Angelo Bagley

Qualification details: Certificate in Performing Arts and Music Theory (Cape Music Institute).
Birthplace: Cape Town, South Africa
Current location: Cape Town, South Africa
What are you currently doing: Musician and Music Teacher
Quote that motivates your work: ‘Calm seas don’t make skillful Sailors’.

Questions:

1. When you were younger, what did you think you’d become?
   A Music Producer.
2. Tell us about your career path. What steps did you take to get where you are?
   Though many Musicians are self-taught, I decided to learn more about the industry and Music theory by doing a 2 year course. It is this very course that opened doors for me, and gave me exposure to the industry, so education proved to be vital.
3. If you didn’t become a musician what would you be doing now?
   If not a musician, then a Producer. If not a producer, then a songwriter, but I’ve never had any doubt that it would NOT involve music.
4. What influenced your career choice?
   Songs from the 90’s and early 00’s.
5. Did you know this career existed when you were younger?
   Yes.
6. Describe a typical work day?
   I’m up at 04h30. After formalities, like dropping my wife off for work, I would begin with Piano warm up exercises and vocal warm ups, before learning songs for my own and other Artists’ shows. I would usually take meetings or rehearsals around 10h00. After lunch, I would prepare lessons for the evening. Night time is when I’m busiest, either teaching or performing.
7. What makes what you do exciting?
   Getting to travel. Getting to perform at Corporate events for well-known companies. Getting to perform at the coolest festivals. The joys of teaching (especially youngsters).
8.  What makes it challenging?
   When a student cannot afford his/her own instrument. Being a musician means that your income fluctuates. You could have an amazing month financially, then a not so good month, the next.
9.  What is your favourite song you worked on and why?
   ‘Alone’ – Silas Miami (Kenya). It was my first time working closely with an Artist not from South Africa. I’ve learnt tons.
10.  If you had to pinpoint a defining moment in your career, what would that be?
    Performing with Jonathan Butler at his 2011 South African Tour. This has been the biggest crowd I’ve performed infront of. Since that night, I’ve only ever wanted to do bigger scale shows.
11.  When did you know for sure this path is for you?
    2002
12.  What do you wish you knew, before you started on this path?
    That hard work means way more than talent.
13.  Which musicians would you like to collaborate with?
    Locally, any of the mainstream HipHop Artists.
14.  What advice would you give to a young person?
    Keep knocking on doors, even when your knuckles hurt. DON’T be afraid of making mistakes.
15.  Do you think you can get any better as a musician? And if yes, how do you think you can achieve that?
    Yes, definitely. Even if I was remotely close to being perfect at my craft, I would still feel the need to improve. Music is always evolving throughout decades, we see and hear it. So should we.
16.  Would you be willing to share your feature on all your social media platforms? If yes, which handles can we use to tag you?
    Yes, I haven’t been very active lately, but yes..
    Instagram: ELLO_ZA
    Facebook: Angelo ‘Ello’ Bagley
    Twitter: @iam_Ello