"I hope that people start to really see the value that live music brings to our quality of life, to our wellbeing and to the harmony of a society. Also, I hope that they speak up and let their city councilmen know that we need more venues, in all cities, for live music."

Angelica Jones: New Generation Blues

Angelica Jones has arrived—new name, same unstoppable energy. Formerly known as the Angelina Hunter Trio, this powerhouse band delivers the raw, electrifying sound fans know and love, now with a fresh identity. From gritty guitar riffs to soulful vocals, Angelica Jones is here to redefine blues for a new generation, all while staying true to the heart of their music. Angelica Jones released their highly anticipated new single "12 Feet Tall" (2024). Known for their electrifying performances and soul-stirring sound, the newly rebranded band debuts a fresh identity while staying true to their roots: Same Great Music, Bold New Name. Created with the band’s longtime videographer and creative partner, Nadav Santo, the video for "12 Feet Tall" takes fans on a journey that amplifies the song’s intensity. A powerful rocking blues track, "12 Feet Tall" highlights Angelica’s fierce guitar and dynamic vocals, capturing the raw energy and spirit that define Angelica Jones.                                      (Angelica Jones / Sean Sisk Photography)

In September 2023, The Angelina Hunter Trio – now Angelica Jones – released their sophomore full-length album, LET IT SLIDE. She is supported by, and matched in attitude with thunderous drums from Sandy Hunter and grinding basses from Adam Bell. This rhythm section is both aggressive and able to turn on a dime. Previous single “Sunday Morning” released in September 2024. With roots in blues-rock, Angelica Jones blends heartfelt storytelling with innovative musicianship, appealing to both longtime blues fans and new audiences. Fresh off multiple accolades, including a Maple Blues Award nomination for New Artist/Group of the Year, the group’s transformation reflects their dynamic evolution as artists.

Interview by Michael Limnios                   Special Thanks: Sarah French Publicity

How has the Blues and Rock music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most? 

When you go to a music festival, you go there to immerse yourself in the entire experience of live music. You’re in a huge crowd of diverse people from different age groups and ethnicities and it doesn’t matter at all. That’s not the point. The point is the music and the feeling you get when you take in a great show and feel the energy from both the musicians and the crowd that surrounds you. The point is feeling awesome and having a great time with people who also enjoy music. 

If we could carry this into all other aspects of life in this world filled with turmoil and hate, maybe people would finally see that our differences don’t matter. If we can all get together and be happy and experience the universal language of the world – which is music, why shouldn’t we be able to do the same across the board?

I have always absolutely loved live music and big festivals, but I was finally fully able to understand and feel the full effect of a huge crowd of people, all brought together by their love of music, when we opened for Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings at Kemptville Live in 2022. There had to be 10 thousand people there and the energy from the crowd was palpable. You could almost see it…if we could find a way to bottle that up and share it – I truly believe there would be no more wars man.  That moment up there, in front of all those people, sharing my music from deep down in my soul, confirmed for absolute certain what I had always thought… When I grow up, I want to be a rock star…there is nothing better than the energy that’s generated from people sharing a musical experience together. Nothing like it.

"I think it’s because blues-rock music is real. It’s created my real musicians and conveys true emotion.  It reminds us of a time when this was the only way music was and this creates nostalgia.  Nostalgia makes us happy and as a result, makes us want to hang on to this incredible genre that let’s you into the musicians’ vulnerabilities and be part of the musical experience in real time." (Angelica Jones with her band: Adam Bell on bass and Sandy Hunder on drums / Sean Sisk Photography)

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

We are contemporary blues – that is, our music is based on the blues genre but has a southern rock edge to it. Large guitar riffs and soulful vocals. It’s definitely new, but yet familiar. 

All three of us studied music in university – that’s where we met. Therefore, our technical skills have been honed and refined. I studied opera in order to perfect my vocal technique so that I could perform continuously while on tour without loosing my voice. However, my intention was never to become an opera singer – it was to learn how to use my voice with extreme finesse so that I could express the emotions I feel in my soul in our music.

Why do you think that the Blues Rock music continues to generate such a devoted following in Canada?

