U.G. Digital Mag: What things did you go through in getting established?
Anjaleia McDonald: It’s been so many struggles. Even in the studio, not knowing terminology, and having performance etiquette. I teamed with people who knew what they were doing. Its really a mind thing, so once your head is in the game, you’re good. People have been able to walk me through and show me things I was doing wrong. They helped me shift the perspective.
U.G. Digital Mag: What do you feel like you want to be represented as in your artistry?
Anjaleia McDonald: Coming from a place where things were super soft, but had to get gritty at a fast pace, I want to promote peace. I’m big on children. I’m the oldest of 6, so I engage in opportunities to help children get to a better place. I get involved with kids, promote peace, and self confidence. I put God first before anything, but I promote equality for everyone, along with peace and happiness.
U.G. Digital Mag: It’s sorely needed in this industry. That’s a really good thing to promote and push. You’re a rarity. So many people push negativity, but the positivity is needed.
Anjaleia McDonald: Absolutely. There’s been a few individuals who have expressed they feel concerned with how my music will be accepted. People say my music is outdated, but I have no doubt people will receive it. I hear sex and drugs on the radio, but I have no doubt people will gain something from me that makes them feel good.
U.G. Digital Mag: Things of the past really are coming back. So many artists are going back to 90s R&B, and older styles. People really are looking for what you have. You released your first single a couple years ago. Talk about ‘Ain’t Got Time”…
Anjaleia McDonald: That is one of my favorite songs. I sat with David Kirkwood, who also goes by the name GX music. We sat together, and I gave him my ideas. He started producing and I felt like it was phenomenal.
We had EJ Jones listen, and as soon as he heard it, he wanted it right then. We gave it to him and blocked himself off in the studio. Within 24 hours, he had me come and record it. We put it out and I charted on iTunes with it. It was number eight on the independent charts. That was my first song.
U.G. Digital Mag: That’s so amazing, especially to chart immediately. I think you have something genuine, and real, and that’s why it charted so quickly.
Anjaleia McDonald: Thank you so much. I had to learn quickly how to take myself and mind to a different place. I had to be a character and express what the lyrics were saying. It taught me so many things recording that song.
U.G. Digital Mag: Why was it so difficult to connect?
Anjaleia McDonald: Overthinking.
U.G. Digital Mag: I agree. A lot of times, we second guess ourselves.
Anjaleia McDonald: I was really overthinking. In the end, it was like hey, just do it.
U.G. Digital Mag: Definitely a good move. Talk about what else has gone on after that?
Anjaleia McDonald: I did my second single, “I Got It” featuring Lex Lu, and we did a video for it in downtown L.A.. Then we did Boomerang, which earned me and the Track Martians production team a distribution deal with Universal and Groove/E1. He got to have it on Jack Thriller and Thisis50.com. It was really amazing. We put a lot of hard work behind it. I have songs featured on Timex Records, Mario Wilson, and I’ve done records with all types of people.
U.G. Digital Mag: You’re doing really amazing. What direction are you going with new material?