Judith Avers, National Singer/Songwriter Makes Pittsburgh Her Home

Judith Avers is a model for the title, "singer/songwriter" as she weaves her emotional and heartfelt lyrics throughout melodies that are sure to grab your inner soul. It doesn't hurt that her voice raises your emotions to a new level either! Judith has won some major songwriting awards and played with artists such as The Fray and Glen Phillips. This is the exact artist you want to spend a Sunday morning listening to, while you let go of the everyday stresses and actions that overwhelm the mind, as she brings you back to ground level and the things that are "real" in our lives!

Judith has made Pittsburgh her home and has graciously sat down and provided some insight as to where she came from, and where music is leading her. Luckily, we in Pittsburgh have been given an amazing talented artist to add to the local A&E scene.

Check here website out for future listings of where you can hear this wonderful musician.

www.judithavers.com

DL: I see from your website that you have done some moving around the country, but now call Pittsburgh, PA your home. What was the reason Pittsburgh music lovers are so lucky for that you decided to relocate here?

JA: My partner graduated from school and we needed to find the perfect spot for her residency program. We visited most of the bigger cities in the country and they were all great in their own way, but there was just something about Pittsburgh that made it the clear winner. I don't know if it is the loyalty and genuineness of the folks here, the beauty of the city, or the perfect combination of Sciences and Art that made it the perfect fit for us.

DL: What area of Pittsburgh do you live and what is your perspective of the Pgh. music scene, compared to other areas of the country?

JA: We live in Point Breeze. We found a great little spot and love it. As far as the music scene goes, I have been touring and out of town a lot since we moved so I haven't had time to submerge myself in the scene, but what I have noticed is that Pittsburgh has a lot of talented musicians who have all been very kind and very generous. We lived near Denver for a while and it has a huge scene and a very active community. We also lived in West Virginia, which has a small-but-mighty music community. Every state I've visited has its own thing going for it and Pittsburgh is no exception.

DL: First, are you an Independent artist and do you think you will eventually need to sign with someone to manage your career?

JA: I am an independent singer/songwriter. I don't know about signing with someone. I would depend on the person and the company. I've gone that route before and it didn't work out for various reasons. I'm not opposed to it at all, I'm just pretty realistic with the business side of music - I take it one step at a time. ha-ha

DL: Many young musicians face times of decision about balancing their focus totally on music or taking a different career path that may be more financially sound. How have you dealt with that struggle between music career and "40 hour a week, day job"? What advice would you give to anyone dealing with this decision?

JA: I've worked 40 hr weeks with music and I've devoted 100% of my time to music - it all depends on the person. Money seems to be tighter right now - in people's wallets and with venues - which can be a little stressful for musicians. There are two important issues:

One - making sure you are happy at the end of the road. When you are 90 years old will you be happy with the risks you took and the choices you made?

Two: Are you taking care of "business" in the mean time? I mean, if you have kids at home and you quit your job to go tour coffee houses for $50 a night, that might not be the kindest road to travel, you know?

DL: Who are your favorite artists and who has been your major influence in music? Also, have your influences changed over the years?

JA: Yes, my influences have changed for sure. I grew up with old-school country music, moved on to Prince and Michael Jackson, got obsessed with heavy metal and death metal in High School, discovered Americana/Alt. Country after High School, went through a huge blues phase, thought jam bands were the "only" music, and eventually figured out I like them all. My favorite artists (this week) are: Martha Scanlan or Tom Petty.

DL: Are you working on a new album or one soon to come?

JA: I am working on two new albums. One is with my friend and fellow-musician - Katie Sawicki. We have a new group called The Toad Sisters and will be making our first CD together this winter. The second CD is a new "Judith Avers" album and it will be produced by Anand Nayak - who did my last record.

DL: What are your thoughts about social networking sites like Facebook and others and if they are a necessity for today's musician?

JA: The jury is still out...haha. Whatever works for folks, I guess. : )

DL: As I think over the years of "trying" to sit down and write, I find that "organized" side of the brain takes over the freethinking creative side. How do you approach writing...can you plan it, sit down and begin, wake up in the middle of the night, just ramble lyrics down and then make sense of them?

JA: I write lyrics and melody at the same time. I give myself time with the guitar as much as I can during the day and if something wants to come out, I work on it for a while, take a break, and then spend time with it again. Once I have a rough draft, I record it and then leave it alone. If it lasts until I am making a new CD, I will go over it more thoroughly and make sure the lyrics are tight, the guitar part is more interesting than when it started and that the timing and arrangements are good.

DL: You have won some seriously major songwriting awards and have played with some famous artists. Who were some of your favorites or perhaps you have one memorable story of one venue performance you can share with us?

JA: I was opening for Josh Ritter and the venue was sold out - I went on stage with my guitar, plugged in and nothing happened. No sound. The sound board had been locked and they couldn't get it to work. I was just standing there...sweating...mortified. The crowd started mumbling and feeling bad for me and that woke me up. I started telling a really funny story to them and had just decided to walk to the edge of the stage and play it acoustic - without the sound- when they got it working. We played a great set after that and Josh was amazing. It was a great night and the first time I realized that I was a professional who could handle a situation.

DL: What's in the works or upcoming news and events for you?

JA: I am teaching an Appalachian songwriting class to teens in Southern West Virginia this fall, working on the new CD's and (hopefully) getting to know our new city!! I also hope to be booking some tours for 2011.

DL: Thanks for the interview and you can be sure your fans in your "new" hometown will be supporting your career! Best wishes for your continued success.