Singer songwriter Chris Avetta joins me today in a conversation about stage fright, perspective, the business of music, and more. These days, Chris has a lot going on and when we spoke she had just released her new single Forest for the Trees, was set to perform at Lady Brain Fest, and has recently enrolled at the University of California at San Diego.
Episode Highlights
We begin by talking about growing up in Tempe Arizona, then expanded into other interesting topics including:
- Chris’ upcoming participation in Lady Brain Fest
- Injecting humor into live performances
- Managing stage fright
- Putting challenges into perspective
- What is and isn’t working for Chris on the business side of music
- A self-proclaimed unhealthy obsession with Harry Potter
3 Key Points
- Everything is nothing. Gain perspective on your challenges.
- Connect with your audience. Leave them feeling something.
- It’s okay to bring yourself (emotions and all) to the stage.
Shareable Quotes
“A lot of people are performers and they do an act, which is incredible. I don’t know how to do that. It would be great to compartmentalize my emotions. So, whatever mood I’m at that day, that’s what you’re going to get. Usually it’s quirky and silly.” –Chris Avetta
“My business plan is to reach straight to the jugular and connect.” –Chris Avetta
Mentioned in this Episode
- Robonzo’s Patreon Page
- Chris Avetta’s website
- Alex Martinez bassist
- Jules Stewart (band member)
- Trevor Hamer (band member)
- Lady Brain Collective
- Bandzoogle
Related Episodes
- Episode 109 – Musicians Supporting One Another with Community and Collaboration – Lindsay White
- Episode 71 – Songwriting, Side Hustles and Gratitude – Lindsay White
- Episode 85 – Blues, Folks and Change – Tony Harrah
- Episode 108 – Staying Creative and Nurturing a Music Community – Pete and Crystal Damore
- Episode 59 – Life and Songwriting on the Road – Pete and Crystal Damore
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BONUS CONTENT (Follow-up Q & A with Chris Avetta)
Robonzo: If you were starting your music journey over from the beginning, what would you do differently?
Chris: Be more disciplined at a younger age. I had a lot of distractions that were difficult to avoid when I was a teen, but I still wish I spent more time learning to play instruments.
Robonzo: What habits or routines have best served you throughout your music journey?
Guest: Vocal training and self recording. I have recorded demos of songs on my phone or computer and that has helped me to explore ideas with harmony and percussion.
MUSICIAN RESOURCES
- The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
- BandZoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
- The Musician’s Profit Path: The 5-Stage Blueprint To Create Massive Growth In Your Fan Base and Sustainable Income For Your Music Career, by Bree Noble
- No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
Visit my Resources page for more musician resources.
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