Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angel René Wilson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Angel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I’m incomplete without both the arts and a regular profession. For me, the commodification of art has a way of ruining its purity. I’ve found that when art becomes something I have to produce for survival, it loses its ability to be the outlet I need it to be. At the same time, my studies in law and my work towards becoming an attorney add a certain layer of humanity to my creative work. Without that grounding, I feel my art would lack the depth and perspective I’ve gained through my professional pursuits. The last time I really wrestled with this question, I was sitting in my car after a long day of classes and work. I had spent hours immersed in the realities of people’s struggles, seeing firsthand how broken our systems can be. It was heavy, and I was exhausted. I remember sitting there in the driver’s seat, gripping the wheel, and thinking, Why do I do this to myself? Why not just pick one lane—art or law—and go all in?

Without my professional pursuits, like studying law or engaging with real-world issues, I wouldn’t have gained the clarity or compassion that comes from understanding people who are fighting for their lives in a system that often fails them.

Both paths feed each other. My work as an artist makes me a more empathetic advocate, and my work in law adds layers of humanity to my music. My ultimate goal is to be a dynamic, multidimensional human being. I don’t want to be boxed in by one identity or one pursuit. Life’s too complex for that. So, I choose both—even when it’s exhausting—because a life without either feels incomplete and lacking. That’s the conclusion I always come back to. I need both to feel whole.

Angel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Angel René, a singer-songwriter and pre-law student who believes in the power of balancing creativity with purpose. My journey hasn’t been linear—it’s been shaped by hardship, resilience, and a deep desire to connect with others through both art and advocacy.

I got into music as a way to process life’s challenges. At 17, I was kicked out of my home and my church for being gay. I found myself living in my car, writing songs to cope with the isolation and pain. Music became my lifeline, a way to tell my story and make sense of the world. Over time, I began performing across California, Nashville, England, New Jersey, and beyond, sharing my truth with audiences who connected with its raw honesty. My creative work—from songs to music videos—explores themes of identity, loss, and healing, often shining light on the experiences of those who feel unseen.

At the same time, I’ve been pursuing a career in law. I believe the intersection of art and advocacy allows me to bring a unique perspective to both worlds. My studies in political science and law ground me in the realities of injustice and human struggle, adding depth to my music and purpose to my professional path. I strive to solve problems for those whose voices are often ignored—whether through storytelling or advocacy.

What sets me apart is this duality: I’m both an artist and a professional, and I refuse to sacrifice one for the other. My art remains pure because I’m not dependent on it for survival, and my professional pursuits remain human because my art keeps me grounded in empathy. I’m most proud of my ability to turn pain into purpose—to create music that resonates with people and to build a career that advocates for justice and compassion.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my work, it’s that I’m committed to being a dynamic, multidimensional human being. My ultimate goal is to inspire others to embrace every part of themselves—their struggles, their passions, and their potential. Whether through a song, a performance, or the work I do in law, I hope to leave people feeling seen, understood, and empowered.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

At 21 years old, I was asked to partake in a filmed debate between Progressive and Conservative Christians. The morning of the filming, I overheard my step-mother telling my aunt, “I’d rather be dead than have a gay son.”

There, during the taping, I declared my plan to live a celibate, single life to honor God while grappling with same-sex attraction.

That video would go on to garner over four million views, etching me into an identity shaped by expectations I had never truly chosen.

That shadow of standards found me at an early age. At eleven years old, during a commercial break, my pregnant stepmother turned to me and said, “I want a child that won’t abandon or hate me. That’s why I’m having another baby.” No prelude, no emotion-just a stark statement, as casual as mentioning the weather. That moment crystallized a lifelong pattern: to prove myself to everyone in everything.

What is the most significant challenge I’ve faced?

Letting go; of people, places, and principles that were polluting my future and poisoning my peace.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Oh, the list is exhaustive. Be as it may, some of the most memorable have been;

The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*** by Mark Manson
Just As I Am by Cicely Tyson
When Breathe Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
The Diving Bell and The Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby
Signs Preceding The End of The World by Yuri Herrera
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
The Space Between Us by Courtney Peppernell and Zack Grey

And SO many others…

Contact Info:

• Website: https://angelrene.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelrene/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-wilson-a75a55171
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/wOthhR7JXNU?si=wgL8oYeLnhOEFzJS