Interview Avalon Stone

Introducing Avalon Stone, the rising force in rock music. From personal struggles to a fusion of blues and rock, discover the unique journey behind her debut album "Chained."

1. Your new single "Harder" is out now. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and what makes it unique within your musical journey?
"Harder" was inspired by the personal struggles I've faced. It’s a reflection on the increasing challenges of life, mourning the loss of childhood innocence as the complexities of life unfold as you get older and understand the world in a different, dimmer light. It is a cross between who was when I started in the music industry and who I am becoming, fusing blues elements with grit and rock. The music I first found success in was the blues genre, so it can be interpreted as a tribute to those years of my life. It is the first song I wrote as Avalon Stone, and I feel that it sets the tone, bridging past and present in one song.
2. Your musical style is described as a fusion of grunge roots and modern alt-rock flair. How did you come to embrace this particular blend, and what influences have played a significant role in shaping your sound?
In the city I’ve lived in my whole life, Kitchener, ON, there is a vibrant blues scene that I was eager to be involved in when I was first introduced to playing live music at 10 years old. I started out in classic rock and transitioned in and out of blues music throughout the years, forging a strong relationship with the roots of music. As I found my footing and developed my taste true to myself, I could be found in bars with heavier hitting music and scouring streaming platforms and record stores for music that was heavy but still made me feel the same way that first music did. That’s where I fell in love with hard rock and metal music. I have always looked up to Chris Cornell, and that was my introduction to grunge music, settling into a writing style that highlights everything I love about all of those genres with my own twist.
3. The lyrics in your songs are often described as soft and edgy, filled with relatable secrets. Can you share more about your lyrical approach and how you delve into the dark recesses of the mind to create a connection with your audience?
My lyrics come from a place of introspection, exploring the shadows and complexities of the human experience. I strive to connect with listeners by being brutally honest about my feelings, thoughts, and struggles, hoping to offer solace by sharing these universal truths. It’s about turning personal battles into shared anthems of understanding. Sometimes they track resilience, and sometimes, like life, they don’t have a clear ending… they just let you sit with it for a while.
4. Growing up with influences like Alice In Chains, Black Sabbath, and The Cranberries, how do you balance paying homage to your rock roots while incorporating a more modern and heavy flair in your music, drawing inspiration from bands like Pretty Reckless and Bad Omens?
I honor my influences by keeping the soulful, emotional essence of their music alive in my work while pushing the boundaries with modern production and heavier elements. One thing that’s really important to me is keeping it as real as possible to reflect my roots, even meaning using vintage equipment like the Echoplex in my latest single, “Harder.” It’s a balancing act—respecting the legacy of my heroes while forging my path with a sound that is my own and reflective of the more modern elements you hear today, like layered drop tuned guitars and heavier drums.
5. You've been performing since the age of 10 and have graced over 300 stages. How has your stage presence evolved over the years, and what do you find most rewarding about connecting with your audience during live performances?
Over the years, my stage presence has evolved from sheer child-like excitement to more of an expression and tribute of the music. Right from the beginning the nerves would disappear as soon as I was on stage, but for the first few years I was so nervous beforehand that I couldn’t even eat on days I had shows. It has always been very important to me to do music justice. I was lucky that many local musicians took me under their wings and taught me what they knew, often calling me up to join them on stage on a whim. That helped me understand that even without preparing, I could put on a show that was true to myself and the music I was playing. Connecting with an audience is what I fell in love with as soon as I started creating and playing music. It has always been the reason I chose music as my life's mission, and for that, it will always be the most rewarding.

