Roc Nation artist Angelica Vila opens up about her music and personal experiences.
Bronx-born, Dominican, R&B singer Angelic Vila is both a lover and a fighter. While Angelica will fight for her love because she “Loves Too Hard,” she also knows when to walk away. Her music and lyrics display her passion and vulnerability while simultaneously showing young women that they have the power to decide their own fate. The rawness of Vila’s voice matched with lyrics we can all relate to is what sets Vila apart and makes her music hit different. Not only did Vila drop her debut album Deception SZN 1 in 2020, but she also had legends like London On Da Track co-produce the record. Today Vila joins us to discuss what it’s like working with family, signing with Roc Nation, and new music like “Love Too Hard.” In addition to talking about her career, Vila also opens up about what it’s like to be a Sagittarius in love and how other women can learn and grow from her own experiences. Music and love aren’t where it stops though, Vila is also gearing up for her acting and fashion debut. Find out more in the interview below:
The Knockturnal: Does being from the Bronx make you go harder?
Angelica Vila: I don’t think being from the Bronx makes me go harder. I feel like I’ve always been this way. Knowing I can give myself and my family so much more makes me go harder. The love I get from my family makes me go harder. But there are many artists from New York that I look up to and inspires me so much.
The Knockturnal: What was your upbringing like? Who were some of your influences growing up?
Angelica Vila: My upbringing was dope. I’m very family-oriented. My uncle is my manager; that’s how I started my music career. We took a leap of faith. Every journey has its ups and downs, but that’s how we learn. But listening to music was therapeutic for me. My sister, who is five years older than me, would always have a legendary playlist. The music and artists influenced me. She played Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, Ashanti, Mary J Blige, Biggie, to name a few.
The Knockturnal: When did you first start experimenting with music?
Angelica Vila: I first started experimenting with music when I was about 11-years old. The Hannah Montana movie inspired me, which led me to write my first song. It was something about the part when Miley was singing “The Climb” in front of everyone. It sparked something in me.
The Knockturnal: How does it feel to be signed to Roc Nation?
Angelica Vila: It feels good to be signed to Roc Nation. It feels like I’ve achieved a milestone. But the hustle doesn’t stop here. I love to work, so I hustle during my free time, and my team helps to amplify it.
The Knockturnal: Can you talk about the experience of putting out your major-label debut album Deception SZN 1?
Angelica Vila: Putting the project together was a long process, but it was worth the wait. I worked with dope producers, writers, and artists. It was challenging to navigate the project’s release due to the pandemic, but I’m super grateful for the feedback I’ve received. To me, Deception SZN 1 is just an appetizer of what I’m capable of doing.
The Knockturnal: Can you tell us about your newest track and video for “Love Too Hard?”
Angelica Vila: I recorded “Love Too Hard” about one and a half years ago. I was so sick that day that I could barely speak. But I was so motivated to record this song, so I made it happen. Sick and all, I loved how it sounded, so I never re-recorded it. I got back from shooting the music video. By the grace of God, once I got back from shooting the music video, the whole world shut down the next day. That video is one of my favorites because it shows my growth and maturity as a person and artist, a caterpillar breaking out of its cocoon.
The Knockturnal: Is most of your music autobiographical? Is it easy for you to open up in your music?
Angelica Vila: I am hands-on with my music, so I won’t record something if it does not resonate with myself or my peers. We have to have had a similar experience close to what the song is saying. With this first project, I kept an open mind working with writers because it was my major-label debut. I also kept an open mind about the style of music.
The Knockturnal: Can you tell us about your experiences as a Sagittarius in love? Which signs are your favorite?
Angelica Vila: My experience as a Sagittarius in love is a roller coaster. When I love you, I am ALL about you! I go so hard for my person. I’ll make compromises and sacrifices to see my person happy. My loyalty runs DEEP, and I am straightforward honest about everything. Us Saggies are very independent. Even in a relationship, it’s hard for me to let a man just give me things or pay for stuff. I am very independent, so I like to do everything by myself. But we crave love & affection from our partner. It’s weird; it’s like I’ll do anything for you but when I’m in my independent mode, let me be. We love to be free to maneuver how we want; however, we won’t disrespect you or the relationship and make you look like a fool. On the flip side, if I am being played, disrespected, and/or taken for granted, then you meet the worst side of me. I don’t take disrespect lightly, and I will fall ALL the way back. A Sagittarius is a mutable sign, so we adapt quickly. It’s not that we don’t care because we are emotional, but we don’t play when it comes to our trust or heart. Once I fall back, it’s over. My silence and strength kill a person’s ego more than my words, but my words can do the job too. I’m a fire sign, so once you intentionally disrespect me, that fire could get ignited. If it gets to that point, then it’s a wrap. My favorite sign, other than Sagg, is a Capricorn because every Capi I know, is trustworthy and solid.
The Knockturnal: What’s some advice you can give to other young women on how to handle a betrayal or breakup?
Angelica Vila: Advice that I can give to another young woman on how to handle betrayal and heartbreak is with the phrase “Ignorance is Bliss.” Nothing hurts more than silence. They will always come back. Fuck them, good times. Always remember what you had to go through and ask yourself, “Do I want to go through that again?” Cause they always say they will change and treat you better to get you back. Of course, they would say that. Really, think about it. Would you go back to a person who tells you they will treat you the same? No. Pay attention to the actions, not the words. It’s up to you whether or not you want to continue going through that pain. Choose YOURSELF first, and you will be the happiest instead of depending on someone else to make you happy. Once you do that, you will attract the right person who will reciprocate the same energy.
The Knockturnal: What are you currently working on, and what can fans expect next?
Angelica Vila: I’m working on a new music video that I feel is highly anticipated, especially by my Spanish community. I’m working on more content and, of course, more music. 2021, I am branching off into fashion and acting opportunities as well. Over the pandemic, I actually did a few auditions.
