Angia Laurel finds inspiration in Katseye’s Sophia as she enters music scene
Newbie artist Angia Laurel, daughter of actor-singers Franco Laurel and Ayen Munji-Laurel, said she couldn’t be prouder of her childhood friend Sophia Laforteza, leader of the global girl group Katseye, for living the dream they both grew up sharing — to perform.
Years ago, the two collaborated on a cover of Audrey MiKa’s Y U Gotta B Like That as seen in an online video. “I’ve known her since we were kids and we did theater together. We basically kind of grew up together,” recalled Angia at the launching of the music video for her debut single, Back Again, featuring Moophs.
“We did that cover for fun, not thinking it would blow up. Honestly, like seeing her pursue what she’s always dreamed of ever since I’ve known her, it’s always been a dream of hers to be a star wherever that may be,” she added.
“And that’s very inspiring. And I’m very proud of her that she is doing what she’s always dreamed of and what she truly loves. And it’s kinda cute that we’re both doing what we’ve always wanted to do and always dreamed of.”
Growing up in theater with their thespian parents, they’ve always bonded over music. Angia told The STAR, “So, we bonded over that and also like friends and our personal relationship, that we went through during the time that we met. Specifically music, that’s the one that we got close (with) to begin with. Not just theater, but music in general and our love for music so that’s how we bonded.”
Angia’s Back Again, which was released under Tarsier Records, tackles mental health. The sentiment of the track is “very personal” and close to her heart. In Angia’s words, “For me, this is like mental health and my journey (and) of people dissociating or going back and forth like how they feel and their environment, whatever that is.
“Their love song to their significant others or other forms of mental health and all of that. I want the people to perceive it the way that they perceive it with whatever they are going through — whether good or bad.”
She co-wrote the record with Moophs and Nameless Kids’ vocalist Nhiko Sabiniano. It was earlier used as the soundtrack of the ABS-CBN series “High Street.” The 22-year-old singer-songwriter has had a penchant for music since she was three. “I’m surrounded by a lot of people in my life who are very involved in music. So, it has always been a dream of mine and a goal to pursue music ever since… I’ve always wanted this.”
“I’ve always dreamed of having this type of path for me and being able to share my music and my voice and all of that, I’m glad that it happened,” she continued.
From pop rock to punk and indie, Angia embraced rock and its permutation as her genre preference. Her musical heroes include Paramore, Lizzy McAlpine, The Army, The Navy and Billie Eilish. Angia also shared that although her parents are both veteran actors and performers, they never put pressure on her to follow in their footsteps, at all.
“Even though my parents are both in the industry, they never pressured me,” she told this paper. “They’ve always let me choose my path and whatever I want to do. They supported me (all the way),” the rising singer said.
“I never felt pressured nor do I feel pressured now,” she stressed. “‘Cause they’re just very supportive and they don’t pressure me. They know that’s not gonna work. No pressure at all with my parents being who they are. They’re just my parents to me — my mom and dad.”
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