Krista Angelucci “Jungle”

Mar 22, 2019·9 min read

Let’s just say most of the love songs I write these days go out to a very special guy.

Life. That’s what Billerica, MA, native Krista Angelucci writes and sings about, “I feel that with country music, you can sing about anything — love, faith, a broken heart — things I’ve experienced in life so far.”

Her family has encouraged her music career since she was singing jingles around the house.

Read you sang commercial jingles at age 3 — are they the first tunes you sang?

I specifically remember singing “Hot pockets”. Haha I’ve always loved catchy hooks! If only my 3-year-old living room version of that had took off! Although I did do some professional commercial work. I had the chance to be the vocal in a Fuji film commercial in Japan for a women’s energy drink. Really cool experience and ended up with some fans in Japan!

At age eight she sang her first solo at church and her passion for music was undeniable. Her parents are super supportive, “My dad is always the one who tells me to step back and see how much has happened when I fall into that little rut.”

What was the first song you wrote and recorded?

My parents recently found a folder of old songs. Let me tell you I’ve come a long way haha!! We should probably lock those away. The first song that I recorded at a studio would be “Everything I Am” which I wrote for my family when my papa passed away.

Commercial jingles weren’t the only catchy tunes the young artist sang at home. Angelucci could be heard putting her own mark on Disney songs.

Favorite Disney song to sing?

Apparently my go to was Beauty and the Beast as a little girl. But I’m a Disney fanatic so it’s hard to choose!

What inspired you and cowriter Shannon McArthur (“Boom Boom”) to write “Jungle”?

I had the hook “Jungle” written down for awhile. Most likely it came from my love of leopards and the phrase “Jungle Boy” from my love of Disney haha! My friend Shannon and I started writing to a track he was building and it just flowed from there.

Listen to Jungle on Spotify, Amazon Music, iTunes

Did you have a specific person in mind when you wrote Jungle?

Ummm probably Baloo from the Jungle Book haha! My mind was somewhere in a Disney movie. Honestly I think I was just caught up in the fun feel of the song itself, but let’s just say most of the love songs I write these days go out to a very special guy.

How did you choose Bandtwango to help you fund the production of the song’s video?

Bandtwango recently became a sponsor of “Women Crush It” which is a platform I run with my friend Melanie Meriney to showcase women in music. I was able to get to know John and Carl, who are great guys and very knowledgeable in the music industry. They have helped their artists accomplish a lot of really cool things and I felt it was a great fit for me to team up with Bandtwango and run a campaign. This campaign helps fund the new music video for “Jungle”.

Following the successful project, any more fan promotions planned for the new single?

The campaign was a success and couldn’t be more grateful! Right now I am just working on getting the video shoot plans together. I cannot wait to get started and share this project with everyone.

How do you keep a balance when a new song is out, you’re promoting, working and make time for yourself?

Good question! I think ahead a lot. Which is a good and bad thing. Some times I’m so far out with my thoughts I get a little caught up ha. But I love what I do and so I think it comes pretty natural to keep a balance with everything.

Which musicians and songwriters have had the greatest influence on your music?

Amy Grant! I’ve had many influences though including Keith Urban, Deanna Carter, Celine Dion, and that list just keeps growing.

Where do your writing ideas come from?

Most come from life! Either something I’ve personally been through or something my co-writer has. But the fun thing about writing is you can write about anything you want! There are songs that are completely made up. Sometimes you just have an idea that sounds fun or catchy and you go with it.

Does running inspire your song writing?

I do enjoy running. I enjoy working out in general. It can help with writing but I get inspired a lot when I’m driving.

Which songwriter would you like to collaborate with next?

Good question! There are so many amazing writers here in Nashville that I hope to collaborate with in the future, but one of my favorite well known artists/writers is Ed Sheeran. I’d love to write a song with him someday.

What’s it like singing other people’s songs and how does it compare to singing your own?

There’s definitely a deep connection when it’s a song that you’ve written but I’ve connected with songs that I have not been a part of writing on as well. I think when someone pours out a piece of themselves in writing, it is honest, real, and people gravitate to that. Those are the songs you say “dang I wish I wrote that”! Haha.

