What is your names?
AVATARI
What is your genre of music?
I make modern alternative rock with pop hooks and influenced by rock and roll from the sixties and seventies.
Give us a little bio about you.
I grew up in San Francisco around the music business. Went to my first Grateful Dead concert when I was two. I got to see bands like The Rollings Stones and U2, and artists like Bruce Springsteen and Prince. There was no turning back. After finishing my degree at Harvard I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my dream of acting and playing music. Since then I’ve acted in films and TV and I fronted bands in LA for a few years playing all the local haunts (The Viper Room, The Troubadour, The Whiskey) and toured and played festivals (the Outside Lands Festival, Bonnaroo, and Life Is Beautiful). But I always had this dream of creating an alter-ego (inspired by artists like David Bowie and Prince). So when I set out on my own a couple of years ago to create a new sound and focus on song writing, I chose the name AVATARI, combining the word Avatar (basically a free spirit on earth) and my actual name. The project is pretty new. I released my first song Legacy last year.
What made you go into music?
My childhood was infused with music. My dad is a musician and even got to open for The Doors. Music has always hit me right in the heart and the soul. It’s my favorite way to connect and communicate. I’ve also always loved to perform. I was on stage singing Little Richard’s Tutti Frutti in my grade school talent show. It was always going to be music.
Who are your influences?
My first love is rock and roll from the 60’s and 70’s. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Doors… I also love a lot of bands from the nineties: Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead. I’m a huge Bob Marley fan. Michael Jackson as well. Recently, I’ve been influenced by Imagine Dragons, Twenty One Pilots, Yungblud, Bishop Briggs. I could go on.
Are you a signed?
I’m not. Though I’m talking to some labels right now. Thinking about it.
Your new single ‘Superhuman’, tell us more about the single.
I wrote Superhuman when my wife was pregnant with our son. The experience fundamentally changed me and was such a powerful, transformational process to get to witness. There’s a line in the song that says “You’re changing before my eyes and I love it. You change out of your disguise cuz you’re superhuman.” That pretty much sums it up for me. It’s about the power of the human (and especially female) mind, body, and soul to transform and create and give life.
What is the meaning behind the single?
Lol I guess I kind of answered this in the last question. I got ahead of myself!
Who did you work with on the single?
My producer Casey Sullivan. We’ve been working together for a few years now and we have an amazing creative relationship. He’s so easy to work with and always takes the song to an entirely different level that I could never have imagined. I also love how he coaches me through vocal arrangements and turns the song into it’s absolute largest most expansive iteration.
Describe the track in two words.
Fun and Empowering. (oops, was that three?)
What was the writing and recording process like?
The way I tend to work is that I write the core of the song. I usually write songs on guitar, and some times piano. I come up with all (or at least most) of the lyrics, the melodies, and the underlying chord structure. I also, come with a handful of references of current music to give the producer an idea of the world I want the recording to live in. Then we get to work in the studio and start building the track. Casey works really intuitively and he totally gets me and my sound. There’s nothing more fun than sitting with an amazing producer while they piece together a track for your song. Casey will also edit me and help me to fill in any gaps with the lyrics. Some times it’s those little details and last minute changes that make a huge difference for a song.
Will we see a music video for ‘Superhuman’ and if so what can we expect from it.
Absolutely. I shot a really fun video for Superhuman right before the lock down last year. My friend – director/editor David Michael Maurer heard my song and came up with this incredible and creative idea involving an 80s theme and puppets and I said let’s do it. Dave’s friends at Swazzle (Crank Yankers, Waffles + Mochi) built the puppets and did an amazing job. I’ve been teasing the video online, and it’ll be out in a week or two.
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, what can we expect from it?
I have about ten songs recorded which I’m going to release this year as a combination of singles, EPs, and maybe a full length album. It’s mostly in that same vein of anthemic pop rock. I’m always trying to inspire, uplift, and energize with my music. I do take a few detours though with some more experimental styles. I’m excited to share and see what the world thinks.
What else can we expect in 2021?
Well, I’ve still never played a live show with this project. I was just about to last year when the pandemic struck. So I’m looking forward to actually stepping onto the stage as AVATARI and touring.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
On a little island in the South Pacific – relaxing with my family in between touring and recording. Sipping a tropical beverage.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make.” Thanks Paul!
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
My guitar. A relaxed mind. An open heart. A properly warmed up body and voice. And an awesome outfit.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
I sure do…
Instagram
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Youtube
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