GS: Where are you from?

Angela Easterling: I was born in MS, but I grew up in Greer and Taylors. Most of my family is from SC. We have a farm in Greer that has been in our family since 1791 (my Mom’s side of the family - the Hammetts). I graduated from Eastside High and went to the Fine Arts Center for 3 years.

GS: When/Where/Why did you move away?

AE: I left to go to Emerson College in Boston. It was there that I started writing music. I finished my last year of school at Emerson’s external campus in Los Angeles and decided to stay there to pursue music and acting. Over the next few years, music became my priority.

GS: Did moving help your music career?

AE: Yes. Being in a large city like L.A.where the competition is stiff forces you to hone your talent and polish your material to stand out. I feel like I learned a lot about the business and about what I specifically have to offer. However, in this day and age, with computers, websites, myspace, etc, I don’t feel that it is necessary to move to a large music city, like LA, NYC or Nashville to have the kind of exposure those places offer. In fact, I just relocated back to Greenville only a few months ago, although I haven’t been there much as I’ve been touring a lot. It is much easier and cheaper for me to tour from Greenville than from L.A. Moving to L.A. did help me to a certain extent, so I’m really glad I did it. But moving back to Greenville has been a great decision as well. Ironically, I’ve found my exposure, fan base and career opportunites have only grown since leaving L.A.

GS: What are you doing these days?

AE: I am in the middle of a 6 week northeast tour and should be back down south in mid-July. I’m promoting my August 2006 release “Earning Her Wings”. Later this summer, I will open up for Ray Price at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA and for the Oak Ridge Boys In GA. It is an exciting year! You can also check out my website and myspace for more info on what I’m doing.