Do you ever find yourself staying away from recording a song because it may not be “radio friendly” or commercial?

As a writer and an artist, you are constantly coming up with new ideas and songs. I tend to lean towards the more radio friendly catchy songs but I’ve definitely written ones that would not be considered very commercial. Would I cut those right now in my career? Probably not. There’s still a business side to it all I need to be smart about. With that being said, if I absolutely loved the song or believed in it I’d cut it. I always try to put myself in a listener’s perspective and think “would I turn this up if it came on the radio?”.

How does an independent artist like yourself go about marketing the song and video?

It’s definitely a lot of work from finding the right distribution, getting the single on play lists, finding a home for the video debut, and creating buzz. I’m very grateful for the support and people I have on my side. It’d be impossible without them!

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician?

Sharing my music!!! Being able to have someone relate to a song you wrote is the most amazing feeling.

A very personal experience led her to write “Fake Girl.”

You had me at “Hearts get broken when bottles get opened…” Those bottles are like Pandora boxes. While it must be cathartic to write a song like “Fake Girl,” is it difficult to perform such a personal song on stage?

I think it would be difficult if it was a new emotion/a fresh cut. But guess that’s the good thing about broken hearts. They heal! With that being said this song expresses personal experiences for me but I find it empowering to be able to put into words something I’m so passionate about and knowing you can come out stronger on the other side.

Is there a particular song or musical passage that never fails to move you emotionally?

“Please Forgive Me” by Bryan Adams…gets me every time.

What’s a song you have stuck in your head these days?

The cool thing about living in Nashville is you get to hear a lot of great music every day! I get a lot of my friends’ songs stuck in my head. The song I’ve been jamming out to lately though is “Feel Good” by Gryffin & Illenium (ft. Daya).

What is the first album you ever owned?

Amy Grant “House of Love”

What are your favorite albums?

I’d have to say Amy Grant “House of Love”, “Heart in Motion”, and “Behind The Eyes”. That’s the music that hugely inspired my passion and I’ll always love them.

What are three things you look for when you see an artist play live?

Stage presence! Interaction with your audience is key. I’ve seen artists who were amazing when they played, but I also could have sat there all day just listening to them talk. They knew how to captivate people. Then there’s the songs and talent, but I learn something new from every artist I’ve seen play.

You’ve opened for major artists including Kip Moore, Thomas Rhett, Hunter Hayes, Lee Brice, and sang the National Anthem before games for the Boston Celtics and the New England Patriots. What’s the biggest ‘rockstar’ moment you’ve had to date?

Every one of those moments have been an amazing experience! I’ve met really great people through them. I would have to say singing the National Anthem on New Year’s Eve for the Patriots was a pretty cool opportunity!

What are your plans & hopes for the future with regard to your music?

To keep pursing my dream and shooting for the top. The one thing I’d absolutely love is to have a song placed in a Disney movie!

Is there a celebrity you haven’t met that would be the ultimate?

There are a lot of musicians I’d love to meet, but outside of music I’d have to go with Tom Hanks. I’ve seen him at a restaurant before, but to actually meet him would be awesome!

How would you describe your perfect day?

It definitely starts with coffee!! Then I’d have to say a day on the beach. I miss being able to just drive to the ocean in 30 mins. I love Nashville, but it doesn’t have that option.

What would your friends say they appreciate the most about you?

I can kind of be the “mom” sometimes. Not sure they appreciate that haha, but I worry about everyone’s safety and making sure they are happy. I would say I’m a good listener.

What is your most valued material possession?

I wear a ring that my dad gave me when I was little girl. It has my birthstone in it. I never take it off.

If you could blink your eyes and be in a favorite place right now, where would that place be?

Home to see my family. Or if I could take them with me to somewhere tropical.

If you weren’t singing, what would you be doing?

Tough question! Music has and always will be my life. But I love animals. Maybe something that involves them. As I get older I do find I enjoy getting my hands into different business opportunities. I really enjoy hosting this Women Crush It — Maybe I’d be a TV host! Sounds fun.

Connect with Angelucci: