Angela Owens

Born and raised in Japan to American parents, Angela’s early musical influences were an eclectic mix of classical, jazz, soul, New Age, and traditional and popular Japanese styles. As a child, she was riveted by music. At the age of two, both to her mother’s delight and occasional irritation, when her mom was playing the piano, Angela would climb onto her lap and beg her to take her small fingers and guide them over the keys so she could play simple children’s songs.

After a few years, seeing Angela’s continued and obvious interest in music, her parents started her in classical piano lessons. The piano was often the source of Angela’s creative outlet. Her many hours of “fun” playing, usually when she was avoiding practicing her lessons, turned out to be a great foundation for her future songwriting. However, the direction of her music and life changed when, at the age of 15, a friend asked Angela to join her in a vocal duet at a school talent show. Shy and lacking confidence about her voice, but with a secret desire to sing, she agreed. Angela surprised herself and her audience by blowing them away with a strong, expressive voice.

Angela OwensFast forward a few years to 2003. Angela’s family had moved to Tucson, Arizona, and she was in full musical swing, studying opera and musical theater as well as performing in concerts and shows around the state. She had gained a small but loyal fan base who were drawn to her melodic voice and magnetic stage presence. However, she felt that something was missing. As much as she loved the stage and the beauty of opera music, she said: “I felt I had something more to say. I wanted to create and perform music that had a deeper meaning and effect on the audience. I just didn’t know what it That same year, Angela decided to leave the opera world behind, and follow the well-traveled road to Los Angeles, taking with her only a small carload of stuff, a little money, and a vague plan to sing, write songs and land a record deal. To her surprise, the road took her straight into marriage and raising a family full time. “When I found out I was pregnant, I assumed that was basically the end of my musical career, but the Universe was much wiser than I.” T

he personal growth that came from being a parent, together with awaking to a clear vision that, as an artist, she wanted to be a source of peace and well being, of happiness and advantage, to the world, broke some dam that had held back her creative expression for so many years Now, powerful creative urges had a positive context within which to grow and find expression. “I found a reason to write songs, and that made a difference. It’s not just about me and my career, or art for the sake of art. It’s also and mostly about serving others”.

Six years after her move to L.A., Angela is putting together her first album. Her soaring soprano, honed by years of operatic training yet with a definite soulful edge, combines with her own distinctive piano arrangements and passionate and thoughtful lyrics to move listeners from all backgrounds.. “My greatest hope,” she says, “is that my music will inspire and uplift people. Even if all that means is that someone’s day is made a little brighter, or their insight a little keener, from having heard one of my songs. Music opens hearts. They will pass the feeling on!”