I think it’s because blues-rock music is real. It’s created my real musicians and conveys true emotion.  It reminds us of a time when this was the only way music was and this creates nostalgia.  Nostalgia makes us happy and as a result, makes us want to hang on to this incredible genre that let’s you into the musicians’ vulnerabilities and be part of the musical experience in real time. 

Blues-rock is not prefabricated fluff that’s completely choreographed and predetermined before the show even begins. It’s live and heartfelt. It’s different every time. There may be mistakes that are turned into magic – and that’s ok. That’s real man, it’s not overly polished.  It’s not hyper-safe. It’s rough and it’s real and as an audience member, you can feel that.  It takes a lot of guts to leave it all up there on stage. To be vulnerable, to take those chances and to go big or go home. But if you do, everyone can feel it and it’s worth being a little uncomfortable and nervous about opening yourself up ‘cause the return on investment is astronomical.                                      (Photo: Angelica Jones)

"I am very proud to be one of the few female lead guitarists around right now. But that being said, there are more and more women and young girls who are playing lead guitar and not just acoustic ballads. I mean, why not?! It’s so much fun to play a mean, screaming guitar solo! There are also many amazing female vocalists out there and I love to find the great new voices we have in the Canadian blues scene."

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

I remember being in the front row watching Wilson Pickett at the Ottawa Bluesfest when I was around 18. He wanted to get someone from the audience up on stage and he chose me.  He sang a little musical line into the microphone then passed the mic over to me and said, “ok, now your turn”. So I opened up the floodgates and let 'er rip with my big huge voice going out across the crowd of 20 thousand people. Then Wilson Pickett looked me dead in the eyes and said, “How in the world…did that voice come out of such a small person!”  It was pretty funny and really awesome to have the privilege of singing with one of the great Motown legends.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past?

I guess I would have to say that what I miss is the number of live music venues that existed in the past. Going to see live music was a normal part of people’s lives. Now it is way more common for people to stay home and binge watch live concerts on YouTube. Or stream someone playing a song in their living room, or short little snippets of music to fit the Instagram mold.  As a result, many venues have had to close down leaving us with only a handful of small music venues or large curated festivals. Very hard to find anything in between.

What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I hope that people start to really see the value that live music brings to our quality of life, to our wellbeing and to the harmony of a society. Also, I hope that they speak up and let their city councilmen know that we need more venues, in all cities, for live music.

"Be creative – keep writing and don’t be afraid to level up your comfortable repertoire. When you’re performing, you should never be just going through the motions – you should be fully immersed in the music." (Photo: Angelica Jones with Adam Bell and Sandy Hunder / Sean Sisk Photography)

What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?

I am very proud to be one of the few female lead guitarists around right now. But that being said, there are more and more women and young girls who are playing lead guitar and not just acoustic ballads. I mean, why not?! It’s so much fun to play a mean, screaming guitar solo! There are also many amazing female vocalists out there and I love to find the great new voices we have in the Canadian blues scene.  So much opportunity for collaboration and great festival pairings. All I know is that I love to sing and play the guitar and I have been on the Canadian music scene for almost 20 years. Yeah, I’ve often been the only woman on the bill, but that just gives me the chance to stand out and shine. Which is exactly what I think the other female musicians are doing right now.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

1) You don’t get paid to play, you get paid to travel, set up and tear down.

2) You have to be authentic and true to your music, even if, especially if, you don’t fit the mold.

3) Be creative – keep writing and don’t be afraid to level up your comfortable repertoire. When you’re performing, you should never be just going through the motions – you should be fully immersed in the music.

4) It’s extremely difficult to make it in the music industry. Regular life is way, way easier. But making music is always worth it and it’s the only path for me.

5) No is not a final answer, it’s just progress. You’re getting closer to a yes. You can be turned down 10+ times before you get a win.

6) Making music is a team effort, you only shine if everybody shines.

7) Music is not a competition. Music is subjective, one person might love your music while the other can’t stand it.

8) Don’t forget that to be a great musician, you need to expose yourself to lots of music. Go to shows. Support your friends. Take in some good tunes on the regular.

Angelica Jones - Home

(Angelica Jones / Sean Sisk Photography)