Avya Newsletter Interview

Rising musical talent Avya has released her breakout single, In Love with Broken, after its television debut on TVNZ’s Popstars earlier this year.

Produced by Joseph Faris (Ezra Vine, Daily J, Julius Black), the song is one of self-realization, telling her personal story of being trapped in a repetitive cycle of wanting to help hurting people, but to her own detriment.

Marrying mature songwriting with moreish production, Avya’s artistry is sophisticated and stands strong with the new generation of empowered women in music.

Avya spoke to Muzic.net.nz, and here’s what she had to say:

How did you become involved in music?

I was surrounded by music growing up. From having musical parents to siblings that played in local bands, waiata at church & wh?nau events, etc., music was pretty hard to avoid. When I was 7, I nagged my brother to teach me a few chords and from there I quickly fell in love with playing the guitar and singing along. 

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?

Honest, emotive and dynamic. Musically, I’m influenced by the likes of Brooke Fraser, John Mayer, Emily King and Celine Dion. Music that’ll tug at your heartstrings while making you bop your head and groove along!

What can we expect to see from you in the next year?

More songs ASAP! I’ve got a wee backlog of tunes that I’m itching to finish off and release. The dream is to be playing small shows across the country, but obviously, the lockdown and borders have made that pretty impossible to plan such things at the moment. But at the very least, more songs and video content to accompany them. 

Who are your favourite NZ bands and musicians?

Brooke Fraser is an all-time favourite of mine! I’m also a big fan of TEEKS, Niko Walters, Thomston, Alayna and Bic Runga to name just a few Kiwi legends. 

What is your favourite NZ venue, and why?

I think The Civic is so beautiful, I’ve attended some of my favourite concerts there, it’s such an elegant theatre with great acoustics. It’s the kind of space that sets the scene for a mesmerizing event. There’s always an attentive audience and respectful atmosphere; which is my favourite!

How do you balance your music with other obligations; family, job etc?

My relationships are the most important thing to me, so I do my best to keep those at the forefront of my life. I’m lucky to have a super flexible day job, I’m a contractor and work remotely so I can essentially pick and choose my hours. This means I can work around gigs and sessions I may have throughout the week. The dream, really! 

Where do you get your inspiration to create music from?

I’m inspired by the intricacies of relationships, with ourselves and with others. The uncomfortable conversations, our weird reactions to things, the confronting situations we can find ourselves in. The way the human brain works is so wonderfully strange sometimes, and I think you can write about it from a million different perspectives. 

What is the one thing you want NZ to know about yourself?

I’m not going anywhere! I’m writing my heart away and I want to share all these songs and hopefully, some will resonate. 

What can you never leave home without?

Chapstick, water, and my wallet. Call me a cliché. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?

I’m speaking to myself more than anyone else, but you have to keep chipping away at your thing. Even when you feel like no one is listening and you’re not achieving the things you want to be. Every baby step in the right direction is still moving forward. Writing a few lines each day is still writing, playing small gigs is still playing live. It all counts and contributes to making you a more experienced artist. Say yes to opportunities!