*This article is featured in our October 2025 issue – scroll down to flip through the issue for free or order a print copy here.* 

Surgical technologist by day and stage superstar by night, Angela Vittori is the whole package—talent, brains, and personality.

Her latest single, “Tequila,” is available now and is the perfect track if you’re looking to add some attitude and fun to your night. StarShine recently had a Q&A with Angela to discuss the inspiration behind “Tequila,” her Ariana Grande cover of “God Is a Woman,” the trials of being a music artist in 2025, and what’s in store for next year!

Why don’t you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m a singer/songwriter based out of Raleigh, North Carolina. I’m also the lead singer of a high-energy cover band called Hatchback that tours around the country, which is so much fun. Don’t get me wrong, it’s always nice to perform locally in Raleigh, but I love traveling to other cities and states and meeting new people! In the band, I sing a wide variety of genres and artists, which keeps the audience guessing what song is next. I would say my “sound” as an independent artist is a mixture of country, rock, and pop. What makes me unique is my versatility when it comes to my vocals. I don’t sing just one type of genre; I challenge myself to cover a wide range. I can go from singing Bruno Mars to AC/DC to Morgan Wallen to Paramore to Shania Twain—and just keep it going for hours with all different types of songs. It keeps the audience engaged and interested!

This summer, you released your song “Tequila”. What was the inspiration behind that song, and was tequila actually involved while writing it?

Haha! Ohhh yeahhh! Everything is better when tequila is involved! Okay, the truth is, I always drink a margarita when I am performing. Nothing real fancy—just the classic “on the rocks with salt on the rim” for me. It’s gotten to the point where the venues we play at regularly just immediately make me one when they see me. I started noticing that it was becoming a little trademark for me, and thought it was pretty funny.

Then, a few times during band rehearsal, we were planning for a big New Year’s Eve show that required me to do some announcements for the midnight ball drop. I remember I made a comment to the guys about it and I said, “Yeah, not sure what I’ll do for that part, but…I’ll just let the tequila tell me what to say,” and that just kind of stuck with me ever since. I honestly had so much fun writing this song. I feel like the whole song reflects not only my love for a good margarita but also my attitude and personality!

Not only do you write, record, and perform your own songs, but you’ve also recorded some covers, like Ariana Grande’s “God Is a Woman.” How do you pick which songs to cover?

Truthfully, there’s absolutely no method to my madness when it comes to picking a song to cover. Sometimes it’s just because I really love the song or the artist, or I just personally connect with the lyrics or music. With the Ariana Grande song, I remember really liking the concept of it. I thought the lyrics were clever, unique, and they kind of had a cockiness to them, which I appreciated.

The more I listened to it, the more I contemplated how it might sound with a more stripped-down version and a slower tempo. I liked the lyrics so much that I wanted to give them a little bit more emphasis and slow them down to be better understood. I really do love the way that song came out. I’m so happy that I was able to give it a different vibe and give all Ariana Grande fans another style to enjoy!

What do you feel is the hardest part about being a music artist in 2025?

There’s a few things that come to my mind right away, but I would say the hardest part would be the social media culture and influence that has become the “norm” in our world today. Oftentimes, social media is not a true reflection of reality, so it’s very easy to start comparing yourself to every other artist that you see on your algorithm while you’re scrolling. You begin to doubt your own worth and ability, then before you know it, you’re feeling like you’re not good enough.

Nowadays as an artist, you aren’t just making music for people to enjoy—that’s actually the easy part. No, no, no…you’ve got to post lots and lots of crazy, cringe content, and it has to be at a certain time of day to gain traction. It’s got to be eye-catching and funny and witty and scandalous and trendy. Oh, and if you don’t have thousands and thousands of followers, then a lot of times, venues won’t even consider booking you. Despite all these hurdles, I am really trying to stick to being as authentic and real as possible. I don’t want to buy followers or do all this cringe content in order to gain popularity. I want real followers and real fans. I feel like the only way to earn that is to truly be a real artist.

What do you hope people get from your music and seeing you live?

My number one goal for my music is for it to be relatable. I want people to connect with my music the same way I’ve connected with other people’s songs—to give the listeners that feeling of relief and comfort. They listen to my lyrics and they’re like, “Oh my gosh, YES. I know exactly what she’s singing about!” Simultaneously, I want that same connection with the audience while I’m performing live. One of my favorite things to do is connect with people in the crowd and make them feel special and significant. There will be times when I just randomly point to someone in the crowd and their face just lights up. To me, that is what it’s all about: connecting with people and making them feel seen and understood.

Anything else we should look out for from you in the near future?

Oh yeah! Definitely be on the lookout for some of my new originals coming out soon. I’m currently in the midst of writing a couple of new songs. I’ll be heading over to Nashville to get them recorded in the next few days. I am so excited to share them with everyone! As a whole, I do have some ambitious goals and hopes for 2026. The plan is to keep focusing on building my brand as an independent artist, meeting and connecting with new fans, and performing for as many people and places as I can! I’m dreaming big and speaking success into existence!

What message do you have for your fans and future fans out there?

To all my current and future fans, thank you for seeing something in me and taking the time to appreciate my music. I want you to know that I see you and I’m so grateful for you; your devotion and support are the greatest gifts I could ever receive. I hope you keep enjoying the songs I sing and write. I hope that each song—whether it be mine or a cover of someone else’s—finds you and comforts you in whatever phase of life you’re currently in. I will never ever give you anything less than 100% of my time, effort, ability, and appreciation.

Where can we find you online?

Here are all the links to reach me—please don’t be a stranger, y’all!

Spotify
Apple Music
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/angelavittori
Instagram: @angela.v.123
TikTok: @angela_vittori
Facebook: Angela Vittori

Listen to Angela Vittori:

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