What inspired you to pursue music?
I’ve always had a passion for singing ever since I was a little girl. My first talent show was in third grade. I grabbed my black fender electric guitar, sang “What I Like About You” by The Romantics, and in that moment I knew I never wanted to stop performing. James Taylor was the artist who inspired me to start writing original songs at twelve years old. I’ve always knew that music is what I need, want, and love to do.
How would you describe your musical style?
My musical style falls in the category of Country Pop. As I think it leans towards the Country genre, there are elements of contemporary Country that make it more modern.
You just released your new single “Looking Back On You”, what has been your thought about the reaction of the new single?
I have been thrilled to see how people have responded to my new single, “Looking Back on You.” Friends and fans have reached out saying how they love the fact that it isn’t a sad or angry breakup song. It’s a new approach on looking back on a past relationship.
This isn’t your typical breakup song, can you tell us how did the idea for this song come about?
This song is personal to my life and is based off a past relationship. Even though there was hurt and heartbreak, there are no feelings of regret. I think at some point, we all have a relationship in our life that was full of growth, support, and love. But, in the end, something’s not quite right. Even though there is love there, it doesn’t necessarily mean that person is your forever. It’s a good feeling to look back on someone and the memories you shared together and only be filled with good thoughts.
Any fun moments while creating the song?
I wrote this song with my friend, Ryan Morris. When we got into his studio to start writing and we opened up about past relationships and the reasons why it didn’t work out. I felt like our friendship really blossomed from creating this single. When I decided this was a song I wanted to release, we brought in Justin Miller, producer and writer, on this track and we had a blast making “Looking Back on You” into what is sounds like now. The fun moments for me are the times of laughter, goofy takes, and everything that falls into the creative process when you enter a studio. The best feeling is listening to it all the pieces come together. I feel like I’ve not only gained a new song but two new friendships.
Are you planning to perform your new song live anytime soon?
Yes, I plan to perform my new song live in a few different writer rounds around Nashville within the next few months and creating a full band show in the summer. A radio interview and performance is in the works as well.
What does it feel like to be releasing your own original music?
Releasing my own original music is one of the best feelings. Being able to write real and raw emotion, with the hope that people will relate, is something that doesn’t compare to anything else.
How do you want your relationship to be with your supporters?
I want to have an interactive relationship with my fans. I wouldn’t be able to do what I love without the support that I receive daily. It means the world to me when someone reaches out and says that a certain song is their favorite or has affected them in their own life. Music is the universal language that everyone can understand and it’s truly beautiful that it is something that connects us all to one another.
What was the craziest fan encounter you have had?
I’m not sure that I have ever had a crazy fan encounter but I have had people recognize me in a local Starbucks in Nashville which was very surreal. I love when people reach out from another country and say that they are a big fan. It’s so amazing to know that my music is being listened to in other places in the world. The best fan interaction I’ve had was in the summer of 2018 in Sacramento at this event called “Golf and Guitars.” The first night songwriters get to play in rounds and the next day we golf in teams for charities. When I was driving the golf cart to the next hole, I heard my name being called and when I looked back I saw a little boy, probably around age 6, running after my cart. I stopped and he wanted me to sign his golf ball and then he wanted to sign one for me so I could remember him as well. I’ll always treasure that moment because, for me, that is what being an artist and creating music is all about – spreading love and happiness. I think that time was extra special because it was in my hometown.
What social media platform do you use most to stay connected to your supporters?
I use instagram the most to stay connected to my supporters. @avalonkali
Are there any other projects in the works you can tell us about?
I am working on releasing another single in May this year.
Do you have any last things you want to tell your supporters?
Being an independent artist can be tough but is so incredibly worth it because of you all. I am so grateful for each and every one of my supporters who listen to my music. I can not say thank you enough for being a fan and being the reason I get excited about releasing more music to come.
