NYC’s Boi Angel on His Sound, Success, and Setting the Stage
Photo: Boi Angel
There are very few artists making moves like Boi Angel. Hailing from Queens, New York, the Filipino-American musician effortlessly blends house, R&B, pop, and rap into a captivating sound that resonates with listeners around the globe. With over 122,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Boi Angel has become a force to be reckoned with, showcasing his talent not just in the studio but also on prestigious stages like the Barclays Center. His recent performances, including halftime shows for the Brooklyn Nets and recently crowned WNBA Champions, the New York Liberty, signal a burgeoning career that is just getting started.
Boi Angel sits down to reflect on his musical journey, creative process, and the dynamic influences that shape his artistry. With standout tracks like "Fly With You" and "Run Free" already making waves, Boi Angel is not just a name to watch but a sound to feel. In this exclusive interview, he shares insights into his evolution as an artist, the thrill of live performances, and his vision for the future.
You recently performed at the Barclays Center for the Brooklyn Nets and the WNBA Champions, the New York Liberty. What was that experience like for you, and how did it feel to perform on such a significant stage?
BA: It felt like a dream. I remember as a kid growing up in my mothers basement, I would perform in front of my mirror pretending I was performing for thousands of people in arenas or on the big stages. When I got the opportunity to stand on the court and look into the stands it felt like a movie, but It was something I was ready for. It was also dope having my daughter courtside watching the whole thing happen.
Your music blends house, R&B, pop, and rap. What drew you to these genres, and how do you approach incorporating different styles into your sound?
BA: I started off rapping when I first got into music. As time passed, my sound evolved into melodic rap, then R&B, then pop/house. I grew up listening to all different types of music, but I always wanted to sing. As time passed, I just developed my sound into something that fit where I was.
Your single “Fly With You” has gained a lot of attention. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind that track and the message you wanted to convey?
BA: During the summer of 2023, I spent a lot of time at house music parties. Me and my homies were always super versatile in music and from being around nothing but house music that summer, we made our attempt at creating our version of it. I was super inspired by Peggy Gou’s song “nanana” and I wanted to make my own spin on an infectious and catchy house record.
With “Run Free” being one of your top songs on Spotify, what themes or emotions do you explore in that track, and how do you think it resonates with your audience?
BA: Just being free, not letting anyone tell you what or how to do things and just staying true to yourself. My audience has told me it’s a song that definitely helped them get through tough times and depression.
Photo: Boi Angel
Your latest single, “Love in the Rhythm,” features Mark Wolf. How did this collaboration come about, and what was the creative process like for both of you?
BA: I met Mark Wolf at a party. He came up to me and told me how he appreciated my music. He and I became really cool – he’s a great DJ. We began experimenting with music and that record was a way of me expanding my range within the house genre. He definitely brought me into a new space with that record. It wasn’t something I normally would make but I’m all for trying new things within the music space because you never know where it will take you.
You have an impressive following with over 122,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. What strategies have you found effective in connecting with your audience and growing your fan base?
BA: When my audience grew, I realized I started talking with them a lot in DMs. I invited some to my private suites at my big shows at the Barclays Center. Overall, I think just creating genuine relationships with them is a pretty cool feeling for both sides. In regards to growing my fan base – just spread the music. My bread and butter is the music, so the more I put it out there, the more people will find me.
As a Filipino-American artist from Queens, New York, how do you see your heritage and upbringing influencing your music and the stories you tell through your songs?
BA: I grew up in a house full of music. Being Filipino, we constantly had family parties – which always had karaoke involved. I had two older brothers who listened to all different types of music. Also, my dad was in a band so he played the guitar and piano. I was constantly surrounded by music and I think it played a big part in my versatile style when it comes to my sound. Being that I grew up listening to every genre, it definitely spilled into my own [music] creations. My stories that I tell are mainly just stories from my life.
Photo: Boi Angel
Looking ahead, what can your fans expect from you in the coming months? Are there any upcoming projects or performances you’re particularly excited about?
BA: I’ll be dropping a bunch of new singles. My main goal within the next month is to just really connect with my audience. I want them to get to know me past the music.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who want to carve out their own space in the music industry, especially in a diverse landscape like yours?
BA: Always stay true to your art. I learned that in this business there will be a lot of moments that try to pull you away from what you enjoy doing. There will be moments where you may have to sacrifice your art for what’s “trending” or the “algorithm” but at the end of the day I feel like to have longevity in the music you have to stay true to yourself and put out what you love, and the people will come.
Finally, as a New York native, what are your top five must-visit spots in the city for someone looking to experience the true essence of NYC?
BA: If you really want to feel the true essence of NYC, you have to first visit the subway [laughs]. Outside of that, I mean, there’s so many places to go first I would go get a New York slice. My favorite pizza is Nolita Pizza on Kenmare. It might sound touristy, but I would go to Central Park – just because. Being from Queens, I would take them to the old site of the World's Fair to see the globe. I may not be the best tour guide but I’d say a walk through downtown from Soho to the Lower East Side. There’s so many different stores and restaurants and just so many different people.
To learn more about Boi Angel, visit his Instagram or stream his music on Spotify.
