Today we’d like to introduce you to Avina.
Hi Avina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, my sister Chelsea and I would hang out in the living room dancing and singing all day to music videos and singing our favorite songs on karaoke. That is where the love for music really kicked in. As I got a little older, my sister enrolled in a music school, and she loved it. I decided I wanted to give it a try as well. A few years passed by since I joined the music school. when I decided to stop attending and focus on becoming my own artist. I really started to think of music as a career since I realized how much I loved the music environment, whether it was writing, the fascinating way production is done, or just being in the booth. As much as I wanted to make music and release it to see where it could take me, I wasn’t quite sure how to get started or where to record.
Fast forward in 2019, I met my current producer, Alawn, through my sister, who had started to work with him. To help me get started, my sister wrote my debut single, “Hatin’ On Me,” which was recorded in June 2019 and released in September 2019. The outcome of that single did very well around my city for a new face in the game. In 2020, I had a quinceañera and I was gifted many memorable gifts and a good amount of cash. After the shutdown of Coronavirus, I decided it was a perfect time to practice my own writing and sharpen my vocal skills to record more music. I came up with the idea to use my gifted cash to release an EP. I thought it would be awesome to release a bunch of songs so people could realize I was serious about making music because it means a lot to me. In July 2020, I released my first EP and named it “Sincerely, Avina,” which includes six tracks. Each song has a whole different emotion to it and signifies a feeling I had or was inspired by. The name was brought as a, “There you go. This is my art, some feelings I have, and this is what I have to offer. Sincerely, Avina”. I had three co-writers on my EP, my sister, my good friend Cori, and my producer. Currently, even though I have advanced greatly in my writing skills, I continue to practice non-stop. It feels great to write my own songs now. I’m definitely grateful to have my talented producer, who approves and makes changes if needed to my writing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey as an artist has not been the smoothest. Writer’s block is definitely severe sometimes, but I have to push that aside, keep going, keep writing, and get the bad writing out of the way. That is how hits are uncovered. Acquiring an audience as a 16-year-old is for sure hard. I would love for all ages to listen to my music, but since my music is relatable mostly to people my age group, it is hard to win over more audiences in other age groups. I always promote the most I can, whether it’s on TikTok, posting posters, or handing out flyers. I am not a quitter. I know that if I want it, I can do it. If I continue to work hard and constantly, I will achieve my music goals no matter how many bumps I face along the way. Patience is always a struggle as well, but it’s part of the journey. Yes, it has been a struggle, but we all face that at some point when trying to achieve our goals and dreams.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My music fits right in the pop genre. When you’re listening to any of my songs, you can always expect not only a long high note waiting for you at the last chorus but also countless runs throughout each of my songs. I really love playing with my vocal range in my songs because I want to make them interesting. I love being creative and seeing how each run adds sort of a personality to a line. I’m proud of my vocal range, which in my opinion, sets me apart from other artists my age.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My mentor is definitely my producer, Alawn. The way he is so dedicated to his job shows so much about him. He has been one of the biggest role models I’ve ever encountered in my life. He has not only taught me so many things about the music industry and what to expect, but also how to be authentic, be open-minded, and most importantly, to remain patient. His drive really pushes mine and inspires me. Coming across your mentor all comes in time. It will be someone who believes in you completely. Your mentor will bring out the best in you, and of course, he or she will support and motivate you in any of the many goals you’re working towards.
Contact Info:
- Email: avinamusicmanagement@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avinaofficial_/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Natalieavina
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-271119098
Image Credits
Inez Lara Photography
