Meet Angelo | Founder: Sunlight Media LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angelo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angelo, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting Sunlight Media wasn’t something I planned out from day one—it happened organically. For over 20 years, I was a professional musician, touring and performing regularly. In between shows, flights and sound-checks, there was a lot of downtime, so I started building websites for the bands I played with and other bands & musicians I knew. At first, it was just a way to stay productive and creative between gigs.

As time went on, more and more people started reaching out for website work. I eventually had to start turning projects down because I simply didn’t have the time. That’s when it hit me—I was leaving a lot of opportunity on the table.

Around that same time, I was struck with some severe neck and back pain issues that forced me to take a break from drumming. I used that 12-month recovery period to dive headfirst into the business side of things. I built a small team of designers, developers, and marketers, and what started as a side hustle naturally grew into a full-time business.

Since launching in January 2011, Sunlight Media has been focused on helping other businesses succeed online. Music is still a passion, but now it’s more of a creative outlet on the side. Running the agency allows me to stay creative while building something that helps other entrepreneurs and business owners grow.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
While Sunlight Media is a huge part of my day-to-day life now, the real foundation of everything I do today was built during my time as a professional musician. I started learning drums at a young age, thanks in part to one of my uncles who owned a drum store. Every Saturday morning, I’d clean drum kits, vacuum floors, and even scrub toilets—just to earn a free lesson from one of the teachers at his shop. I showed up every week without fail, always ready with the material I had practiced.

By the time I was in high school, I had formed a band with some friends, and that passion quickly turned into something real. I studied with great teachers, soaked up everything I could from other musicians, and threw myself into the craft with everything I had.

Eventually, I made the leap to the U.S. with nothing guaranteed—just a lot of hope and the work ethic I’d built over the years. I knew one drummer in LA, David “Hawk” Lopez, and reconnected with him during a short trip before officially moving. I started subbing for his bands, and that opened the door to more gigs in Southern California. That eventually led me to join Liquid Blue, a band that took me around the world—almost 40 countries. It was the kind of experience I never could’ve dreamed of growing up in a small city, such as Perth.

The move wasn’t easy. I had to build everything from scratch in a country where I didn’t know many people. But the hustle, the discipline, and the passion I had for music helped me carve out a place here. I bring that same energy into Sunlight Media—working hard, staying consistent, and giving it everything I’ve got.

What sets me apart is that I come from both a creative and entrepreneurial background. I understand the importance of vision and originality, but I also know how to execute, how to grind, and how to deliver results. I’m proud of what I’ve built in both music and business, and even more proud of the journey that brought me here. I want people to know that behind the brand is someone who truly cares about quality, creativity, and helping others grow through hard work and dedication.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whenever friends or family visit Los Angeles, I love putting together a week of experiences that show them just how much this city has to offer—beyond the usual tourist traps. As a musician, I’m always excited to introduce people to some of LA’s best live music spots. Two of my go-to venues are Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood and The Baked Potato in Studio City. The level of musicianship in these places is next level—even seasoned players walk away amazed.

For nature lovers, we’re spoiled here. I’d plan a few hikes through the San Gabriel Mountains, the Santa Monica Mountains, or even a more relaxed trek through the Hollywood Hills. The views are always worth it, and it’s a great way to reset and soak up the beauty of SoCal.

We’d definitely spend time along the coast—maybe start the week at Zuma Beach for a mellow beach day, then check out Marina del Rey, and make our way down to Rancho Palos Verdes to explore the incredible cliff walks and ocean views.

And of course, we all love to eat. LA’s food scene is one of my favorite things about living here. I’d take them to some of my favorite spots for Middle Eastern, Italian, and Asian cuisine—places that locals love but tourists often miss. It’s important to me that visitors experience the real heart of LA, not just the celebrity sightings and movie sets.

Whether my visitors are into art, culture, food, or music—this city has something special to offer. LA isn’t just about Hollywood celebrities —it’s the diversity, the creativity, the scenery, the hidden gems, and the people that make it such an unforgettable place to explore.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely didn’t get here alone, and I’m grateful for the people who’ve inspired and supported me throughout my journey. I come from a family of musicians and entrepreneurs, so creativity and drive have always been part of my environment. Two of my biggest early influences were my uncles, Bruno and Sam Pizzata, both well-known musicians in the Australian music scene. They weren’t just talented performers—they also ran successful music businesses in Perth, which showed me how art and entrepreneurship could go hand in hand.

Beyond them, I’ve been lucky to grow up surrounded by hardworking friends & family members who all found their own path in business. I come from a very tight-knit Italian family where passion, consistency, and hard work are everything, and that mindset has shaped me deeply.

But above all, I have to thank my incredible mother. I lost my father when I was just eight years old, and she raised me and my two sisters on her own. She showed me the value of being kind, honest, and resilient, and taught me to always strive to be the best version of myself. Her strength and love gave me the foundation I needed to succeed in life, both personally and professionally.

I also draw inspiration from successful entrepreneurs in my industry and from the discipline of other professional musicians & athletes—especially in sports I’m passionate about like soccer, MMA, and Aussie rules football. Their commitment and work ethic fuel my own drive to grow and push forward every day.

Website: https://sunlightmedia.org/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sunlightmedia/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunlight-media

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/designerLA

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SunlightMedia

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SunlightMediaLosAngeles

Other: https://groovedrummer.com/

https://g.page/sunlightmediallc?gm

https://maps.app.goo.gl/aeZo1Q5AJRzbw1Wa9

Image Credits
Headshot by; Rafael Larin
https://thelightcommittee.com/