How Angeli Chaves is Turning Bicultural Roots Into a Global Sound With Her Upcoming EP

Today, cultural identity can sometimes feel like a balancing act. However, Angeli Chaves has learned to make that balance her strength. Born in the United States to parents and a brother raised in the Philippines, Chaves has spent her life navigating the “in-between space” of bicultural identity. But rather than seeing it as a challenge, she embraces it as the foundation of her artistry. At just 20 years old, Chaves is building a career that defies simple categories. As a singer, songwriter, model, beauty queen, and advocate, her titles only begin to tell her story. Whether performing an original pop anthem or a beloved Filipino folk song, Angeli Chaves is unmistakably herself and unapologetically proud of where she comes from.

Chaves’s debut EP, expected later this year, is already generating attention. Described by the artist as “cosmic and pop-forward,” the project leans heavily into synths, basslines, and layered harmonies reminiscent of the ‘80s but with a modern touch. More specifically, Chaves’ musical vision is influenced by Grammy-nominated producer Luigie Gonzalez, whose sharp ear and mentorship has helped Chaves find new depths in her voice. “He brought out the best in me, both vocally and emotionally,” Chaves says, recalling the playful but focused energy of their recording sessions. One moment that still makes her smile is when, after nailing a take of her track “Dream Boy,” Gonzalez quipped, “That was amazing… now can we do it better?” This combination of encouragement and challenge helps push Chaves to new creative heights.

Her upcoming EP explores the many sides of love. “Each track stands on its own, but together they tell a full story,” Chaves explains. The songs, much like Chaves herself, are sassy, sweet, fiery, and fun. Even better, her musical influences are a powerful mix of global voices and Filipino icons. Artists like Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, and KZ Tandingan taught her the power of feeling a song and making others feel it too. This level of emotion ties her work together, whether she is singing an English-language pop anthem or a centuries-old Filipino folk song.

Though she was born in the United States, Chaves feels very connected to her Filipino heritage. Even without fluency in Tagalog or Bisaya, she has memorized hundreds of traditional and contemporary Filipino songs, which she often performs on stage. “Singing those songs is my way of keeping our music and stories alive,” she says. These performances are acts of cultural preservation and celebration. “There’s this cultural pride that fuels me,” Chaves explains. “I think about how far our community has come, and how much representation still matters. I carry that with me in every performance.”

What’s more, Chaves’ commitment to culture extends far beyond the stage. In 2024, she was crowned Miss World America Stardust and won the People’s Choice Award at the national competition. But for her, the titles were more about platform-building. “To be chosen not only for how I looked, but for how I carried my voice, my culture, and my mission – that was powerful,” she reflects. And Chaves quickly turned that platform into action. She donated her winnings to Gawad Kalinga, supporting typhoon relief efforts in the Philippines.

Yet despite her growing profile, Chaves remains in her hometown of Tacoma, Washington. Local fans and supporters know her affectionately as “Tacoma’s Rising Star,” a title that, to this day, leaves her humbled. “I don’t even know what I did to deserve that title... but I’m so blessed and grateful,” she says. “The support from my community has been unmatched.” And for Chaves, hometown pride and global ambition go hand in hand. “I want the young people in Tacoma and beyond to know that their dreams are valid, even if they come from a small city,” she says. “You don’t need to wait for permission to chase your calling. If I can turn my passions into something real and impactful, so can they.”

Of course, juggling music production, live performances, community work, and fashion week appearances takes its toll. Chaves is open about the challenges of managing such a packed schedule. “I treat creativity and advocacy like oxygen – I need both to feel fulfilled,” she says. Her secret to staying grounded is faith, family, and boundaries. She makes time for loved ones and the occasional iced lavender latte or matcha to recharge. And through it all, she credits her family, especially her mother, as her greatest source of strength and inspiration. She also takes inspiration from public figures like Catriona Gray, the Miss Universe 2018 winner whose confidence and platform left a lasting impact on her.

For Chaves, her success is not based on chart positions or pageant crowns. It is about building a career path that honors where she comes from. She hopes her debut EP will be the beginning of a lifelong career creating meaningful music, advocating for her community, and inspiring the next generation of dreamers. “I just want to keep doing what I love – making music that means something, representing where I come from, and helping others along the way,” she says.

As the release of her EP approaches, Angeli Chaves is a voice for her generation, a proud daughter of the Filipino diaspora, and proof that identity can be a superpower.