Today we’d like to introduce you to Bert Avalos.
Hi Bert, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Los Angeles in 1992. Went to Grand View Elementary School, Palms Middle, and Hamilton High.
As a kid, I loved lowrider cars and hip hop.
Became interested in rock music about 7th grade, hearing stuff like Led Zeppelin and The Doors on the radio. Started learning guitar on an acoustic borrowed from one of my sisters.
A little after that I got my first electric guitar from a pawn shop along with a tiny guitar amp.
I never took any music classes but played the guitar every day. Learned as many Led Zeppelin songs as I could.
In high school started playing in bands. First band I had that played gigs was called The Trozos. I actually played drums at first but after a while ended up playing rhythm guitar in it.
Played drums for a few other bands, some bluesy, some pop-punk, and some psychobilly.
After high school went to LA trade tech for a while. Started working at a parts department for a local auto dealer. Still playing music whenever possible.
Ended up forming a rockabilly band. The Centuries, we’ve gone through a few members but now have our most solid lineup. Have played across a few states. The east coast. Played our first international show last year, England. Do a lot of big rockabilly festivals.
Have a few other bands too now. Swing music with The Moontones, more country and rockabilly with Deke Dickerson & the Whippersnappers. I do my own one-man band, I call it All Alone & Rockin’. Been playing a little bar in Echo Park with a couple of guys called Red Mountain Ramblers.
I have a couple of classic cars. A 1954 Ford Sedan delivery. I bought it to be the band car.
I’ve been learning to do hand-lettered painting. I love old signage and neon. Painted “The Centuries” right across the side of the delivery.
Other car is a 1959 ford galaxie. Beautiful car. Worked hard for it.
Dont work dealerships anymore but have been keeping busy playing music. Painting signs and the odd job here and there.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Tough is figuring out where you fit in. What you do best and who will appreciate what you’re doing.
A struggle is finding people who want to do what you do. But there’s a few old sayings that always help.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I play music that you don’t hear every day. Stuff from the late 40s up to about the mid-60s.
Blues, rockabilly, swing, surf.
I do it because I love the music. I don’t look up top 40 hits to learn to please as many people as possible.
I’m proud of the music I play and the people I play it with. We do it very well.
What matters most to you? Why?
Doing what makes you happy. Knowing where and in what environment you are valued.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecenturiesrockabilly.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecenturiesrockabilly?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenturiesrockabilly?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bertoast99
- Other: https://thecenturiesrockabilly.bandcamp.com/
