Meet Chris Avetta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Avetta.

Chris, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Though I dabbled with piano and guitar in high school and college, I started playing music more seriously when I moved to California ten years ago. I began writing and recording music with the guidance of my ex-husband. We tracked what is technically my first album in our house in Temecula nine years ago as a duo under the pseudonym Soleil. This was probably one of the most impactful experiences on my musical education.

Though he wasn’t a teacher by any means, I was an eager observer and was able to pick up a lot of simple skills in recording. I learned from my plethora of mistakes and pushed through to create pieces that I’m still pretty proud of today. My ex was the kind of person who could pick up any instrument and automatically know how to play it like he was just casually slipping on a new pair of shoes.

Having been taught by someone like that fueled my desire to learn and master any small technique I could grasp while simultaneously it made me feel that I would never catch up or live up to his brand of expertise. That dichotomy is not always a healthy or productive one, and it often left both of us frustrated. When he decided to leave the relationship I was a complete mess. I lost a teacher, and a partner, not to mention every other loss one incurs through divorce.

Because I no longer had a home or my preferred instrument, piano, I begrudgingly picked up a very cheap classical guitar. I was not good. Then I played and practiced, I exercised my voice, and I worked extremely hard to get better, so that’s what I got. Over the past seven years, I’ve played throughout southern California as a solo artist in any type of venue that will have me.

I booked a tour through the Pacific Northwest in 2017, and last summer I took a trip across the pond where I played in four different countries. I’ve recorded one solo EP, from which my song, “Better,” was placed in a feature film called “I Love You Both.” My debut solo album was released September 2017, and obviously after this interview, I will be incredibly famous I’ll be able to quit my day job, and Taylor Swift will want me to be a part of her squad. Boom, it’s that easy!

In all seriousness, none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of family, friends, and the help from the community of musicians worldwide, and I will continue to count my blessings every day.

Random information: all music is available on Spotify and iTunes (please add my songs to any playlist you have!)
EP- Oh my Heart by Chris Avetta
LP- Shadows by Chris Avetta
LP- Whiter Days by Soleil

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would say the hardest thing I’ve had to face is rejection. In booking the PNW tour I had several connections, and I still only received a green light 1/10 times. I submitted my album and several individual songs to contests and reviews, I’ve only ever had two reviews out of the hundreds I sent, one was in German. Still, I’m incredibly grateful for any and all recognition.

Another difficulty that I know every musician faces is lack of funds. I have fed thousands of dollars into every aspect of pursuing music and its hard to feel like that money is going somewhere productive all the time. Like so many other musicians, I have a day job, and it helps me support this creative path while simultaneously it prevents me from clearly and efficiently walking down it. The irony of that is unsettling.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I play some combination of folk, pop and indie music. I gravitate toward clear melody, vibey tones or beats, and multiple backing harmonies. I like to use different lesser- known instruments like the glockenspiel or onmichord for an unanticipated aspect. In songs that lean toward folk or even country these different sounds add a small twist, something interesting to listen for.

Though I’m proud of my ability to write on several different instruments, I don’t claim to be completely proficient on any, and that is likely because I started out viewing them as a tool for creating something to sing to. I’ve been told I have “the voice of an angel” and I have to say that’s my biggest asset. When I don’t have a unique instrument to give a song the edge it needs I’m happy to let the melody do the heavy lifting. That paired with lyrical content that springs from authentic emotions and experiences is how I bring something different to the table.

I like to write songs that people can relate to while also demonstrating my affinity for compulsory catharsis, I want listeners to know who I am. I think that identifying with another human being in their happiness or struggle provides much-needed connection and security in a world that is always so uncertain and sometimes lonely.

I realize that idea/perspective isn’t original, but my existence is and if I don’t tell my stories in my own way then no one will. I think a lot of creative people could stand to view things a little more like that. Doctor Seuss, per usual, said it best, “There is no one on earth who is your then you.” so what sets me apart? For better or worse, I am unabashedly me.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have several plans in the works all sprawled out in different directions. I want to record, do a national tour, obtain a manager, agent or both. I am recording my first music video this week and continuing to find places to play full band shows in San Diego and surrounding areas. I want to book bigger venues and do television performances. Some things will be more difficult than others, but I’m looking forward to making all of them happen.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chrisavetta.com
• Email: christineavetta@gmail.com
• Instagram: @chrisavetta
• Facebook: @chrisavettamusic
• Other: https://soundcloud.com/chrisavetta

Image Credit:
Romi Rossel, Beau Austin, Tiffany Walker

Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.