audio and in honest, creative content. When I take a creative risk and the audience trusts me enough to follow me there, there is no greater feeling.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Ray Gagliardino and Ritchie Rubini are studio owners, musicians, and producers who have been invaluable mentors and friends. They’ve always worked to understand my vision and given more than what I was able to pay.
My sister Katie Elwell has been my videographer on many projects. She’s a talented and humble superstar.
My friend Jay Walker came up and introduced himself at a key moment when I was ready to hang up my hat. He helped elevate my thoughts about art, faith, community, conversation, and calling, and gave critical support during my last album release.
My friends Gayle Dillman and Jeremy Hebbel of Gable Music Ventures gave me every advantage while I was booking shows on the east coast. They’re the founders of Ladybug Music Festival, the largest woman-fronted music festival in the world held in Wilmington, Delaware. They continue to be two of my strongest cheerleaders and advocates.
Michelle Lockey’s class on music sync in film and TV was a game-changer for me. I would highly recommend her class – it provided valuable info and access to the sync world for a very reasonable price, and I would NOT say that about many of the “get your music placed in TV” sync classes out there. Don’t even get me started on that!
My husband Kusha has supported me through years of stress and sacrifice. He was the first to encourage me to explore performing. He dropped everything, his entire life on the east coast, to help fulfill my dream of living in Los Angeles. I wouldn’t still be in this business without him.
Thomas Golubic is an acclaimed music supervisor who saw my work as a volunteer and offered me a job with the Guild of Music Supervisors. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his kindness and friendship.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: angelasheik.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/angelasheik
- Facebook: facebook.com/angelasheik
- Twitter: twitter.com/angelasheik
- Youtube: youtube.com/angelasheik
- SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/angelasheik
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/angelasheik
Image Credits:
“Drive Until I Find The Sun” art piece created by LeAnn Foss.
