Avion Blackstone – Backstage Hero “offers an unusual combination of genre influences”

Backstage Hero is a track that offers an unusual combination of genre influences yet does so in a way that somehow works really well. The opening energy of the piece suggests a classic dance or r&b recording, however, as things progress there’s a much more retro vibe to the instrumentation, and the leading melody also veers off in something of an unexpected direction. On top of all this, that initial high energy of the piece seems to come down a little into a more down tempo, mellow, even ambient sort of soundscape. There’s a lot of creativity to the mix, a lot of moments that come in and out of view (so to speak) thanks to a thoughtful structure.

Music link: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6nFTyqoEfocfQ2JQBkXTDh

Lyrically it is primarily that hook that lingers in your mind after listening. Towards the end of the release the vocal part is repeated intensely, adding to that initial dance vibe that was hinted at when the whole thing began. There’s an element of songwriting to it all of course, but for the most part it is the musical composition, the creative production, that works hard to win your attention. The CDC Remix offers more of the same, however there’s a depth of tone to the backdrop now, a thick and slightly distorted rhythm section, and seemingly a lot more space surrounding that lead vocal.

After just a couple of listens the essence of the track becomes familiar in the way that any effective mainstream release might, and all in all it’s a job well done in terms of offering something accessible to all audiences as well throwing in that touch of individuality – those unexpected samples, those creative moments, the changing soundscape. On occasion the track feels like a classic from the past, at other times it appears completely new.

By Rebecca Cullen

Rebecca is a Musician and writer from Manchester, UK, with an MA in Song Writing

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

My father was in the military so I grew up all over the United States. But I consider Austin Texas to be my spiritual home.

I don’t think I ever “decided” to be an artist. I remember being about three years old and seeing the piano for the first time. I just walked over and started playing. In my toddler brain, that was just what you did with things that made noise; you made music with them. I was a very noisy, a.k.a. musical, child.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

The very most important thing that every artist needs to know is that this is an industry about people. If you don’t love people, get out of the business. Seriously. It’s all about loving people, hearing their stories, hugging them, listening to them, sharing with them, inspiring them. People. People. People. That is probably the hardest piece of the business because so many of us musicians are incredibly introverted. But it’s also the most important piece.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

I make mistakes all the time. The weird thing is that audiences actually love people who make mistakes. They love to see the humanity in musicians, and mistakes are very human. The key is to grin and wink and keep going. Acknowledge the mistake. People will call you out on it if you don’t. But keep going. Make the acknowledgment brief and light. I don’t take yourself so seriously that you can’t laugh about making a mistake.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

So far I have not toured. I’ve done a little bit of local performing and I plan to be touring in the future.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

At the moment I’m writing the next collection of songs. There are still several more that are not released and I’m going to be revealing an unveiling those slowly. In the meantime I am connecting with several new producers to create a new “shimmery” sound for the next collection. I think every song should be like a beautiful outfit, and I have to find exactly the right people to help me stitch them together.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

This is where loving people comes in.

You definitely can purchase promotion. And you can get out on social media and tweet your link to 1000 faceless, nameless accounts on the inter-web.

But what really makes a difference as connecting with people. When people love you, you tell them about your work, and they will share it with other people.

The biggest boost I’ve ever gotten and sharing my work came from just making friends and being friendly and open on Twitter. It was absolutely amazing how many people open their hearts and their hands to help me every step of the way. And it’s so simple to do; follow, say hi, start a conversation, send them a link to your music. Show them first that you care about them, and then they will care about your music.

The most important piece is that you really have to care.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

I have a crazy dream of bringing Mozart back to life to perform alongside me and Lady Gaga. I would commit murder to be part of that show!

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

The next song that I will be releasing is “Innocent”. That comes out August 4 of 2017. I’m extremely eager to reveal this one because it gave me a chance to really showcase both my sense of humor and my worldview. I’m very tongue-in-cheek and I like to make people scratch their heads and laugh at the same time. I think this song will do that.

Jr of One Eyed Doll produced it for me and he did a phenomenal job setting up the sound scape of the whole track.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

I truthfully have no idea how to answer this question. Music has been my exclusive goal since I was about three. I don’t have a back up plan. I’m really not good at back up plans.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?

More music, more live performances, and hopefully a music video or two. I’ve got an amazing collection of pictures in my head for a couple of music videos and I’m talking to three different companies right now about how we can make them happen.

Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?

So many! My crew knows who they are. And my #Aviants are the best fans on earth. If I had room to list their names individually I would because each one of them encourages me every day.