Photo Credit: Julie Nikota
Hey Avery!! So excited to be chatting with you!!
Hey, thanks so much. Great to be here!
What inspired you to pursue your career in music?
I started singing and performing around the house when I was 4 years old. My parents obviously picked up on it, and soon had me in voice and violin lessons. I started singing professionally around the age of 7, and then my career started to kind of develop from there. It’s always been in my blood. As I got older, it changed from an interest to a passion. I could honestly not live without music and the joy I get expressing myself through songwriting and allowing listeners to connect with me.
Did you have a break out song that started things for you?
Not so much a song, but when I released my 2nd album “Without A Little Rain”, I started performing more, promoting that album. I remember at the release concert, the room was packed, and 98% were people I didn’t know. They had heard about the show on the radio, or online, and just wanted to check me out. I definitely felt like that was a start for me, connecting to strangers with my music.
I suppose if I am to choose a song that pushed things even farther, it would be the new ‘Pieces’ remix. It’s allowed me break onto a Billboard chart and get my music out there even more.
The StoneBridge remix of your single “Pieces” lands at #35 on the Billboard Club/Dance Music chart!! What is this accomplishment like for you? Did you gain anything from this huge accomplishment?
As of this recent week it moved up to #30 on the chart!! It’s been steadily going up since debuting back in January. It still almost doesn’t feel real, to be honest. It would have been very difficult to get there, however, without my amazing team. I feel I’ve gained a new fan base, new listeners who might not have found me otherwise. As for myself, I have a new found appreciation for dance music and what goes on behind the scenes when putting a song like this together.
With a massively growing following already your supporters must have a name for themselves* Does your fan base have a name?
My fans don’t have a name. At least I don’t know of one. 😉 But if ever I get to that point, I would think that they would name themselves! I’m not even sure what my fan name might be. My name doesn’t conform well to nicknames. 🙂
How do you want your relationship to be like with your supporters?
I want my supporters to feel very connected to me, and for them to be able to relate to the music that I put out. I feel that if I’ve at least connected to one person emotionally then my songwriting is effective, and I’ve done a good job. I’m still at the stage where fans can reach out to me on social media or email and directly connect. I’m hoping that doesn’t change too much in the future. I like knowing who appreciates my music.
What social media platform do you use most to stay connected with your supporters?
I use Instagram the most. Its easy to talk with people on that platform and engage with them as well! I do have FaceBook and Twitter, and actually have a fair amount of people following on those platforms. I try to connect with supporters on whatever platform they want, but I still prefer Instagram.
What type of music are you leaning towards for your music career?
My heart has always been with old school RnB/Soul. I’ve always loved 70’s and 80s classic pop too. My own songwriting has evolved from RnB/Blues to a more contemporary mainstream sound. I call it “Contemporary Soul”, which is just a mix of RnB, Soul, and Pop. It’s a vintage sound with a modern twist. I’m hoping to continue writing in that style and seeing where it takes me. I don’t know if I can fit into any one genre, and that’s okay.
What’s up next for you? A tour maybe?
Next for me; I am still in school, so working as much as I can on my studies towards an Honours B.A. in music. But I’ve been booking many shows around Canada, and waiting on a bunch of festivals for Spring and Summer. So lots of performances to come in 20/21! I hope we can put together a small tour soon, in both Canada and the United States.
What’s an average day for you look like?
An average day for me is waking up, going to school till around 10:30 at night, as I like to practice a lot, and maybe try to fit in some songwriting, then repeat. My days are always filled with music 🙂
What goals have you set out for yourself in your career and in your personal life?
I’m always trying to fit in as much songwriting as I can. I’ve been working on some new material lately, that I hope to release this year, either as singles, or another album. I think my next goal would be to maybe try to get on Billboard again and work towards another all original project! For me it’s all about writing and performing was much as possible.
And personally, I’m going to try to get out of that college student eating habit. Start eating healthier and get more sleep. Sometimes I need to step back and remember that there is always time to practice tomorrow! Of course, there’s always time for friends!!
How has this whole music career experience been?
This whole thing has been a lot of fun, and I’ve learned so much in every aspect. From production to recording, to writing, performing, marketing, finance, the list goes on. However, because I have been doing this for so long now, and the fact that I’m still in school, I sometimes forget or don’t look at it as a career! When you do something you love everyday, it’s no longer a job.
The main key is to surround yourself with incredible people to help guide your path. I have a wonderful and supportive team, friends, and family, who teach and guide me everyday.
Any other fun things in the works you can tell us about?
I don’t have anything in particular in the works right now, but I am always songwriting and can’t wait for you to hear my new songs.
Any last things you want to tell your supporters?
I would like to simply tell everybody that I really hope my music connects to all, that they can share their own experiences through my music, find meaning in the words and enjoyment. I very much appreciate everyone’s support on this journey.
Thank you for taking the time to do this interview with us 🙂
Thank you very much! It was a lot of fun.
Social handles:
Twitter @realaveryraquel
Instagram @averyraquelmusic
Facebook @averyraquelmusic
Youtube @averyraquelmusic
The single that is currently charting is the Stonebridge remix. Here’s the Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/album/6LlwNLsACuC8OIV7uqBzsr
