The WiMN’s Front and Center is a weekly column that showcases accomplished women who work in the music and audio industries. We spotlight successful female performers, manufacturers, retailers, educators, managers, publicists, and everyone else in between. Want to be featured? Learn how here.
Front and Center: M.A.N.A. Founder, Myki Angeline
Myki Angeline: on-camera personality, freelance writer, DJ, event emcee, show promoter, business founder… and the list goes on.
Surrounded by Filipino, Irish and Native American culture during her childhood, Angeline’s love for the performing arts came to fruition at a very early age.
Today Angeline is a champion for local artists in the Sacramento, CA area, and a true ambassador of the city’s music scene. She even founded her own company, M.A.N.A. (Myki Angeline Network Association), to further her mission of bringing together Sacramento musicians.
“I truly enjoy helping others help themselves and seeing their dreams become reality,” she says. “I feel blessed to have the means to do this.”
Find out more about the wonderful Myki Angeline in the interview below, and be sure to check out the links provided.
WiMN: What have you been working on lately?
MA: After spending nearly 3 years with V103 Rock (www.v103.net) as a radio personality with my own show, Afternoon Indie on V103 Rock, I felt I had accomplished all I could as a DJ and made the transition to video journalism with Sacramento’s Esm.7 (www.esm7.org). My first Big Amp Sacramento debut aired at the end of July 2014 with a handful to follow.
Check It & Rep It segment debut on Esm.7:
My newest project is the 3rd Annual Sacramento Valley State of the Music Industry Forum which will take place in West Sacramento on Saturday November 22, 2014. My company M.A.N.A. is one of the sponsors of this important forum and I will moderate the artist/musician’s panel. The theme this year is “Save Our Scene” as we discuss a variety of topics including the coming of the new sports and entertainment arena scheduled for the Fall of 2014. The forum includes a music business panel, artist/musician’s panel, the Red Carpet Media room, and the artist/band merchandise room.
Learn more at the Sac Valley State of the Music Industry Forum Facebook page.
WiMN: Tell us more about M.A.N.A. –– the Myki Angeline Networking Association.
MA: I was encouraged by friends and colleagues back in the Spring of 2013 to start my own company. I love being involved in every aspect of the entertainment industry with a knack for networking. My business name was inspired by the Hawaiian word “mana” which means universal energy or power. I come from a strong Hawaiian cultured background (dancing hula and martial arts), so it seemed a natural fit. I created the acronym using my name and what I do: M.A.N.A., Myki Angeline Network Association. My involvement in the local scene includes radio journalism, written artist interviews and music reviews, emceeing music shows and festivals, producing/booking live music shows, and the recent addition of conducting video interviews.
Articles on Soundz Of Norcal webzine: http://soundzofnorcal.com/category/checkitandrepit/
Articles on Music Scene Magazine (LA): http://www.musicscenemag.com/?s=Myki+Angeline
Articles on The Indie Times: http://www.theindietimes.com/contributors/myki-angeline/
WiMN: What is the most gratifying aspect of your work?
MA: The most gratifying aspect for me is being able to bring an artist’s dream to fruition by means of exposure, performance, and connecting them with others in the field. The amount of talent that exists in the world is truly awe inspiring. This is what drives me to learn all I can, anywhere I can and do what I can to bring awareness to the world.
WiMN: Do you play any instruments? Can you tell us about your history in the performing arts?
MA: I am learning acoustic guitar and will soon learn to play drums.
My history in performance includes mixed martial arts, ballet, team and hip hop, gymnastics and Hawaiian and Tahitian drumming. I studied many of these starting as a young child. I was a physical fitness trainer in the late ’90s and taught martial arts to children and adults from 1993-2012. I have also choreographed dance routines for youth competing in talent shows, and had a brief stint singing with a cover band called Repeat Offender back in 2004.
WiMN: Who are some of your female role models in the industry, musicians or otherwise?
MA: As a preteen my ultimate idol was Olivia Newton-John, mainly for her soothing vocals and her never ending love and advocacy for animals. I also admire Angelina Jolie’s work with a multitude of benefits and charities. Locally, one of my biggest role models is Larisa Bryski, singer/songwriter, pianist, mother, who is also a vocal coach and served for several years as the music director for Skip’s Music in Sacramento, CA. She worked for many years with their Stairway to Stardom program which has been around for over 30 years, successfully showcasing our youth in rock music. I plan on nominating her for a She Rocks Awards in 2016!
WiMN: Can you share your experience as a woman in the industry? Have there been any challenges?
MA: I have spent my entire life making my voice heard. Being a short Filipino woman I faced many obstacles and worked hard to overcome them all. So, by the time I came to the music industry I was more than prepared to shine. I would have to say that my biggest challenge in this industry was learning how to make my point heard and accepted without rubbing people the wrong way. Being as assertive and enthusiastic as I am can make some people a little wary. 😉
WiMN: What is some advice you’d offer to a young woman pursuing a career in the industry?
MA: My advice to young women is simple; follow your heart and never comprise your integrity. There is a delicate balance in learning to be open minded to new ideas without having to change who you are. Remain a student of life, learn all you can in your field, practice, practice, practice, and above all, network! Opportunities are endless to those that remain relentless.
WiMN: What’s in store for you for the remainder of 2014?
MA: Mainly working on my M.A.N.A. website, and getting my own story out there. I have taken on a new client, and a new project highlighting some key women from Sacramento, CA, so there is much to complete for my big launch in 2015! So, keep your eyes and ears peeled for more from Myki Angeline.
