Who Is Angela Mona [Artist Interview]

Angela Mona is not your average pop artist—she’s a self-made force of nature rewriting the rules of identity, artistry, and cultural expression. With roots in Armenia and a soul steeped in global sounds, Angela’s journey is as textured as her music: bold, raw, and deeply intentional. Her artistry is a layered blend of sonic healing, visual storytelling, and fierce individuality, shaped by personal battles, ancestral pride, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. In this interview, Angela opens up about her creative evolution, her “maddie” movement, and the vivid world she’s building through music, alter-egos, and unapologetic truth.

Tell us a little bit on who’s Angela Mona and Can you share the pivotal moments that led you to pursue a career in music?

I’m just an Armenian girl from the farm. Becoming everything I’m meant to be year after year.
Since music was my first language, and is practically a part of me- I wanted in. I just wanted to have my own world, my own escape from people and the noise. Just listening to the music my dad would play consistently around us shaped my outlook. From the piano lessons since age 5 to writing and journaling originals since age 11, then performing on stages and talent shows a year before that- it all gives me power and lets me feel free. Like I’m in control, without judgement, and I’ve always loved that.

When I got back on my feet after surgeries and being this isolated kid, I was determined to move to LA after high school. I craved new experiences and it was one hell of a risk- definitely a big mistake afterwards but if it wasn’t for everything that happened, I wouldn’t have grown stronger and wiser. 2019-2020 was a bitch, and really transformed my mindset especially as a young girl in music. After being lied to, harassed, and taken advantage of by some men and women in the “industry”, I chose to keep going despite being alone. Best to work and grow alone in what you love than to be involved with small minds, envious vampires, and ignorant morons.

How has your Armenian heritage shaped your musical style and storytelling approach?

It wasn’t just Armenian music we listened to every day: Russian, Arabian, Indian, French, German, Swedish, Spanish, Italian- just all kinds of different sounds and languages. I’m so grateful for that honestly cause without the cultural influences, it’d be flavorless.

I’m a descendent of genocide victims and survivors. I don’t shove that in people’s faces often, but my ancestral background plays a huge role within me as I create and perform. It’s like paying homage to the people before me, to the women who’d been praying for someone like me in the bloodline. I’m rewriting everything and paving the way through education, music, art, and spirituality. Whatever I make is self-reflection- a form of healing. Just channeling my inner child and teen because she deserved better when she didn’t know any better.

I really want to bring something refreshing to Armenian culture the way Cher did as she popped off in the mainstream. Not that she sings Armenian, but she’s just a badass Armenian woman. We need more badass, authentic, visually-inclined Armenian people in music who are also naturally great performers. We should be done with trend chasers and generic vocalists.
Like come on, enough is enough.

Which artists or genres have had the most significant impact on your sound, and why?

There’s Armenian singers, Russian singers whom I’ve listened to growing up- then there’s Lady Gaga. Her 2009 VMAs performance of “Paparazzi” and “Beautiful, Dirty, Rich” music video all remain a core memory. I fell in love, and her music sparked something in me ever since. Being emotionally repressed- even sexually at times- her albums just hit me. I wanted to emulate her, but not in a weird way. Just admired her aura, presence, everything.

Amy Winehouse is another great influence of mine- been listening to her since I was 10.
“You Know I’m No Good” was the first song my mother introduced to me- got hooked and felt a churn in my stomach once I heard her voice. Something about her just clicked with me, and she remains one of the greatest for me.

There’s this film that’s special to me and lives in my head rent free called “Burlesque”, with Cher and Christina Aguilera. The moment I saw Cher on screen, my 11 year old self was shook. She’s so powerful and captivating. I was enamored to see an Armenian-American woman perform and sing the way she did- something you rarely see in the states, unfortunately. I’d watch that movie every time and think, “I wanna do that. If Cher can do it, I can too.”

There are so many faces and great minds even outside of music that I adore and respect as creatives. I’m so fond of cinema and musical theatre- everything in-between. I mean:
Charlie Chaplin, Liza Minnelli, Bette Midler, Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, etc.

I could go on and on with names: Michael and Janet Jackson, Ciara, Lauryn Hill, Bee Gees, ABBA, Boney M, Donna Summer, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday…so many are in my heart.

What obstacles (if any) have you encountered as an emerging artist, and how have you overcome them?

Boy I’ve been scammed, lied to, overpromised so much just to be duped at the end and nearly have my dreams crushed. Rejection after rejection- but it’s normal and part of the process.
That’s the beauty of it all, it’s training. Without the struggle, your character remains weak.

Your senses remain blocked, and you don’t expand your energy. Because of everything I went through earlier, I feel wiser than ever. I can spot anything from anyone- get a feel of the room and atmosphere. If one lacks awareness and discernment, especially as a young woman, you’d get chewed and spit out. My only obstacle now is money- running your own business can get expensive as hell that you’re left with a couple hundreds for yourself to cover the bills.

How do you hope listeners connect with your music, and what emotions or messages do you aim to convey?

I just want to make people feel something. Not just look and go “wow she’s dope and sexy” or “wow she has potential”, but to stop what they’re doing and bask in the energy.

