Sterling Angel is a producer devoted to creating music that feels authentic and unmistakably original. His sound fuses the hypnotic allure of Trance with the raw edge of industrial textures, weaving in an intimate, emotional depth that makes each track uniquely his own
Drawing from influences like Björk, Future Sound of London, and Orbital, his sound has developed into something deeply personal and unique, continuing to evolve as he discovers new ideas and fresh inspirations.
In this interview, we explore the creative forces behind Sterling Angel‘s work, from unexpected inspirations to how he stays grounded in his own voice while navigating an ever-shifting musical landscape.
Check out the full interview below!
Hi Sterling Angel, how’s it going?
Hi! It’s a pleasure to be here – I’m doing well, with a lot of new music on the way.
Your sound merges Trance, industrial textures, and emotional depth. Which artists or movements first inspired you to explore that fusion?
Honestly, my sound has evolved organically with no direct intention to fuse elements. It has always just been my attempt to express my emotional world in the best way I can. For me, it is more about catharsis rather than fitting in any particular genre.
That being said, I have always found Electronic Music, particularly from the 90s Techno, Trance and Ambient scene, to be the realm in which I’d like to create.
Recently, my music has embraced more of an industrial feel as a natural extension of the emotions I am currently expressing – it contributes to making music that has the intensity I desire.
Which artists had the biggest influence on you early on, and what was it about their work that resonated with you?
My introduction to Electronic Music came about when I was first exposed to Orbital on a local college radio station. I was blown away by this very new sound. I can’t really describe why it had such an effect, but it immediately became my favorite type of music.
There was something about the otherworldly feel to the music. It had a certain freedom and creativity to it. And it felt like it transported me to another place.
It was around this time that I also discovered possibly my biggest inspiration, Björk. With Bjork, I felt such raw and primal emotion in her voice as well as an incredible sound that pushed the boundaries of what had previously existed. I actually first experimented with the keyboard, adding layers to her songs to create somewhat remixes.
Other artists who influenced me the most were Enigma, Fluke, Future Sound of London, and a variety of other Trance artists of the time. The combination of atmosphere and hypnotic elements resonated with me so profoundly, it felt like ultimate creative freedom.
Do you ever draw influence from outside the musical world?
I find I draw a lot of influence from all forms of media, especially those with a sci-fi or action theme behind them. Films such as Blade Runner, Dune, Oblivion, and even John Wick.
I often run multiple video loops on my screen as I compose. I also get inspired by edgy and sensual media from Michael Bay to Victoria’s Secret commercials to exotic pole dancers. I love anything with dark beauty and often embrace various muses.
How do you approach influence more generally — do you embrace it freely or actively seek inspiration?
This is an interesting question.
Actually, I tend to just embrace it freely, but sometimes try to spark it. When I come across something, it’s usually random, like a scene from a movie or an Instagram reel on my feed. Then, I may combine various imagery I find into a video or screenshot to help inspire a new song.
Much of my inspiration is really more from an internal sense of existential angst rather than anything external, so I don’t think much about it. However, I do love it when I find some fresh work of art or media to help aid my creative process.
Are there any unexpected influences in your sound — artists or genres that might surprise listeners if they knew?
Well, before encountering Techno, I was actually a huge fan of 90s Hip Hop/Rap. I loved how edgy and hard some of the rhythms and beats were. I tend to incorporate Breakbeat-style beats in my work, which is most likely a remnant of that.
Some of those artists include Digital Underground, Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, and NWA. I think I may have been drawn to the overall creativity of that era.
Looking back, do you think your influences have shifted over time — or are there some constants that have always stayed with you?
I wouldn’t say my influences have shifted over time, but my style has. I used to produce in a more subdued ambient way in my earlier work. Trance elements were always present, but it was a less aggressive sound than what I am currently pursuing.
My music has become darker and edgier, which is more of a reflection of my inner world than a change in influences. That being said, I am always open to new songs that I come across to inspire, but it’s more on a subconscious level usually.
Do any artists stand out to you in the way they’ve navigated the industry beyond just their music?
I might have to get back to referencing Björk on this one, as she is always pushing the creative boundaries in her work. She is always on the cutting edge of technology. And with her, it is about artistic expression and emotion over commercial success.
I would also add Fluke to this in what they have accomplished outside of the music realm, as their songs have been featured in huge movies such as Sin City and The Matrix, to various commercials and video games. They’ve had a career similar to what I’d like to emulate for my own work.
Is there a piece of music from any genre, that you return to for grounding or clarity when you’re feeling creatively lost?
Can I name three? 🙂
- Orbital – ‘Halcyon On and On’
- Sinead O’ Connor – ‘Thank you for hearing me’
- Lamb – ‘Gorecki’
All these songs just remind me of the beauty that is possible to feel in music and why I must always continue, no matter how hard things may be. Or how lost I feel.
Finally, how do you stay open to inspiration while making sure your work remains original and true to your own voice?
I would say I do approach this in a subconscious way and leave it to whatever comes my way. I never once analyzed a song on its structure, production techniques, etc. I make it a point not to emulate anything. I rely on my natural ability to transmute my emotion into sound. I don’t force anything and just feel alive within the flow. My intuition does the rest….
As Sterling Angel continues to expand his sonic world, it’s clear that his creative process is deeply rooted in instinct, emotion, and a commitment to staying true to his artistic vision.
As our conversation comes to a close, we thank him for taking the time to share a glimpse into the sounds, ideas, and influences that continue to shape his evolving identity. With a clear direction ahead, Sterling Angel appears as a Producer to keep an eye on, so be sure to follow him across social media to stay up-to-date with his latest releases, news, and creative projects.
