STERLING ANGEL is a New York based erotic trance music act composed of producer/songwriter John Sterling and featured vocalist Angelique Sirois. John Sterling (STERLING) has been producing music since 1995, but this represents a new direction in his music....a sexier, darker, more aggressive sound maintaining his trademark atmospheric feel. Along with Angelique's provocative lyrics and vocals, STERLING ANGEL is now upon the world with its first two releases-OBSESSION (2008) and EDEN (2009).

Sterling Angel:
www.sterlingangel.com

Myspace:
www.myspace.com/sterlingangelmusic

Sterling Music:
www.sterlingmusic.net

Myspace/Sterling music:
www.myspace.com/sterlingmusic

Virtual Interview by: Ximena Zamudio

What or who inspires you?

Well, I tend to find my inspiration through the struggles in life and relationships. It really comes down to the cliche "love" and the lack I feel exists in the world these days. We simply need more love...to love ourselves, to love each other, to love the world. So, my/our music is always about the quest for love in a world not so readily giving.

When and how did you start making music?

I actually started playing around with music when I was 13 through mixing music and samples together in the form of comedic projects that I would do just to entertain my friends. When I was 17, I began working with a friend on original music where I did all of the instrumentation with some primitive equipment...a keyboard, mixer, and tape deck. It was a good effort, but I really began to become more serious when I was in college. I found some great support and had the appropriate setup that allowed me to go on to produce my first two albums.

Describe your music

My original music from back in 1997-2001, entitled STERLING was very ambient, ethereal, instrumental only music. Basically, it was ideal soundtrack music. My current project STERLING ANGEL is a very different sound. It is sublimely dark and sexy downtempo trance. It is atmospheric and with the appropriate edginess thanks to my vocalist Angelique's sultry voice. I'm quite happy with it and can't wait to keep evolving it.

What message do you wish to communicate to the public?

We just want people to feel more empowered and free. As this world can oftentimes make people feel alienated from each other, I particularly want people to feel a sense of connection. We are all in this world together and need each other's support.

What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)

So you want me to give away all of the mystique of our music? :) Ok. Themes range from addictive relationships and unrequited love to empowerment and domination. Really, it all concerns the darker side of love and what drives people. And sometimes, they just sound cool :)

What is an artistic day like for John?

I think the best way to answer this is to explain how Angelique and I work together. Basically, I work alone creating a beat and an atmosphere to inspire her to create lyrics and vocals. She then comes over to my studio and we listen to what I have over and over and over and.....meanwhile, she gets in a zone and starts coming up with lyrical themes and words to go along with the music. While she is doing this, I am coming up with additional instrumentation and it all forms in front of us. I then record numerous takes and improvs with her until I feel I have enough to work with to complete a full song. She leaves and I usually give it a break until the next day. Then, refreshed, I begin to pick out the best takes, words, phrases and start arranging things. We have been fortunate that we work SO well together. Oh and the best part is usually when I make a preliminary mix and we get to hear it in Angelique's car.....I love that! :)

I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to be featured in your magazine. I hope everyone enjoys what we do. Much love to you all. John Sterling