Vaja (rhymes with Asia), aka Angela Wimbish, grew up in a

military family that moved around a lot, but has since settled in Los Angeles to pursue her music career. The 26-year-old, who is Korean, black, Hawaiian and German, says it’s the work of Metallica, Bjork and Depeche Mode that influenced her as a rock artist. It was, however, the encouraging words from members of the band No Doubt that inspired Vaja the most and kept her focused on a lofty goal: to be the most successful recording artist of all time.

 

‘Vaja’ fit my look and my story and music. I wanted to create something that was eye and ear catching, that was one name like Madonna or Sting. I wanted a name that everyone can remember.”

 

When did you know you wanted to be a musician?

I’ve been singing since I’ve been in diapers. Rock music has been instilled in me [from] a young age. My mom used to take me to all the big famous rock concerts, and at every concert she got me backstage.

How’d she swing that?

Because my mom’s cool. She’s hot. Even to this day people think she’s my friend. She’s very pretty and very exotic looking because she is mixed too.

How did you get Adrian Young of No Doubt to appear on your album?

My friend was dating the bass player Tony in high school. She took me backstage during their Tragic Kingdom tour. I was in the bus, and Gwen and Adrian and them all walk in, and they were so nice. They were telling me “Never give up on your dreams.” After they told me that, I just worked my ass off. Years down the road I ran into Adrian at this big drum off competition, and I told [him], “Thank you so much for being an inspiration in my life.” He’s like, “Let me know if you ever want me to play drums on your record.”

What goes on in your head when you’re on stage performing?

It’s just a world of ecstasy. It just feels good because you’re giving back to the audience. They connect with us. It’s a beautiful thing. It’s love.

Has there been a point when you’ve wanted to give up and do something else?

No, not at all. It’s a battle. My whole motto is, “If you’ve got nothing to die for, then you’ve got nothing to live for.”

 

 

-Nina Ahn