The Double Chord: Angel Murray Talks Music, Academia And Staying Motivated
Juggling law lectures by day and studio sessions by night, 20-year-old Angel Murray is forging her own path, where passion meets pressure and alt-pop gets personal.
Angel Murray in 2025. Image property of Lauren Meaney.
In today's fast-paced world, the pressure to have everything figured out can feel insurmountable—especially when it comes to choosing a career and setting long-term goals. Working against the grain of societal expectations, searching for one's true calling can feel daunting. But at just 20 years old, London singer-songwriter Angel Murray is taking an unconventional path.
Angel is a rising force in the alt-pop scene. Her style ranges from upbeat tracks to heartstring-plucking emotional ballads, which incorporate expansive soundscapes and intricate storytelling, allowing her to nurture a strong connection with her supporters.
However, Angel's journey goes beyond the studio and into academia as she pursues a law degree, managing the rigour of her studies with the complex demands of the music industry. It's a balancing act that many people can relate to while deciding on a "path"; figuring out who you are, what you should be doing, and how to combine your passions in a way that feels fulfilling.
For Angel, it's not about choosing one or the other, but merging both of her dreams into a life that feels authentic to her. In doing so, it's clear that she's certainly not one to shy away from a challenge.
In this Q&A, Angel spoke to The Culture Crypt about where her musical journey started, how she juggles music and law, and what keeps her motivated despite the pressure that comes with the two professions.
The Culture Crypt: For those who haven't listened to your music yet, can you share a little bit about who you are and what your sound is?
Angel Murray: "I'm Angel Murray, a 20-year-old singer-songwriter from London. It feels strange saying that, because I just turned 20 on February 18th. My music blends pop and alternative pop, capturing a range of emotions from up-tempo tracks that make you dance to songs that you can scream-cry to. I aim to bring a mix of different feelings and energy."
How did you first get into making music?
"To be honest, I was just playfully singing when my best friend suddenly seemed shocked and was like, 'Wait, you can sing?!'. We joked about making a song that day. She got her guitar out and all, but nothing really came of it. However, that moment is what led me to start writing songs. It was something that came naturally because of my love for poetry and expressing my emotions in writing. Eventually, I found the producers I still work with today, and we've been creating music together ever since."
Do you have any key influences?
"My Jamaican roots have always been a big part of my life, influencing my love for reggae with artists like Wayne Wonder as well as Bob Marley and the Wailers. My music taste also spans across multiple genres, from pop icons like Ariana Grande to R&B artists like Kehlani. I'm also incredibly inspired by Tyler, the Creator; his authentic and unique style is so damn cool. I love how he's just unapologetically himself."
You've mentioned that you're studying law; what drew you to that field?
"I was drawn to law because I found how it intersects with everything fascinating. In sixth form, I studied a mix of creative, technical, and business-related subjects, achieving A*AA, so I realistically could have gone on to study any of them. But, it was intriguing to me how law (which I didn't study) still played a role in all of my subjects. It made me realise just how much it influences everything around us, and that curiosity led me to study it at university."
How have you managed to strike a balance while juggling two passions?
"Balancing law and music has been tricky. I've had to rely heavily on time management, and keeping a detailed calendar has been crucial. It's important not to spread yourself too thin, but if you're passionate about both, you can definitely make it work. I typically dedicate my daytime to university work and evenings to music, but I'm flexible and adjust as needed so I'm not too harsh on myself."
What are the biggest challenges that you've had to navigate in both music and academia? How do you feel they've shaped you and your journey?
"The biggest challenge has been maintaining a healthy relationship with both fields. With law, it's about staying passionate and engaged. It's been important to keep my curiosity alive and not let the demands of the subject dampen my enthusiasm. In music, overcoming imposter syndrome has been a big challenge. Being self-taught, I've had to remind myself that my way of learning is just as valid. Ultimately though, time management has been crucial, and I've learned to recognise my limits to avoid burnout while pursuing both passions."
What are your hopes for your future?
"My hopes for the future are to continue growing as an artist, to bring joy to myself and my fans, and to eventually pursue music full-time. I would love to keep refining my sound, experimenting with new styles and techniques, and continuing to evolve as a songwriter and performer. My new single 'Dreamt You' was a great example of this, where I experimented with new sounds and different bridges. Ultimately, I just want to keep creating, taking on every good opportunity, and connecting more with my audience."
What do you want people to take away from your music?
"I want people to take whatever resonates with them from my music. Music is all about perception and personal experience. Each listener should feel free to draw their own emotions and meanings from it, and I hope my songs can be a space for people to feel and connect in their own way. If I made a happy song today, and tomorrow, someone told me it made them feel something entirely different, I'd be thrilled. I think it's beautiful when a song can mean different things to different people."
At this stage, what can we expect next for you, music-wise?
"You can expect a lot of new music, cool visuals, and more content overall. I'm also really working on refining my live performance, as I haven't yet said yes to any promoters. It's important to me to ensure I give a great performance because my fans deserve an amazing show. So, you can look forward to seeing me live in the near future, along with some new merch that I know my fans have been dying for, haha."
“I typically dedicate my daytime to university work and evenings to music, but I’m flexible and adjust as needed so I’m not too harsh on myself.”
Do you have any advice for anyone looking to pursue a similar path?
"Believe in yourself and give it your best shot. It's also so important to stay resilient and manage your time well. Don't be afraid to pursue multiple passions. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve. There are so many resources out there nowadays to keep learning that new thing, whatever that may be, go for it."
Stream "Dreamt You" below: