After spending the last few months building and cultivating her sound, emerging newcomer Angie Perera is now ready to bring her infectious style to the wider world with her immersive debut single 'Rent'.
Channelling a wonderfully warm and embracing neo-soul aesthetic for her initial offering, 'Rent' makes for a beautifully rich and tantalising listen. With her spellbinding vocal performance spread across a riveting piano-led production from start to finish, she is certainly looking to turn some heads with this vibrant opening number.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I fell in love with the guitar at a young age. I think I was around 3 or 4 years old when I discovered my dads rusty strung wooden Yamaha that I played like a cello. Growing up, I was deeply inspired by a wide range of musical genres, constantly surrounded by afropop on radio Malawi, but for some reason, unlike many Sri Lankan households, there was always country music playing in the background of our home. I still remember having Don Williams on routinely during the 'getting ready for school rush'.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
The first album I ever owned has to be none other than Taylor Swift's Fearless. Being a country addict I naturally fell in line with all of the other Swifties in the world and was screaming 'Forever and Always' at the top of my lungs whenever my family could tolerate it. And...of course, plucking at that same old out of tune guitar at the same time.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I ever owned has to be none other than Taylor Swift's Fearless. Being a country addict I naturally fell in line with all of the other Swifties in the world and was screaming 'Forever and Always' at the top of my lungs whenever my family could tolerate it. And...of course, plucking at that same old out of tune guitar at the same time.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I had the privilege of watching Waitress The Musical on the West End, it was my 18th birthday and my mum took me out, I remember it vividly. It was the one and only Sara Bareilles singing the song she's written, 'She Used To Be Mine', I don't have enough adjectives to run off about the way that track made me and everyone in the audience feel. She's a lyricist like no other. The things I would do to have a masterclass from her.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
When it comes to writing new music, I never wait. I'd imagine many singer/songwriters whip out their voice recorder app and humm away whenever something pops up into their mind, straightforward, but that's exactly what I do too. For some reason I always get the best ideas and rhythms when I'm on a long walk. So, if I'm ever feeling uninspired, I lace up my shoes and head out. Surprisingly, 'Rent' was something that popped into my head on the bus on the way to my first studio session with Sincerely Mace, the producer of the track. What an anticlimactic way to start my first single. Me, a voice note, and teenagers munching on meal deals yapping on in the background.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Believe it or not, my 2023 Spotify wrap told me that my favourite artist was Burna Boy, and I cannot dispute it, he really put Taylor in second place. My other faves are Joy Crooks, Olivia Dean, Giveon, Kelsea ballerini, and Luke Combs. It's a whole mix to say the least.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
If I could open a show for anyone in the world, it would have to be Shawn Mendes. I have such deep respect for him, and his ability to captivate a crowd, a big one at that, with just a mic and his guitar. A girl can dream of opening for him.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part of being a musician for me is being able to leave something positive behind in this world. I'm always thinking about life after me, and staying alive through music sounds like a beautiful way to be remembered.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part of being a musician is navigating the competitive nature of the industry and facing rejection and setbacks along the way. I've been true to my vision and persevering in the face of challenges is a constant struggle. Most of those challenges were not having access to the right equipment or support, but I didn't let anything deter me from finally releasing my first track.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best piece of advice I received as a musician is to just keep singing. Whether that means having to force myself up on stage at Jazz Clubs in Nottingham, or having a quiet karaoke night with my family. Keeping the passion there, big or small, has led me to this."
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Angie Perera's debut single 'Rent' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.