Hey AVE! So excited to be chatting with you! What brought on your love for music?
Thanks so much for having me! I’ve been looking forward to this for a while. My passion for performing and the arts began as little as I can remember. From age four I have been taking dance classes and impatiently anticipating the annual recitals… Even from that age I knew that performing was in my bones. By age seven I was singing and songwriting in my room while referring to Taylor Swift first autobiography for creative process tips. At eleven, I began guitar and vocal lessons as well as competitive dance. I was eating, sleeping and breathing the arts even then and well, nothing changed. In middle school I used the spring musicals as an excuse to get on a stage and in high school I was performing in; Illusion; — an annual pop concert that showcased ten student singers and 20 student band members. Illusion was my confirmation that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
How would you describe your sound?
I’m currently learning how to blend my soulful, bluesy vocals and my folksy songwriting style to create a really unique sound. When I’d gig around my hometown in high school, the crowd favorites were my covers of House of the Rising Sun by the Animals, Piece of My Heart by Janis, You and I by Lady Gaga and almost anything by Adele. I’m only 5’2” but for some reason I tackle the powerhouse, “belty” songs well. But when it comes to my songwriting, my process is often lyric driven and melodies arrive in falsetto lines and gentle delivery. My goal for 2021 is to master a blend of the two.
What’s the most rewarding part of being an independent artist?
Having complete creative control is the most rewarding part of being an independent artist. I love that I can pivot my branding whenever I feel passionately about it and I can write about topics that mean something to me — not that will be the most “commercial” or “accessible” to a wide audience. Additionally, closing the gap between artist and fan is extremely important to me. Personally, I think being signed to a label can widen the gap. The artist has less freedom to connect to their fans in a genuine way. Sometimes, an artist-fan connection is just a way for a label to make money. Thus, being an independent artist is more rewarding to me.
Please tell us more about the new music that you have been working on. When was it written and how did the experiences of 2020 shape your newest musical endeavors?
About a month ago I released my debut album, Burn Book, which names each person that inspired the song. My creative process often begins by writing a letter to someone, to myself or addressing intangible things like emotions or memories. From there, I turn lines into lyrics and melodies flow in. As I began to accumulate letters and therefore songs, I was titling the songs after the people they were about. For about a year, I had a stack of songs named after a ton of people… I finally came to a very fetch epiphany: “I kind of have a sonic Burn Book on my hands.” On November 1st, 2020, the album released. I felt like Regina George standing amidst the exposed copies of her Burn Book in the
halls of her high school : “Well, now everyone knows what I think of them and there’s no going back.” The album highlights love and heartache but also my experiences with sexual assault. I love using my art to raise awareness for “touchy topics” and conversations that need to be had.
Where do you see yourself and your career in the next 2 years?
In the next two years, I plan to challenge myself as a songwriter. I want to turn inspiring stories (that aren’t mine) into songs. I want to sing about topics that make people uncomfortable. I want to be as vulnerable as humanly possible. And it won’t be pretty, but that’s life. The show must go on. I have dreams of performing at The Bluebird Cafe and The Listening Room in Nashville. I hope I’m living there permanently and making music that impacts society.
What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment?
My Aunt Tracy encouraged me to write my first song and play my first gig back in 2014. She was the first person who really believed in me. As 2020 came to a close, I was feeling nostalgic as I looked through my memories and achievements despite the year that it was. I noticed that I had written 100 songs and I’d played 100 shows. I’m so beyond thankful for those who show up to the gigs and listen to the songs. I can’t choose between the two but they are 100% my favorite accomplishments.
What one word would you use to describe what your fans have allowed you to accomplish?
Allegiance.
Do you have any last things you’d like to tell your fans about?
My DMs are always open. I don’t want fans, I want friends. If people like my music, I hope they like my character and feel like they know me. Music is my excuse to connect with people and change the world. I hope others want to do it with me!
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer these questions! Please tell our readers where they can stay up to date on all your new projects!
I’m honored and so thankful for our conversation! Thank you. Follow my Instagram (@ave.music_) for all the updates and DM me to say hi!! I love talking to y’all.
