Meet Angel Vega: RubbaSoul, Headbangers Ball and a Life in Music

Angel Vega is a Southern California singer, songwriter, guitarist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist who performs solo as RubbaSoul and fronts the 80s powerhouse rock tribute band Headbangers Ball.In this episode of The SoCal Setlist, Angel talks about growing up in Orange County, discovering guitar after one of his brother’s friends played a Batman riff, and later teaching himself through YouTube videos, tabs, classic rock songs, and a lot of trial and error. Early influences included Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Eagles, and the heavier bands that made him want to pick up an electric guitar — Megadeth, Metallica, and Slayer.Angel also shares how he got started playing in bands, from garage rock and surf-inspired original music in San Marcos to the thrash metal project Xypher after moving to Murrieta. Along the way, he played house shows, backyard parties, skate parks, and dusty mosh-pit gigs that helped shape his confidence as a performer.The conversation also digs into Headbangers Ball, the 80s hard rock and metal tribute band where Angel takes on songs from artists like Iron Maiden, Ozzy, Judas Priest, Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Skid Row, Scorpions, and Guns N’ Roses. Angel talks about building setlists like a rollercoaster, opening with “Mr. Crowley,” reading the crowd, and why those songs still connect with people who grew up hearing them.Angel also talks about launching RubbaSoul after an open mic at Bailey’s, realizing he already had the songs, gear, and drive to start booking solo shows. He shares the story behind his album Delusions, which he recorded at home using GarageBand, a Blue Yeti mic, and a Focusrite interface. The Beatles are a major influence on Angel’s songwriting, and the name RubbaSoul is a play on his favorite Beatles album, Rubber Soul.This episode is about self-teaching, taking chances, putting yourself out there, and staying connected to the feeling that made you want to play music in the first place.Follow Angel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubbasoul/Follow Headbangers Ball on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headbangersballmusic/The SoCal Setlist is sponsored by Tsunami Cables. 🌊When your signal matters, your cable matters.Use promo code SOCALSETLIST at checkout for 10% off your order at TsunamiCables.com.