Che of The Town from Rochester works for actor Che Holloway
You first met Che in Rochester works for actor Che Holloway, an impromptu interview and amble through the Neighborhood of the Arts.
An aspiring and successful actor, Che is deeply immersed in the Rochester cultural scene. So much so, we’ve named him Che of The Town!
Photos courtesy of Angel Hagan
Exclusively for Talker, Che has solicited and is conducting interviews from about 80 Rochestarians working in a diversity of creative fields.
For the full series, see Che of The Town: Interviews
In this highlight, Che turns our attention to a talented musician in our community, Angel Hagan.
Getting To Know Angel Hagan; A Recognizable Figure In Our Music Scene
Tell us a little about yourself, where your from, grew up, what H.S./College you attended etc.
I’m born and raised in Rochester, NY. Grew up on the north and south west side. I was always involved in music. I played a couple instruments, mainly the clarinet. I was a part of few bands in middle school traveled a few places. I actually graduated from Nazareth Academy. Went to MCC for a little while.
What inspired you to be an artist/entertainer? Early experiences worth sharing?
A friend of mine actually convinced me to start writing because I used to know everyone’s songs word for word on the radio. My friend bribed me with $50 to write a track , he gave me a beat tape and the rest was history !! As far as early experiences, one of the first performances I ever had out of town was in NYC at the Pyramid Club. I was all nervous and Roxanne Shante was one of the judges. After my set, she came up to me and told me I was gifted. We took a pic and she gave me some words of wisdom. It was a great experience!!!
Talk about a time where you have faced adversity/conflict and have triumphed.
As a female artist It’s already a challenge to gain respect as an emcee because alot of female rappers fall in the same category or are all about sex appeal. So I often have to overcome the assumptions that I’m gonna sound like every other female rapper. So often when I come out on stage I’ve gotta snatch and hold the attention of the audience if I’m in a unfamiliar environment. I’ve been in front of some hostile crowds!!!! I seem to always break them down and turn them into fans tho!! It’s always a wonderful feeling after but super stressful before !!
What do you believe sets you apart from other artists/entertainers?
I think my lyricism and flow make me stand out. My stage presence seems to draw people to me. I get alot of positive feedback from people when they see me perform. When I’m in the studio I have a tendency to attack the beat and not let it breath. It’s like a rapid fire of words but understandable. I definitely try to make sure you feel my lyrics. I love the reactions and emotions my music evokes, especially on stage. When a complete stranger sees you for the first time and then feels the need to come hug you or get a pic it’s really fulfilling as an artist.
Do you have other interests or hobbies?
I love music. I’m definitely big on movies as well. Art, literature. I’m kinda nerdy, lol. I like to learn things and challenge myself. I’ve been working on graphic design and videography. Eventually I’d like to step into some movie production and I want to executive produce an album for somebody. There are so many different aspects of hip hop as a whole. I’ve grown up in it and love them all.
Any projects you have out or currently working on?
I’ve got alot of music out. I dropped my first project in 2014 and since then I’ve dropped 8 other projects ( Before the Storm,P.M.S, Os Clothes and Kicks,Champagne wishes and Caviar Dreams, L.I.V.E,Consequences of Dopeness, Flour City Flows) and I’ve been featured on a few projects across the country.
My latest release is FYF (F*Ck Ya Feelings) which is available in all major music outlets !!!
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
I’d like to be comfortably somewhere warm making a living off of doing what I love. Having the ability to create and expand my brand without having to work a 9 to 5 to maintain my everyday life. I don’t need to be a millionaire or all in the spotlight being chased by paparazzi. I just wanna be able to continue with the music and help contributing to the culture.
What advice can you give to aspiring artists/entertainers?
Don’t hesitate. Don’t allow the fear of others to slow you down. Alot of people will tell you what you can’t do because they don’t know or are afraid of failure. Failure builds character so it can’t hurt to try. Even if at first you don’t succeed, everything gets better with practice and hard work. Never short change your dreams. And don’t make excuses, make it happen. There’s always a way!!
How can we follow along in your journey? Social media?
You can always keep up with me on all my social media @yagirlgolden
It’s the same for everything FB, Instagram,Twitter,etc
All my music is available on ITunes, Spotify, Tidal,Google Play, Bandcamp, Audiomack,Soundcloud, etc
Videos are on YouTube channel:Yagirl Golden
And for all contact and booking :
