Interview: Avalon Creates a Sonic Cityscape with ‘Permanent Californian’ - Atwood Magazine

      Underground LA artist Avalon delves into themes of intergenerational memory, East LA culture, and moments that bring everything full circle in her latest EP, ‘permanent californian.’

      Stream: ‘permanent californian’ – Avalon

      With a turn of the ignition, Avalon revs up her Chevrolet Impala, setting off into the ambiance of Los Angeles as she crafts a sonic tale of the city. Driving up Interstate 5 from Orange County, the evening glow filters through the windows, highlighting a neon “Psychic” sign visible from the highway – the warm dusk transitions as light glistens along the horizon. The urban scenery is sprinkled with a cinematic essence as she embodies the essence of “living on video,” signaling the audio-visual identity that shapes her artistic vision for permanent californian. Blending elements of indie, post-punk, and electronic music, its underground appeal is rooted in the sounds that have influenced her. Avalon shares with Atwood Magazine, “I often find myself lost in the past and present to shape what I believe to be timeless,” highlighting the creative direction she envisions for her future soundscapes.

      The EP, scheduled for release on July 18th via KRO Records, features five tracks inviting listeners on a journey through time. “Harder to reach than god” opens the experience with calming synths that transition into an uplifting drum rhythm, layered with melodic nuances for a smooth auditory experience. Co-written and co-produced with Grammy-nominated Chris Greatti, known for his collaborations with artists like Aurora and Willow, the track smoothly transitions into “forever.” This subsequent song sets a nostalgic vibe with its electronic drum pad, evoking both past memories and futuristic sounds. Avalon reflects, “I find myself returning to genres like vaporwave, which resonated with me so much in my teenage years, and the way it seemed futuristic when I could hear a snippet of a long-forgotten 80s song,” illustrating her pursuit of genre fusion into a cohesive narrative.

      The EP continues with “so good,” which brings heavy guitar distortion, an alternating rhythm, and filtered vocals that exude a raw, captivating energy. “Scream” shifts the mood, introducing layered acoustic guitar and a blend of ethereal vocals, creating an airy ambiance. Rounding out the EP is the title track, “dedication hour,” which Avalon took the reins on in terms of direction and editing. This timeless piece encapsulates the essence and mindset of a permanent californian realm.

      Avalon engaged in a discussion about the “dedication hour” EP with Atwood Magazine, emphasizing how full-circle moments have significantly influenced her narrative. She elaborates that her music videos can be viewed as films—ever-evolving and layered with meaning. Estevan Oriol, who captures Chicano history through photography in East LA, aids in amplifying her vision. The term “Dedication Hour,” pays homage to Art Laboe, a radio host famous for popularizing dedication songs, solidifying his cultural legacy.

      Read on as Avalon shares insights into the creation of her latest work.

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      :: Stream/purchase permanent californian here ::

      :: Connect with Avalon here ::

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      A CONVERSATION WITH AVALON

      Atwood Magazine: Hi Avalon! Thank you for taking the time to speak with us! Throughout your career, you've shown incredible dedication to your art, starting your solo journey in 2014 at Beach Goth, where you DJed with just an APC and a laptop. You’ve built a community, inspiring younger audiences through your DJ sets while pushing the underground scene forward. I first discovered your work when I saw you perform at Beach Goth in Santa Ana in 2016. Can you share your story about how your musical journey began and how your work ethic has contributed to your success?

      Avalon: My journey began as a music fan, which continues to drive my craft. I feel fortunate to have attended so many exceptional live shows and experienced various subcultures through them. This has fueled my desire for music to be my life's work. I aim to create music for enjoyment while reminiscing about the excitement of initial music-making, experimenting, and exploring vibes. This work ethic stems from being a passionate music fan above all else, and that's what fuels me.

      As a diverse artist rooted in the underground and DJ scene, you broke free from conformity early in your performances. Your genre-blending approach has intrigued many. Is there a specific experience that has uniquely propelled you forward?

      Avalon: That’s a critical experience for me—experiencing music through culture rather than algorithms. No shade to algorithms, as there’s much going on simultaneously. Cultural nuances can fade over time, but immersing yourself in the experience provides much richer details than any label could convey. Thus, I create what I want to hear.

      You recently released permanent californian, an EP and a love letter to Los Angeles, vividly showcasing the city

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