6. Your debut album, "Chained," is set to be released in 2024. What can fans expect from this album, and how would you describe the overall theme and journey it takes them on?
"Chained" will be a journey through various emotional landscapes, exploring themes of growth, struggle, and self-discovery. Fans can expect a mix of hard-hitting rock anthems and introspective ballads, all woven together with the thread of my musical and personal evolution.
7. Collaborating with producer Kevin Dietz, known for his work with Glorious Sons, JJ Wilde, and Billy Talent, must have been an exciting experience. How did this collaboration come about, and in what ways has it influenced the production and sound of your upcoming album?
Working with Kevin Dietz is a dream come true. It took me way longer to be comfortable in studios than it did for stages. Kevin makes the whole process feel natural, almost an extension of my own creative process. His experience and insights have been invaluable, shaping the sound of "Chained" in ways I couldn't have imagined. Our collaboration has pushed me to dig deeper as an artist and has undoubtedly elevated the album.
8. Having shared the stage with iconic acts like Big Wreck, Sass Jordan, and Kim Mitchell in the summer of 2023, what were some standout moments or lessons you took away from those experiences?
Opening for acts like Big Wreck, Sass Jordan and Kim Mitchell was both surreal and educational. I've soaked up every moment, from observing their professionalism to feeling the energy they bring to the stage. These experiences have enriched my understanding of what it means to truly connect with an audience, and to embody music.
9. Avalon Stone is launching her solo career with unwavering determination. How does the solo journey differ from your previous experiences, and what challenges and triumphs have you encountered along the way?
Launching my solo career has been exhilarating and challenging. It’s a different experience altogether —there's a newfound freedom in expressing myself, but also a heavier weight of responsibility, and a different view on individuality and the relationship between artist and art. Even though they call it a solo career, I still get to work with a team of talented and amazing individuals who uplift and support my music and I. Every triumph and hurdle has been a lesson in perseverance and authenticity.
10. Can you share a bit about the roles of your band members - Caleb Bourgeois, Donovan McKinley, and Tyler Shea - and how their contributions shape the overall sound and dynamics of Avalon Stone?
Caleb, Donovan, and Tyler are the backbone of Avalon Stone. Their talent and creativity not only complement my vision but elevate it. Caleb's guitar work, Donovan's bass grooves, and Tyler's dynamic drumming are all part of creating the sound that defines us. Once a song is written, I bring it to them and we lock ourselves in a room until we’ve come up with something we’re all proud of. We then try the songs out in a live setting before stepping into the studio and recording the music you hear now and the music you will hear throughout the rest of the year with the release of my debut album.

11. Your fans and critics alike have praised your performances and vocal prowess. How does the feedback from your audience impact your creative process, and what role do your fans play in shaping the direction of your music?
It’s been assuring, seeing how people have reacted to me expressing myself in a way they’ve not seen in the past. I think people like when they can tell someone is becoming who they want to be. The truth is, I would be following this path no matter what, but this encouragement allows me to pursue it with more vigor and trust in the process.
12. You've been described as a dynamo on stage, wowing audiences with a voice that belies your age. How do you prepare for your live performances, and what goes through your mind when you step onto the stage?
Preparing for a show is a mix of rehearsing. mental preparation and physical exercise. The music needs to be tight, and also flexible in case technical issues arise. Fortunately, the trust and connection the band and I all have with each other makes that possible. Right before I step on stage, I make sure my body and mind are prepared to give a show worthy of the audience's attention through stretches, vocal warm-ups, and meditation, and when I do step on stage I let myself get enveloped in the energy of the music with the confidence from the preparation.
13. The anticipation for your debut album is building up. What message or emotion do you hope listeners take away from "Chained," and how do you want your music to resonate with people?
I hope "Chained" will be a source of comfort, inspiration, and empowerment. I want listeners to feel understood and less alone in their struggles, finding a piece of themselves within the music.
14. With your extensive experience on stage, can you recall a particularly memorable or challenging live performance that has left a lasting impact on you as an artist?
A particularly memorable show, when everything that could go wrong did, using equipment provided by the event. The guitar amp blew a fuse during sound check, and we had to make a run to the late-night hardware store to get a replacement and fix it. Then, mid-set and mid-song our drummer felt his kick pedal go through the kick drum because the (very old) skin had broken. He gave a signal to the guitar player, and finished the song with some creative improvisation. I distracted the audience with a story while the guys took apart the kit and flipped the kick drum around. It only took a few minutes and we were back on track, and the audience's energy only grew! It taught me the power of resilience and the magic of live music—imperfect but beautifully real. I’m still not sure how Donovan (bass) managed to still headbang so much while holding the kick in place with his foot for the rest of the set.

15. As you continue to carve your musical destiny, what are your aspirations and goals for the future of Avalon Stone? How do you envision your evolution as an artist in the coming years?
My goal is to explore new sounds, expand into new territory as I evolve as a person and artist, play stages across the world and to experience all I can when it comes to music. After this first album, you can expect more edge, sex appeal, bad-assery and for me to settle into who I am as an artist in her early twenties. My goal is to always reflect myself authentically through my music. This is not just a project, it’s who I am and who I want to be.

AVALON STONE | alt-rock musician (avalonstonemusic.com)

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