Today we’d like to introduce you to Avenue O.
Hi Avenue, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Songwriters Omero “O” Leon and Jonathan Alan Cortez met on August 15th, 2025 at the Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe’s Songwriter Night; a venue drenched in Galveston’s rich musical history. The power of each other’s songwriting drew the two to chat briefly, exchange numbers, and toss to one another the well-intentioned, often hopeful, but typically worst words two musicians can exchange, as those words rarely come to fruition:
“We should get together and jam sometime.”
Luckily enough, about eighteen days later in Pearland, TX, brothers Omero and Nestor Leon showed up at Cortez’ home studio to make do just that, and that day Avenue O was born (though the band wouldn’t officially be named for about two more practices.) Since that fateful day in September 2025, Avenue O has released two singles on all streaming services, played dozens of live shows, and scored a slot playing one of Galveston’s biggest music festivals- The Annual La Izquierda Surf and Music Festival. With every intention of growing musically, as well as growing their audience, Avenue O have been diligently writing and recording new music with a goal to have two complete EPs released by Fall 2026.
Much the same as the street in Galveston, Avenue O is a one-way street, and that one way is straight to the top!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like all bands, Avenue O has had their fair share of challenges, though unlike bands made up of teenagers or early-twenty-somethings, band drama has not been a real issue. Adulting has been one of the main challenges we have faced on a regular basis.
Everyone in the band still holds down full-time jobs and sometimes more, leaving schedule conflicts to erupt like wildfire. We have had some gigs just pop up for us on short notice, and unfortunately, we have had to turn down some of those opportunities to play new venues. Though we are luckily to have musician friends who are able to fill in where one or more of us could not make the showcase.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Between the three of us, our musical tastes are broader than most bands, and when we write songs together, we don’t believe any influence is off the table. Omero loves everything from the Beatles to indie rock, Nestor loves everything from emo to traditional Latin music, and Cortez loves everything from Bach to Testament, so when we begin working on a song, we all pull from our wide variety of musical influences with the singular goal in mind of making the song the best the song can be.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The best thing to do is be a professional version of yourself!
Networking is extremely important for any artist to succeed, and the most important things to be are genuine and professional, especially when meeting new folks who could become future business or artistic partners. Professionalism doesn’t entail wearing a suit and tie or having a white collar haircut and clothes. Be on time. Keep your deadlines. And, answer when the call when your Opportunity rings because she doesn’t often leave a voicemail.
Pricing:
- band – 2 hour set – $150
- band – 3 hour set – $200
- solo – 1 hour set $75
- solo – 2 hour set $120
- solo – 3 hour set $160
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stagekit.art/avenueo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avenueomusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avenueomusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/avenueomusic
- Other: https://hopp.bio/avenueomusic
