BIO
At first glance, it’s hard to imagine the statuesque 5’10 beauty was ever the awkward band geek that followed the popular kids around at school. These days however, landing features in videos alongside Pharrell and gracing the runways of some of fashion's most celebrated designers has definitely made Avriel Epps the leader of the pack. At the tender age of 17, this college Junior has been deemed one of the freshest new young faces in Hollywood by countless industry professionals.
Avriel has been in front of the television cameras most of her young life, starting first with commercials for McDonalds, Washington Mutual, Bumble Ball as well as appearances on Mad TV and Hannah Montana. She then graduated to speaking roles such as the voice of Little Timberly on Nickelodeon's Hey Arnold!, and the leading roles in a number of indie films. But acting and modeling are only a small component of the multi-faceted young teen’s make up. As a singer, producer, songwriter and composer, the young starlet’s musical prowess is enhanced by her formal training as an accomplished pianist, violinist and guitarist making her a quadruple musical threat. As if that weren't enough, Avriel is also trained in Ballet, Jazz and Hip-hop dance. The hint of husk which coats her vocal chords gives the young songstress the soulful spirit of an old soul who has been here before. Not since the passing of rhythm and soul princess Aaliyah has a young singer possessed the grace, class and maturity of a rhythm and pop starlet with the ability to mesmerize on camera and on wax.
Avriel is poised to claim the position left void in today’s popular music. Acting, modeling, producing and writing on a regular basis, the burgeoning pop star is currently in the studio preparing her debut offering to the music world. “As a model, I’m used to rejection because that’s the nature of the business,†explains Avriel of her uphill battle to prove herself to the music world, "It's been tough, people don't take me seriously when they walk in the studio and I tell them that I've made the beat that they're hearing, and that I wrote the song too" she continues about breaking gender boundaries in the male dominated field of producing. “But I’m not afraid to express the realities of my life to help bring comfort to those young girls, like myself, who have wrestled with finding their own way in the world.†With her feet firmly rooted in her belief in herself and her love of the arts, as well as the support of her family, friends and numerous big timers in the entertainment field, Avriel plans to bring the purity and innocence of the trials and errors we all experience in life to the forefront with the artistry of her music. Currently working to bring her musical vision to reality, Avriel is collaborating with some of the industry's top hit makers to tailor music for the next generation of music lovers.
Octavia Bostick
www.allhiphop.com
QUESTIONAIRE
What is your favorite type of food?
I love food in general, but I'd have to say Indian food or Sushi is my favorite.
Where are you originally from?
I grew up in the Sanfernando Valley in SoCal
Where do you live now?
in Los Angeles
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
Yes two sisters, one older and one younger, and a younger brother.
Who influenced/inspired you to get into music?
My dad did. He was a classical guitarist and played music for a living, before him and my mom had kids. and He's always pushed me to explore my talents in music, before I ever realized I even had talent!
What music did you listen to when growing up?
Everything! I loved R&B, pop, hip hop, and rock, just because it was always on the radio. And My parents would always blast artist like Stevie, Chaka, Donny, and Prince in the house. But then, because of my classical training, I really learned to love Classical and all kinds of Jazz music. Eventually my taste broadened and I got into a lot of experimental stuff and ethnic music from different countries.
How old were you when you started working on music?
I remeber the first song I ever performedwas Whitney Houston "I will always love you" when I was 2. I started playing piano and violin when I was about 9, and started writing songs to express myself when I was 13. I didn't really focus on music as a career until I was about 14, that's when I started to take all of my training seriously and started building my song catalogue, and I've grown soooo much in these past few years because of that focus.
Out of the songs you've written to date, which song means the most to you?
One of the best songs I think I've written is called "Stay Strong" It's about a teenage expectant mother. I wrote it when my bestfriend got pregnant at a young age, and almost everyone I've played it for has cried. It's an extremely emotional song. After I wrote it I think I started to realize the huge talent I have for song writing.
What artist do you compare yourself too?
I used to always compare myself to artists, but now I don't like to, because there isn't anyone quite like me out there right now. There are a few artists that play piano and sing, and few musicians who are popular violinists, a few who play guitar, and a few that are great singer/dancer performers, but I think I'm one of the first to bring all those aspects of entertainment and more into one complete package!
If you could live anywhere in the world where would you want to live?
I've always wanted to live in Italy or NYC.
What do you like to do for fun?
I'm blessed, because modeling, acting, and music are the most fun for me!
What do you do in your spare time?
I love to cook! I will invite people over just so I can cook dinner for them. I'm going to open up a restaurant in the future haha. But I also love to go vintage and thrift shopping.
what type of clothes do you like to wear? How would you describe your style?
My style is extremely eclectic. I draw inspiration from the high fashion world that I work in, and also from classic LA and NY style. I love funky and vintage pieces that I can mix and match and make unique ensembles with.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
My dream collaboration list is pretty much endless. I love learning new things and feeding off of other people's energy, so any talented musicians who can teach me something new or influence me differently.
Growing up, did you sing in the shower or in front of a mirror?
I still do. Last night I was singing and dancing around to Beyonce's new album in front of my bedroom mirror. Don't laugh, you know you do it too!
If you weren't working in the entertainment industry, what would you want to pursue?
I actually went to an Architecture magnet for High School. So if wasn't doing music, I would probably be going to school to be an architect. I still plan to design buildings and houses later on in the far future. Avriel branded houses and hotels, oh yes!!
Who are you dying to meet?
I've met a lot of celebrities already, but I would love to meet Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Chris Brown, and Oprah.
What's you dream venue to perform at?
The Staples Center or the Hollywood Bowl, because that's where I have seen all my most memorable concerts.
where do you want to travel to?
I really want to travel to Italy, Paris, and India.
Anything else you want to say?
I just want to thank everyone who's been supporting me and who believes in me. I'll never be able to express how grateful I am for them all!! And if you're not a believer yet, don't sleep on your girl!!
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I ♥ ALL THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE IN MY LIFE!!!! THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT'S BEEN THERE FOR ME THROUGH ALL THE TOUGH TIMES!!
♥ Avi ♥
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