Atlanta Singer/Songwriter Aviva

Imagine sitting in the crowd at an open mic night, wondering just who (or what) might take the stage next. A young woman you've never seen before, dressed in a graceful skirt, handmade t-shirt, and flip-flops gets in the spotlight; without a word, she sets up her electronic keyboard, and readies the microphone. At her side is a young black gentleman with a djembe, a popular African drum. With the first note, the audience is at attention.

This was my experience hearing Aviva, a singer/songwriter finding her voice in the city of Atlanta. She came across as a mature, talented composer discovering a receptive audience in the patrons of Java Lords, a popular independent coffee shop in Little Five Points. Her debut album, Grin I Sense, is more or less an EP that gives just a taste of the talent she possesses.

When we finally had the chance to sit down and chat, we shared some coffee and muffins at JavaVino, yet another coffee shop in Midtown Atlanta. Aviva discussed not only her musical career, but some of the spiritual journey her life has taken since moving away from home and living on her own.

Eric Pudalov: How long have you played piano?

Aviva: At least 25 years...I just turned 34 years old. I started classical lessons at eight years old; at one point, I went to a conservatory in high school.

EP: Have you been influenced by other musicians or composers?

A: Quite a few...Stevie Wonder, Alanis Morrissette, Heather Nova; she's a pop/rock, or indie rock singer. I've also [been influenced] by Native American music, like Cherokee Rose, and Klezmer music too.

EP: When was the first time you remember being away from home?

A: My parents sent me to Israel; my dad's from there. I stayed there at 12...it was a scary journey. Israel and Atlanta opened up my spirit in similar ways; though it felt scary, I felt a safety in the spiritual love energy surrounding me...which I indeed feel in Atlanta as well!

EP: Where else have you played besides Java Lords?

A: I've played at Kavarna in Oakhurst Village, and WonderRoot {a nonprofit arts organization} last week. I also had a weekly gig at Veggie Land...and I did a gig at an Ethiopian and Indian restaurant, called India's Oven, next to Life Grocery.

Nine years ago, I moved here to pursue my music; after going to college, I rationalized my 'music self' out of me. My spiritual teacher inspired me to write again; I was under a strict spiritual program. I didn't want to be around alcohol {or drugs}.

I also played at Camp Reggae, near Tennessee; it's run by a Buddhist reggae group called the Nattilovejoys. They rock!! I even had a performance at Burning Man {in Nevada} four years ago; I sat out on the playa and started performing. People said, 'You are singing the message of people that cannot speak!' {laughs}

EP: Is ZooMoozik your own record label, or are there other artists on it?

A: It's non-exclusive; a lot of people have tried to download my music on there, and it hasn't worked. I'll be in New York for Rosh Hashanah, and I plan on signing up for CDBaby.com.

EP: Do you remember your first time singing in front of an audience?

A: I played in front of thousands of people when I won the Emily Wallace Award; the song was called "Purple Blue." It was just instrumental...I could be considered a composer in that respect. I would like to put out an album of instrumental songs.

[I also once] went to massage therapy school...it was a six-month program in therapy. After a client left, and I felt like I had their emotional issues all over me, I would interpret this energy - and the empathic hit I would get about them - into a song.

EP: Do you think it's easier to be an independent musician today than it was in the '90s, for example?

A: Yes! Myspace is helping us get gigs without having to pay; I don't like to think of it as competition. It's annoying that it's about who we can bring in...I'm having a hard time finding a promoter. My friend Imari Adams has a local studio...some of the other artists he's worked with are Faona Strong and Kelly Love Jones.

EP: I've heard you play your song 'Cannibus Car' [sic] at Java Lords. Is it actually possible to run a car on cannabis?

A: Yes it is...I wrote that for the reggae festival at Camp Reggae. Henry Ford actually invented it! When I was working on a farm in Tennessee, a guy that was working there said it was illegal not to grow cannabis until they came out with the cannabis car...that's why I wrote a song about it.

EP: Is there anyplace else I might be able to hear your music that I haven't thought of?

A: I've been featured on some movie soundtracks; a couple of indie movies. One of the directors was named Farrell Blease...she's on my Myspace page. One of her films is called Paul Paul; my song "I Am Innocent" is featured in a short film supporting the innocence of those accused of terrorism (such as Obama) for their dark skin and funny names...the film is on my Myspace page.

EP: Where will you be performing in the near future?

A: I am playing at the Red Light Cafe on October 17th, and Smith's Olde Bar on October 19th. Come out to the shows, if you can!

*****
If you've enjoyed this interview and would like to hear more of Aviva, check out the links below. And if you happen to be in Atlanta, stop by Java Lords, or one of the other local coffeehouses; you just may have the good fortune to encounter this amazing artist.