The recent prison release of Remy Ma and the controversy that follows Nicki, Bey and RiRi has left a hole in the music industry for emerging female Hip Hop/R&B artists. We are left wondering who’s next? Well, it’s looking like LA based singer/songwriter King avriel may be the answer to our feminist prayers.
This songstress falls into a genre all of her own. She recently released her first album, thesis, in which she delicately unpacks social issues through the stories she tells over mellow mixes.
Recently, we got to pick this rising star’s brain and found out the author who inspired her stage name, her favorite neighborhood in BK (hint: it’s not Williamsburg), and why she feels the music industry “preys” on women. Though she believes the biz may have it out for women, avriel leaves us feeling hopeful, saying, “It would be nice to see more women at the head of these major publications and blogs, and more women owning and running music networks and production companies. I know we’ll get there though.”
You are only 23 and have had so many different careers already. How did you know that music was right for you?
It sounds really funny when you put it like that. I’m such an explorer, so I just try lots of things and leave them when they no longer serve or fulfill me. Music and writing have always sustained though — they’re meaningful to me on multiple levels, and I’ve been doing them both since I was very little. I guess it just came to a point where writing was the only thing I really could see myself doing. Telling stories, working on the issues I’m passionate about, and feeling like I’m making a meaningful impact on other people’s lives are the only things that really make me feel like I’m making something of my life, so I committed to that.
What is the story behind your stage name?
I really love bell hooks, so originally I was going to just go with avriel with a lowercase “a” to pay homage to her and all of the things she taught me. But, adding the King felt really subversive and awesome. It’s a way of saying we are all Kings regardless of gender. That’s why the K is capitalized, because it represents the collective. I’ll admit I was a little nervous to say “this is my name now” at first, but I got comfortable with it, and I’m so glad I did because it kind of changed my perspective on things. I got into character as a King, and I feel really empowered and in control of my life in a way I never really have before. It’s great.
When you first came on the scene, you were mentioned on a lot of hip hop sites and blogs. Would you ever venture from R&B and do a hip hop project? And with whom?
I suppose anything is possible. In terms of Hip Hop artists, I’d really love to work with Andre 3000, Kanye or Jay. I think they’re really successful at doing what I want to do with my career in terms of having depth and a message in their music, but making it super accessible and mainstream. I think I could learn a ton from collaborating with any of them.
Where did you find your inspiration when writing thesis?
I had a lot of time to sit and think when I was in college, so a lot of songs came from that. I just wanted to write about all of these things that had happened in my life, and all the relationships I’d been in, as a way to process through it all. I think when I was younger I had a tendency to bottle everything up and lock it away, but when I got to college, it was like, “ok, you have no choice. You have to face this stuff now.” Doing it through music mitigated some of the pain surrounding that process, I think.
The video for “Caricatures” is beautiful, intimate, and speaks to so many women. What gave you the power to create a video like that?
Thank you! I was really nervous about that one too. But I finally told myself that the nerves I was feeling around it all meant that I was taking a risk and stepping out of my comfort zone, so I had to take that jump. It helped that the video was meaningful to me, because I believe that we need to challenge the way we look at female bodies as much as possible. It felt like a calculated risk that had the potential to make an impact, so I took it.
The whole music industry went up in arms when Nicki Minaj released her cover art for “Anaconda” last week. The CEO ofallhiphop.com even wrote her a letter saying that she was a bad influence for his daughters. That being said, I’m really into the feminist stance you take in your music. What difficulties have you experienced as a woman in music? And what changes would you like to see?
I think a better question would be what has been easy about being a woman in music. That list would be much shorter and easily answered. [laughs] This industry is really predatory — it preys on all artists, but women especially. It all comes down to representation and diversity though. If there were more women on the business side of music, I think female artists would have an easier time. I think we could start by having more women executives. In all the meetings I’ve taken at labels, I’ve only met a few, and I get the sense that they feel they have to perform some version of masculinity in order to survive in their work environments. It would be nice to see more women at the head of these major publications and blogs, and more women owning and running music networks and production companies. I know we’ll get there though.
You worked on thesis in Brooklyn. What are your favorite spots in Brooklyn ? Most importantly, where do you shop? We love your style.
I spend a lot of time writing in the park in Dumbo when I’m out there. I also like going to the promenade and looking out over the water and the skyline. If I were to move to NYC, I definitely think I would move to Fort Greene. When I’m in NY I’m working 24/7, so I don’t get time to shop much, but the people over at 10 Deep always hook me up whenever I come to town. I do a lot of my shopping on Fairfax when I’m in LA. I’m really obsessed with FourTwoFour on Fairfax right now — their buyer is on point, because all the labels they carry are amazing. I wish I was less broke so I could shop there more often [laughs].
What’s next for you?
Just started working on the second project. There are some very exciting things in the pipeline that I’ll be sharing with my fans soon!
Caving more? You’re in luck: averial was gracious enough provide us with the scoop on what she turns to for inspiration and personal style. Check out her favorite books, kicks, and designers below.
2. Nike Air Force 1 Mid
3. Samsara
4. Song of Solomon
5. Cellos
6. Kanye’s Glow In The Dark Tour
7. Ben Shahn
8. Palm Trees
