Meet Rising Talent…Asher Angel
Asher Angel is a triple threat that has his sights on music stardom. The emerging talent first made his debut as an actor, – with starring roles on Disney’ Channels Andi Mack and the DC film Shazam!. During his downtime, he took on learning how to play instruments, including the guitar, piano, and drums. Over the years, Asher steadily worked on his craft while also developing as an actor. In 2019 he made his official debut with his RnB-pop single ‘One Thought Away’ featuring Wiz Khalifa. Since then, the rising artist has released a plethora of music including his brand new project ‘Mixtape’ which features his latest single ‘Do U Wanna’. With plans to simultaneously work on his music while also reprising his lead role in Shazam! 2, Asher Angel is proving to be a massive entertainment force to be reckoned with.
We were able to chat with Asher Angel about everything from his track ‘Do U Wanna’, balancing his acting and music career, working with Wiz Khalifa and more…
When did you realize that music was something you wanted to explore?
Very early on. Once I discovered the arts, music always played an important part. I started in musical theatre and never stopped. I didn’t realize I had the tools to explore music on a more personal level until I taught myself the guitar. That changed everything for me.
Is there an artist that you look towards as an inspiration or role model?
Justin Timberlake and Chris Brown. They are both so insanely gifted. I love their commitment to their craft and their unbelievable performance elements. It feels like there is something to learn for anybody’s experiences. What to do and even what not to do. With some things you don’t have to reinvent the wheel, so I try and find feelings, events, decisions that I connect with; just like my fans connect with me.
How would you describe your sound?
I feel like it’s still evolving and I don’t want to live in any specific genre. I connect with all kinds of music. The music I gravitate to is Pop/R&B. That feel-good “make your whole body vibe” music. From head to toe. Just vibe with me kind of jams.
We hear that you taught yourself how to play instruments, that’s amazing! Is there one that you favour the most?
Definitely the guitar. That was the first instrument I learned and my gateway to self-expression along with a deeper and more meaningful relationship to music and music composition.
How do you balance working as an actor and recording artist? Do you find it challenging at all?
At times it is challenging. It’s been hardest during this pandemic. The truth is I love the work. I live for it. For me, both acting and music give me a runway to express myself. Without them, I think I would be lost. Acting allows me to play someone else and music allows me to express myself and share my personal experiences.
You just dropped your project ‘Mixtape’ a couple of weeks back – absolutely fantastic by the way! Can you take us through the creative process of the record? How long were you working on the project?
All of the songs on the Mixtape are songs I recorded a few years back and I thought it would just be cool to put all that music out to my fans. I have performed most of the songs at very live shows but most of it was unreleased. I was hoping it would give people something to smile about. Now more than ever.
Obsessed with ‘Do U Wanna?’ and Livin’ It Up’, which track off the record did you enjoy creating the most?
‘Do U Wanna’ was so much fun to record. I also loved the vibe of the music video. That 80’s black and white Calvin Klein visual.
We have to talk about your collaboration with Wiz Khalifa! What was that experience like? How did you two end up linking up?
Wiz is an icon. I loved working with him. He has this infectious laugh and great energy. Hitmaka linked us up on the record and that carried over to the music video. One of my favourite videos shoots to date. Big fan of Wiz and his son.
What are three goals you want to achieve as an artist?
Making music that connects with people on a personal level, writing music that allows me to share my personal experiences and hopefully having a positive impact on peoples’ lives.
What can fans expect from Asher Angel, in the coming months?
I am going to continue to connect with my fans on a deeper level through music and other projects. Maybe a little vague but that’s my goal. I suspect it will manifest itself through a variety of ways, including new music and other new projects. Stay tuned!
Make sure to watch Asher Angel’s brand new video ‘Do U Wanna’ below…
