s there such a thing as being on top of your game and yet still being underrated? I believe so if you are talking about the multi-talented Angel Mena. Angel is an excellent vocalist whose strong voice and seemingly unlimited range have made him an immediate success in the business of singing. With the flexibility to hit you with a great bassy song similar to a Sam Savon, and the ability to reach an upper register like George Lamond; this artist has become one of the better singers in this freestyle genre.

Angel Mena has been singing since the age of 15 and has steadily built a reputation as an excellent singer with an equally electric personality. He was introduced to the business of music by legendary music supporter Mr. Musica out of Hartford, CT. There Angel was signed to a developmental deal with Tropical Igloo records. Tropical Igloo is best remembered for the rare single by Mimi, “Tell me that I’m dreaming.” The relationship with Igloo never materialized and Angel was left to fend for himself out in the music world.

Angel spent years honing his singing and writing skills with his younger brother Julio Mena. They eventually hooked up with another pair of brothers, Elvis and Jeffrey Vega to form the short lived group, Together as One. TAO for short. TAO released a freestyle single called, “Fly as can be” on Tazmania records in 1994. Shortly thereafter, the group split over scheduling conflicts and Angel and Julio were left without a group. At around the same time, another local group that had similar success was going through member changes as well. Viper 7’s Vocal Image disbanded leaving founding member Fred-Nice solo for the first time in his career. Angel and Fred were obvious acquaintances because of the similar business ventures they undertook. The respect and admiration they had for each other eventually led to the merger between Angel and Fred, and later on Julio Mena.

Vocal Image was now temporarily without a label and direction. Angel and Fred shopped demos across the country eventually finding a home in New York City with Artistik Records. The group recorded, “Why”, with Willie Valentin and successfully debut as a hot brand new group in the Artistik family. The immediate success of the single made the group local and regional celebrities in the freestyle market. Eventually Julio Mena came on board to fill up the roster and take it to the next level. The new group recorded, “Without your love”, which was released on the Artistik Parade volume II cd. Shortly after the release of this cd, the group went through a transition of differences and misunderstandings. The group disbanded in 1997 and started working on individual projects. Angel Mena joined forces with brother Julio to form the Mena Brothers and release their first hit, “I Owe it all to you” on Artistik Parade III. By this time, Angel had established his reputation as a great singer and was being asked to do backgrounds on countless tracks and compilations. In the later part of 1998, Angel established the pseudonym, In Order to perform his solo projects from there on out.

Angel Mena, In Order, and Vocal Image have been steadily releasing quality freestyle music for the better part of 10 years now. Angel is one of New England’s brightest vocalists who only needs the right opportunity and break to truly shine. Currently, he is running his own production company called In Order Music Productions, while working on the Vocal Image album with partner Fred-Nice. His keen insight and risk taking personality set him apart from producers that are afraid to stray from the norm. We truly expect the man that brought you the hits, “Win back your love, I need to Know, and Come back to me” to be equally successful in producing and writing as he was in singing. The scary part…he’s only just begun.

Mario - FM Media 2005