Formula Indie Sessions : Interview with Avril Prado
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
One would expect me to tell my story through music from a very early age, but the interesting thing is that it was never a goal or a dream on my list. Music came into my life at a turning point, and the contrast between living with and without music made me understand that this art form is more than just rhythm and melody. It is the only thing that can enter our lives without asking permission, just as it did for me on that day when I had the opportunity to use my voice as an instrument in front of a crowd of strangers. That first memory, that first day, I understood that music touches hearts and breaks down barriers everywhere, and that is what I was born for.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
My passion for creating music has grown over time. However, I remember that day, after coming home from school, arriving with so many emotions built up, so many things to say, I couldn’t find a way to get it all out of my body without feeling that it wasn’t enough. Until, for the first time, I wrote down every thought with pen and paper and realized that everything rhymed; I had written a poem without realizing it. From that day on, composing became my refuge for making even my deepest thoughts real and turning every feeling in the depths of my heart into material.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
My most recent musical project is my first single, “Antes que te vayas” (Before You Leave), a song that represents all my fusions and my favorite Afro-pop sounds. This was a very interesting project because I had the opportunity to discover my potential as an artist. I understood that I can mix sounds to achieve an essence that only I am able to hear in my mind until I finally make it real.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
My sound is more than harmonies; it is essence and memory. I want my music to be like storing an emotion, feeling, or memory in a jar so you can contemplate and feel it whenever you want. My music captures youth, freedom, and that feeling of being human, making mistakes, and knowing that it’s okay.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Composing is not just about talking about a feeling, it’s about telling a story and capturing a sensation so deeply that a song can take you to a different place. Throughout this constantly changing process, I have had the opportunity to live experiences that have nourished me musically. After spending years composing, learning through classes and programs like Berklee Songwriting Sessions in LA, I have come to the conclusion that we often write for others, and constantly ask ourselves questions like, “Will the audience really like this? Is my music good enough?” But when I understood that what is really worthwhile is what I can write for myself, my way of making music completely changed. I write about myself for others, because at the end of the day, we are all human and we all feel the world and each of its disappointments and wonders.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
During the creative process, it is essential for me to be in an environment that helps me connect with myself so that I can then reconnect with the outside world. When composing, I always like to create a cozy space, light candles, and play inspiring music. I also like to carefully choose the people who accompany me during this time, as a small piece of advice or a different perspective can completely change the direction of the song, either positively or negatively. Making music is not only about creating catchy melodies, but also, as a singer-songwriter, I aim to create a new place that transports you to an experience. For me, it’s like taking a blank canvas and making visible places that only I know inside myself. On the other hand, beyond having my main instrument close by—the piano—I also like to write by hand. I feel that it creates a stronger connection between all those abstract feelings and the reality I am creating.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I always like to take note of the artists, songs, and sounds I listen to because, at the end of the day, all of this ends up influencing the way I compose. Right now, I’m obsessed with the song “Commas” by Arya Star, because it’s the kind of Afrobeat style that I admire so much and that influences me. I love how the mix of each instrument and the clarity of the production has the ability to transport you to a new world wherever you are.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My journey through music has been full of negative and positive experiences that have contributed in their own small way to shaping the artist I am today. I have participated in numerous competitions and performances that have helped me discover what it is like to sing in front of a crowd and how I want to touch their hearts. I have won and lost so many times that I have come to understand that life is full of ups and downs so that we can grow and find ourselves. On the other hand, I have also been in front of crowds that do not appreciate art, but this experience made me stronger and helped me understand that everyone gives what is in their heart and that music is one of the few things that is so special that it shows who we really are. I have also had the wonderful opportunity to share with top artists and music producers on the Berklee songwriting session program in LA, an experience that nourished me in an exceptional way musically. Finally, the support of my parents and family has been one of the most important pillars that has shaped and influenced me to believe, persevere, and work hard to make this dream come true. The dream of touching millions of hearts with my music and breaking down barriers.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
My goal as a Latina artist is for anyone who has the opportunity to listen to my music to realize that music can also be a refuge, a space, a memory, a feeling captured in two minutes that you can contemplate whenever you want. I want this new generation to fall in love with my music because it feels like home, because it feels free, young, and most importantly, human.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Music has taught me that what fills our hearts most is everything that cannot be seen or touched. Music has made me understand that it is also powerful, and that if used correctly, we can change lives and open hearts.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
My biggest dream is to fill arenas with thousands of people, go on a world tour, perform at Coachella, Summertime Ball, and have the opportunity to perform at the Grammys, Victoria´s secrets fashion shows. I also have dreams not only related to music but also to TV shows and movie projects. I would also love to have the opportunity to make some movies for Disney and Netflix, and even collaborate with global makeup brands.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
It’s interesting because I have a list full of artists I would love to collaborate with. I would love to make songs with Dua Lipa, Benson Bonne, Tate Macrae, and Aitana. I would love to produce catchy and different songs with Benny Blanco, Tainy, Julio Reyes Copello, and Ovy on the Drums. Those would be incredible experiences. I would love to contribute my voice and bring a new vibe to each of these artists’ music. I also dream of collaborating with actors for different music videos, such as Makkena Grace, Malachi Barton, and Jenna Ortega.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
My Artist profile in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/artist/1y6HDJRbgyGZspCwECW0GM
My Single in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/track/5EhCTIL0swS0A0HB8JFvHJ?si=f5d4737f7bb44c1d
My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avrilprado/
My Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@avrilpradomusic
My Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580602017599&locale=es_LA
My Website: www.Avrilprado.com
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
In my diary and list of dreams, I have thousands of goals and purposes that I work toward every day, always keeping in mind that the main goal is to never lose my essence and to be able to touch hearts with every fiber of my being and my voice. My next goal is to continue making music to keep finding my essence on a musical and visual level.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope with all my heart that my listeners continue to grow and that each one of them not only listens to my music but also gets to know who Avril Prado is and what she came to bring to the world. I want us to grow together along the way and discover the power of music together.