The energy is strong and pure- this allows one to feel a shift in themselves, wanting more afterwards. Keep them coming back for more cause it’s hype and fun, not sad all the time.

Of course I love emotional moments- anything to let out the pain. Even though I carry pain, I evoke it through the music and performance. The message is there- turn it into gold. Maybe add some spice or sprinkle some glitter.

Your Instagram bio mentions “Just a maddie breaking a curse in her universe called 𝚒𝙰𝙼.” Can you elaborate on the meaning behind this statement and how it relates to your music?

Coming from an immigrant family of generational trauma, why wouldn’t I be mad? If you were a girl, artist, healer, muse, and just all-around multi-faceted magic- you’d be mad too.

Hence why I say ‘maddie’. It’s like a baddie, but for the mad ones. For the girls who want to get mad after years of repression and sexism. After being traumatized and gaslit, told that being angry isn’t “ladylike” or it’s “disrespectful”. I love to rage when needed, I believe it’s necessary and it fuels my art. It’s part of healing because I was never allowed to feel angry growing up- I’d get punished and condemned. That’s why I became a people pleaser at some point, afraid of confrontation and conflict. When I stand up for myself and get mad, I feel more powerful. Call it a “villain era” or whatever- anger should be valid and not mislabeled.

In the midst of it all, I’m breaking generational curses. The first one in my family to do so, and how? Making music, performing live, being in tune with my sensuality unapologetically, self-educating, meditating, teaching and coaching the youth in music and performing arts. I’m the sum of it all I suppose- and I truly believe it’s more than just being the first from your family to attend college.

iAM is my world of healing- “the upbringing of a first-generation goddess” as I imply sometimes to add more flare to the meaning. I wrote it all out when I was 19 and at my lowest mentally. I have characters that represent my past, present, and future: Moshi and Mona. “Monica” is the inner child of my story (as it’s been a family nickname of mine since birth). Even though I, Angela, am the sole creator- these people are a part of me. Regardless of their own personalities, likes and dislikes- they’re like my half. Moshi is a character I made when I was 9, so now I’m building her era- the epitome of a role model. Both the villain and hero in our story, she’s someone who just crashes out but navigates through different stages of her healing. It’s one big character study that I hope to accomplish amazingly. You’ll see more of her and the ‘Moshi’ era within our debut EP rollout!

Your posts often feature a distinctive visual style. How do you approach the visual aspects of your artistry, and how do they complement your music?

I’ve always loved the retro aesthetics. Anything that reminds me of my childhood: frutiger aero, y2k futurism, cyber core and nostalgia core. If it ain’t boring, stands out to me, and resonates with my aura then I’m taking inspiration. There’s so much of my favorite aesthetics and styles in the Moshi era. I’m very visual, so everything must have a color scheme- including myself and my alter personas. For instance, my main theme color is orange. Anything red-orange really. Moshi is a mix of blue, turquoise, neon yellow/green, etc. Then Mona is all red; literally different shades of red that describes her femininity and sensual nature.

When I listen to music, I envision colors and rarely smell certain scents. I also see patterns and various film shots/angles- it’s like there’s a movie happening in my brain, which sometimes can be difficult to elaborate. Storyboarding and making treatments help with the process. One day, when listening to “Fellas”, I smelled pink glazed doughnuts and pink bubblegum out of nowhere. Some of my new songs from the EP (that we’re still working on) have their own colors and scents too, it’s fascinating. Often I burst out with spontaneous dance moves that come with the music, so then I’m able to choreograph on my own. It just has to flow, I can’t overthink it. Once I do, I hit a creative block and it gets frustrating as hell. I have an entire choreo planned out for “Fellas” that I always show off in some of my IG videos, but can you imagine the whole thing with 2-4 backup dancers? Insane.

You’ve referred to your followers as “maddies.” What inspired this nickname, and how do you foster a sense of community among your fans?

Like I mentioned earlier, “Maddies” is just a fun way of describing the mad ones. I know a lot of people might take it the wrong way, and think I’m vouching for the kyles and karens everywhere.
Feeling angry, being mad about your pain is a completely different experience. It’s not about causing problematic drama, or being an ignorant nuisance- it’s just breaking free from the false expectations and standards that were put upon us growing up.

I mean, you see all the posts and videos about women rage- that’s literally it. If we’re gonna heal- let it be mad, bad, and fabulous.

On another note, I love calling my supporters the “air conditioners” sometimes. Fans can come off as stalkers and lurkers sometimes, hell even haters. Whereas air conditioners are the real ones- they’re not creepy and badly weird. Either way, I genuinely appreciate and respect each and every one who are part of the universe and this journey ❤️🍜

Angela Mona isn’t just creating music—she’s building an entire universe rooted in truth, defiance, and transformation. From her Armenian roots to her vivid alter egos and unapologetic storytelling, she’s rewriting narratives and challenging norms with every lyric, look, and live moment. As she prepares to introduce the world to her “Moshi era” and debut EP, one thing is clear: Angela isn’t here to fit in—she’s here to ignite, inspire, and break every curse in her path. And if you’re lucky enough to be part of her world, consider yourself officially air-conditioned.