Interview: AvenueN9ne

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

What got me into music, was being able to translate my feelings. I am a big person on communication no matter if its a relationship, friendship or something in between. However, I have trouble sometimes explaining things, so I do it through music. What I would be doing if I hadn’t gotten into music; probably would have been what Im doing now and working my way up in the company. 

What do you like to do when you're not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I love movies and Tv shows. They influence and shape so many different ideas and even perspectives for me. 

How long has your band been around?

I have been making music since I was 9 years old, however AvenueN9ne started releasing music until 2020

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

Philadelphia, and to be honest it doesn’t. I love my city and where I am from, but I grew up in a rough area in Philly called Kensington and there is nothing there to influence my music because of the type of music I make. I write about my experiences but being from a bad area was the least of where my pain came from. So it doesn’t really play a part in the music for me.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

The name came to me when my grandmother passed away in 2014. She got me my first guitar, she believed in everything I thought I could be. So it just felt fitting for it to be my name since she can’t physically be here to witness; I just wanted something to have her in it. Whats better than my stage name, you know? 

Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.

I haven’t gotten the chance to play any live shows unfortunately. I started releasing music when the pandemic hit, so that stalled a lot of things. 

Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you

haven't already?

As I said before, haven’t played any shows yet so no favorite venue yet. The place I would love to play at The TLA in Philly. It would be full circle moment for me because I went to my first concert there. I went to see a band called LUDO. Still one of my favorite memories. 

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Jon Bellion or Alec Benjamin. I just think the vibe would be insane and the mix of the different vibes of music would also be really pleasing to the fans

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?

Do what feels right. Don’t worry about if anyone is going to like it, because someone is always gonna have something to say. If you love it, put your all into it and go for it. 

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Dont hold back. That would be what I said, because I feel like had I not let depression take hold for so long that I would have been farther in my music career. However, I don’t regret the journey I just know it could have been done better. 

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

It would have to be “Smoke Break” I wrote this at a time when I was really looking at myself and my part relationships and trying to see where it went wrong, 

I learned a lot about myself writing that song.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

My favorite song to play is not released yet actually. It is called ‘Love Me” and it releases on April 8th! The reason it is my favorite is because it just makes me feel good. The most requested would probably be “ETA” I Love how that song makes me feel as well. I am very proud of that song.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

Life inspires me. Thinking about different perspectives and people in my life inspire me. My creative process changes a lot honestly. It all depends on how I am feeling that day.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

That its okay to not be okay. That its okay to sit in your pain and learn from it. Thats all my music is, its my truth. Whatever that may be. 

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that's coming up?

My plans for the future, is to take my music to the world. To change what it means to be a pop star. My next single “Love Me” will be releasing April 8th 2022! I can’t wait for y’all to hear it!