Exposed Vocals Interviews Angie Haze – Talks ‘The Angie Haze Project’

 

The Angie Haze Project
song: Fireflies
http://theangiehazeproject.bandcamp.com/track/fireflies-2

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

Tell you my story?  Oh boy, that’s a big one…  I’m actually currently working on an epic project that encompasses just that.  I’ve had an immense amount of life experience for a fairly young age, but I embrace each moment because it’s shaped and molded my art as well as me as a person.  To put it frankly, I will have song material to last me a life time.   I grew up in Akron, Ohio and I had a challenging upbringing.  As far as deciding to become an artist, for me it wasn’t ever a decision, it’s just who I am.  This isn’t my first rodeo though, so to speak.  I’m an old soul, I’ve been here before and I have done this a few times.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

The Angie Haze Project name?  Well, I knew about 10 years ago it was time to start thinking of a name that people could actually pronounce.  I’m Italian and often people would botch up my name, so I decided it was time to make something stick.  At the time, I had just been introduced to my first meditation practice, Shambhala.  I was learning about how to hold a soft gaze with your eyes while focusing on your breath.  This process and practice felt extremely familiar and right.  One of the names we came up with happened to be, Haze – which I just fell in love with because of that.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Funny you should talk about online music sharing, I’ve actually recently decided that this next epic, story telling, video/album series consisting of 24 songs would be released completely for free online- more specifically through youtube.  I’m not saying that everyone should follow this path, but for me because of the message behind it and the bigger picture, so to speak, I felt it was necessary and important that every person have access to it.  I view it as more of a gift and a way to truly connect with as many humans as possible which I’m so passionate about doing, while also leaving some sort of true artistic legacy behind.  I just want to live and love in a way that is absolutely unconditional and fearless, which is my philosophy to also sharing my art in complete vulnerability and openness.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Tips?  I’m not very good with that kind of advice other than if you’re truly serious about what you want to accomplish with your craft, do not stop after even your 100th rejecting response to what your doing.  If you don’t believe in you, no one else will and you may have to contact a million radio stations or venues until you can get that one chance to showcase yourself.  I can’t tell you the specifics of what works and doesn’t because I’m literally here doing the same things as everyone else, trial and error, but I can tell you that staying positive and determined and networking with other like-minded people in your area can move you forward tremendously.  Utilize your area, and be kind – no one wants to help or work with a jerk regardless of how talented you are.  Remember every step you move forward- you’re there because of someone.  Every fan, every venue – they all matter and are as equally important to your success as your craft.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

I make mistakes performing all the time!! Lol!  I just laugh it off and keep going or point it out and make a joke or if it’s musically, I might play it over and over to pull it off as though it was intentional.. I don’t take myself to seriously, I have a blast performing no matter what!

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

I love touring!  I wrote a song while driving on the road called, “Bells In The Back Seat” – because that’s literally all I would hear every single bump on the road I’d hit.  I play bells and tambourines with my feet, so my car is pretty noisy on the road.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

My songwriting inspiration varies, but it’s always to connect with people. I try to incorporate a positive message within even my darkest of songs.  I always say that if I can know that I’ve touched at least one person with even just one song, then I’ve lived a successful life.  My process also varies.  I have songs written on napkins or sung into my phone, sometimes its music and voice and lyrics simultaneously and sometimes it’s completely in a random order.  It just depends on what message I feel is needed to get out, or what emotion I’m trying to emulate, but it’s never really a conscious process.  Things just kind of happen.  I get an itch and then go with it, hands on without question, I’m not sure if music is the tool or if I’m the tool for music.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

I have a website: www.theangiehazeproject.com which also promotes my music on my facebook, twitter, youtube, instagram, bandcamp, and reverberation pages.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

Embarrassing songs?  Hmm…  I’m not really embarrassed by any of my music, even if it is dorky as hell! lol!  I go from Yanni to System Of A Down… but like there’s a place and time for all of it even in the smallest of doses. LOL!!
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

Half a million dollars?  I’d finish my project still in the most cost efficient, but professionally produced way.  Then, I’d work out an entire tour/show that allowed me to showcase this project within schools all around the world to include kids and each art department with the intention of saving those programs.  I want people to view the arts as a necessity instead of a luxury, because it does save lives and can improve and enhance a child’s entire outlook on themselves and the world.  I know this because I am one of those kids and I’d do everything in my power to help give that gift and safe haven back, so that every child’s voice can be heard.  It is in our own self value in worth that we can truly recognize that in each other.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

Studio upgrades?  Lol!  Actually it’s more of a downgrade on some levels for me.  I’m cutting this next project in a more raw and live way to keep the authenticity and dynamic and honesty behind each song.  We are still working with pro-tools, but without click tracks and focusing more on specific locations related to the song for the heart of where the sound is recorded.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

I promote music online, more specifically through youtube and facebook with this current project.  I see the most progress and exposure there.  I am also partnered up with a local radio station, 91.3 The Summit who is promoting my project and airs my music and upcoming shows regularly on their station.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

I’d perform with Freddie Mercury…. I can’t even express the whys….. too many. His voice, music…I’m overwhelmed with this question because the dude was just genius.  I actually wrote an entire college paper on the production of, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, which will forever remain as one of my all time favorite songs.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
 
This current project entitled, “May My Stories Be Worn Like My Coats” is an epic double disc/bio-disc that encompasses my life story in a series format that will have a music video for every song in the collection. This is a deeply personal project with deep subject matter. Part of my goal through this journey is to help prove the necessity and the importance in vulnerability by embracing life experiences both good and bad.  It is my hope that I will only inspire you to embrace your own personal journey and travel down this road with me.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

If I wasn’t making music what would I be doing? Hmm. I wouldn’t be alive.  It’s not what I do, it’s who I am.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

My first album was of all classical music… Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky… What was going through my head?  Processing every single instrument and melody that happened individually and simultaneously… I mentally would escape and follow each part and obsess over every sound and voicing I’d hear…. Yep, I’m a dork.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

First, thank you for saying juggle.  I always say let the circus begin…. And I LOOOOVE to entertain and “juggle” instruments…. I play multiple instruments simultaneously, but I don’t really practice this except for on stage, I find that the more pressure and over stimulation I have with performing, the more in the zone and on point I actually become.  To answer your question though about staying ahead…. I have an incredible business team and business partner, I’ve been so fortunate to have fallen into numerous opportunities, gigs and shows that revolve around this lifestyle.  It didn’t happen by accident though.  It’s been pretty amazing and serendipitous, yes, but that’s just because it’s meant to be.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

I’ve said since New Years Day of 2016 that this is our year…. I’ve felt it and have come across bigger and more lucrative opportunities… so what to expect?  Expect a big dent in multiple media platforms as well as some major jaw dropping and eye popping this year!!