Angie Stone is a legendary American R&B singer-songwriter, producer and actress. Described by many as ‘a neo-soul queen’, Angie first hit the urban music scene as part of an all-female rap group called The Sequence, though it was her vocals on Vertical Hold’s ‘Seems You’re Much Too Busy’ in 1992, that led Angie to pursue a successful solo career.
Over the next few years, Angie worked with the crème de la crème of R&B legends that included; Mary J. Blige, Jill Jones and D’Angelo with whom she had a son, Michael born in 1998. Angie later won two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards for hit songs ‘No More Rain’ and ‘Everyday’ from her 2005 album, Black Diamond and received two Grammy Award nominations for hits ‘Sometimes’ and ‘Baby’ from her 2007 album, The Art of Love and War – a defining moment that established Angie as the neo-soul songstress and R&B sensation of the time.
Fast forward to 2014 and Angie’s smooth, soulful voice that is famous for waxing lyrical about the trials and tribulations of love and life, has achieved four top 10 albums in the US and sold over 5 million albums worldwide.
It’s been almost 2 years since you last performed in the UK. What can fans expect from your 2014 European tour?
This tour will include some of my favourite songs that have never been played live before. Highlights will include fresh medleys which I will perform with a live US band and Grammy-nominated singer and fellow R&B Diva, Syleena Johnson [from the hit US TV show, R&B Diva’s in which they both appear] as we always wanted to tour together.
You’re playing in six cities on the UK leg of your European tour. Do you hope to tour more cities in the UK next time?
Definitely. I would love to play to more fans and tour even more cities next time.
Any plans to record some new music and put out a new album?
I’m not sure of what label I would like to work with right now as they would have to be right. What I can tell you is, I may be working with the legendary producer, Red One who has a phenomenal song that I may collaborate with him on. He has such a great respect for me and my music, so that’s something I’m excited about.
Your music inspires so many people around the world. Who inspires you musically?
So many artists, Gladys Knight, Betty Wright and Patti LaBelle are big inspirations to me.
What song makes you feel as if it was written just for you?
‘Bust the Windows’ by Jazmine Sullivan but my favourite song is ‘Rise and Fall’ by Craig David.
Which current artists would you like to work with in the future?
Lauren Hill and D’Angelo.
Do you have any crazy stories about some of your fans or maybe you have a super-fan on Twitter?
There’s this guy called Brandon, who is my most dedicated and loyal supporter as an artist. He’s super nice, not a stalker! He calls and texts me every, single day. He posts pictures that I don’t even know how he got his hands on. I’m gonna arrange a Twitter surprise party just for him!
What word of advice would you give to aspiring artists that dream of one day achieving the musical success which you have?
Never give up. Dream big. And when you hear something that is not easy about your music, learn to block it out and keep going.
Inspirational words from a legendary woman indeed. Angie will be touring throughout the UK between April and May, performing in Birmingham, Brighton, London, Bristol, Manchester and Newcastle and will be supported by rising British singer/ songwriters Ms D and JP Cooper. See you there!
Words by Ria Hebden