Rising Stars: Meet Cristian Avila

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristian Avila.

Hi Cristian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in Quito, Ecuador, surrounded by vinyls and Latin folk music. Years later, inspired by my father, I decided to trade the piano, my first instrument, for the acoustic guitar. For many years I was my own teacher. Music became my way of stopping time and connecting deeply with myself, that’s when I started to write my own songs. After graduating High School, I was awarded by very first Scholarship, which led me to take a different path and begin a career in architecture. But two years later after a mental breakdown that triggered an anxiety disorder, I decided to pursue my true passion; music.

I had my first encounter with Berklee College of Music while studying performance in USFQ and finally had the opportunity to travel to Boston in August 2019. I had the fortune of receiving several scholarships including the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Tuition Assistance Scholarship in 2020 and 2021. During the pandemic, I decided it was time to share my songs to the world and release my first single “Si te vas” which reached more than 15k streams on music platforms.

After graduating from Berklee this past May 2022, I moved to Los Angeles where I continue to release my music while working as an engineer at Igloo Music.

I want to touch as much people as possible and for those who struggle with mental health just as I do, to know that there’s always a way out and my music is there to become a companion in their process. My first EP will be coming out on January 2023 followed by my very first studio album.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
On the contrary, it has been a road with a lot of struggles and some second thoughts. But I am one of those people who think that nothing that’s worth it comes easy. In order to grow you have to get out of your comfort zone and take risks. When I decided to change majors and pursue my dream, that decision scared me because of the uncertainty of what would come after. Traveling to another city that I’ve never been to before, living by the day and away from family was the biggest struggle of all. It’s not easy being an international, finding a job, pursuing your dreams and battling your mental health all at the same time. However, going through all these experiences has allowed to grow as a human being and to live my dream and the best life I can.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a singer-songwriter and guitarist who likes to blend the sounds of popular music and Latin folk. I try to make music that is a genuine and powerful source of inspiration, expressing a message of honesty, awareness and the power of vulnerability. Through my art, I vow to be an advocate for mental health awareness. So far, I’ve released four singles and my last EP single ‘Feliz’ will be coming out in January 2023. My name has appeared in several Netflix, Disney and Amazon movies and series as well.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Everything happens for a reason. All of my experiences so far have taught me that nothing is a coincidence and everything is destined to help you form your path.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.elcristianavila.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elcristianavila/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soycristianavila?epa=SEARCH_BOX
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-u7E0RWrj4Jf_8i8oUcR5A

Image Credits
Mishele Arciniega