We recently connected with Angel Lunetta and have shared our conversation below.

Angel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The first risk I took, was at the age of 13 when I first starting running away. I don’t know what happen, I just woke up one day, stared at the Chicago skyline, and felt that there was something important waiting for me. Apart from being stuck within an unhealthy environment growing up, I felt like the outside world had something significant in store for me. Being raised and adopted into a conservative family, I frequently felt like I didn’t belong. I craved adventure and I wanted to live, fully and freely in a space where I could embrace being myself. I was always so curious about the world around me. I longed for discovery. I put on my converse, grabbed my bag, and ran out the door. Throughout my teens, running away became a dangerous coping mechanism, that landed me in dangerous situations. Eventually I didn’t come back home, but it was a very important part of my journey that has led me to where I am today.

However, the first time I ran away, I ended up at a venue where I had my first encounter experiencing live music, and in that moment ( even just for a moment ) everything made sense. I had finally discovered a place where I felt at home, at home with myself. An atmosphere where I was free to experience, express, indulge, and connect. Music and creative expression was all I craved and eventually became an entire escape. Even at the tender age of 28, it’s a feeling that has never faded. Overtime, that “feeling”, that feeling of spacing out at the skyline, the feeling of longing for more ended up being a magnet that pulled me closer and closer to stages. The feeling that fueled my self confidence to get behind cameras, modeling around the United States. It’s what fueled my creative expression through visual arts. I had to learn to trust in myself enough to believe in my capabilities and potential. Believing in myself even when it felt uncertain; even when the the odds weren’t in my favor. Being able to conquer that took me years of discipline. Being stubborn has always been my cursed blessing, but sometimes being stubborn is the only way.

Eventually, throughout my years of survival and hardship, music became my safety net which led me to the second biggest risk I’ve taken in my life, which is starting a band. A band that now goes by the name of ALENIA. I didn’t come from a privileged musical background. I had little money, very little experience, and very little resources. I started off creating music on my bathroom floor on the Southside of Chicago, with instruments I saved up and purchased from a pawn shop in the hood. Aside from that struggle, acknowledging that I am a woman of color executing the genre of metal, which happens to be a very aggressive male dominated sport, I frequently doubted that there would ever be a place for me in the world as a musician, many people around me doubted it as well.

After falling down throughout the process enough times and learning too many things the hard way, within time the day came where I was finally able to get on big stages and perform alongside brilliant musicians. Then there came a day when we started getting financially compensated for performances. Then there came another day, when I was able to share stages with my favorite national acts, which always feels surreal. My favorite part is the connection with my audience, it definitely holds the most value to me. The audience  means the world to me, and I will fight for them always. Of course getting on stage and performing wasn’t enough to curb my hunger. Far over a decade after my first live music encounter, and I still carry that energy with me. The art of entertainment is the greatest escape. I now utilize my experience, knowledge, creativity, and inspiration to also independently curate live music events within my city, as well as create opportunities and platforms for local talent within the metal/goth/alt community. Creating atmospheres where people can come together to celebrate and be celebrated.

Where I am today, I can happily stand and say I have no regrets .Taking risks is scary, but I am a firm believer that growth will never come from a place of comfort. Self-confidence and perseverance is the magic key. It’s okay to fall down, but it’s important to get back up and keep chasing whatever it is tomorrow may have to offer. Never be afraid to dream.

“Fear is an illusion, a fiction of the mind” – ALENIA

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a Chicago local creator that gained all of my artistic skills from experimentation and curiosity. Give yourself the space to discover what works and what doesn’t, while utilizing whatever resources that you have available. The best experiences come from self discovery. I allow myself to accept inspiration from anything and everything around me.

As a musician, event curator, and visual artist I had gotten into the industry through local DIY shows featuring live bands, performers, and visual arts. I found out about these events through local radio, online promotions, posters around the neighborhood, and word of mouth. Attending these events led me to becoming a musician, independently curating events, as well as becoming an independent artist with a small business.

As a model, my inspiration came from years of abuse and others putting me down because of my body size and image. Through modeling, I was able recontructed my internal confidence and well-being while encouraging other struggling identities to do the same. My goal is to enlighten and inspire others to embrace all that they are, unapologetically.

My overall objective is to educate, uplift, and lead by example.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the overall freedom that it comes with. Internally and externally. The physical impact and genuine connections you’re able to experience and make through your work. I’d also say that another immense reward is the self growth you’ll have through the journey as well. It’s an evolution to say in the least.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

The way I believe I built my social media following is by valuing the aspect of honesty. Being honest with my audience, as well as myself, and allowing the creativity to flow out from a genuine place. I believe giving people something real to connect with, instead of worrying about superficial things like views and trends will lead to a greater outcome. Create with honesty and the rest will be history. Believe in yourself and stay resilient.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Aleniachicago?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=917c5d8e-0ef9-4363-8b11-106036795881
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voodoo.masochist/?fbclid=IwAR0tR97JyW2iw_2zjr-QSCczWYzGCo_E8T-ngvy2gjr1ST82c-CnjZ9i1UQ
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aleniachicago
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH1riI1tJcM

Image Credits
Isaiah Mays Bryant Mastermind Cynthia Contreras Trent Jeffries No Barricades Photography Jodeci Fontaine Blake Bonaparte