Metropolitan Muse: Angel Nunez

by Sarah Crisman

This is the second in a series called Metropolitan Muse. Crisman explores women in Dallas-Fort Worth who are rocking the arts scene. Check out the first installment featuring Julia Adamy.

Tanner Ellison

Angel Nunez of the Hand Combine (at Second Street on The Square in Denton).

Meet Angel Nunez of the Hand Combine. I met Angel on the house show circuit, where she birds around with some of the most down-to-earth, freakishly talented musicians in town. It is people like Angel that make Denton such a magical place to live, as any gathering lends itself to sudden song. Her voice sounds of home (and also a little like Zooey Deschanel).

Angel will be performing on October 7 as part of The Texas Women's Museum Girls That Rock! series (check out the killer exhibit while you're there).

What possessed you to become a musician? How long have you been playing?

I started singing for church and led the praise team at chapel at my school during high school. I have been singing all my life, I guess. My family is incredibly musical, my dad has been in many bands growing up and my sister Miranda was always in choir. Singing is the thing that makes me the happiest. I love to do it all the time.

Do you write music as well? Where do you find inspiration for your music?

I do write music. I write all the songs for the Hand Combine and I write all the time. Oh goodness, my inspirations are from my life -- all the sad and good things from it. I love to sing about things that I cannot say. Most of the songs are about relationships and lessons I have learned, my family -- they live far away and miss them all the time. I don't know, I embrace awkwardness and love to sing about it. It's easier to laugh about something horrible because you know it's horrible and you can't do anything about it, so you just laugh.

Who are your top five musical influences?

This is kind of embarrassing. Jenny Lewis, Morgan from Whispertown 2000, My Sister, Miranda Platt, The Avett Brothers, and Ben Kweller.

What's your secret to kicking ass in the boys club?

Oh, I do not know how to kick. I'm very clumsy. No. I don't think being a girl sets me apart or anything. I am just so excited that I am finally doing something with my music! It's about time. Guys are in my band too!

Favorite local bands?

Baruch the Scribe, Seryn, Spooky Folk, and Sarah Jaffe.

Who's on your dream jam roster?

I'd have to say singing with Zooey Deschanel -- only because I am obsessed with her voice and would love to harmonize with her, but I am pretty more than happy harmonizing with my bandmate, Kristen Bryant.