C
anadian songstress Eva Avila has been enjoying a steady stream of success this year. 2009 has seen her topping music charts and appearing on big stages all over the country—events which could very well become commonplace for this exciting local talent.
Since Avila first stepped into the spotlight in 2006, she has been steadily proving that dreams can become reality. Her debut album Somewhere Else grabbed the number six spot on the Canadian Album charts upon its release. It also generated three hit singles, including the double-platinum digital single “Meant to Fly,” which hit the number one spot on the Single Sales Charts and helped Avila land a 2007 JUNO nomination for New Artist of the Year.
And when the call to join Beyoncé on the Canadian leg of her tour came, 21 year-old Avila was more than ready. She sat down recently with VancouverBC.com for an exclusive one-on-one chat.
Michelle Branch).
VancouverBC.com: This has been an incredible year for you—you’ve toured with Beyoncé! Describe for us how you found out you would be joining her for some of her Canadian dates, and the feeling of being on stage.
Eva Avila: Well, I found out about this six days before the first show! My manager called me up and when he told me the news, I couldn’t believe it. I was filled with excitement and I was totally giddy. We were doing a short set of five songs, which we had already performed plenty of times, so we knew we were ready. However, being the opening act for an artist of that calibre brought on a lot of pressure. She is, without a doubt, one of the most successful female artists out there, and I felt so privileged to be able to share the stage with her. On the first night in Edmonton, I got the opportunity to meet her. She gave me a big hug and seemed delighted to meet me! Woah. The four shows went amazing. The rush of adrenaline I felt on that stage was like euphoria almost. It was so much fun to play in front of arenas filled with thousands of people. Traveling around the country with my band was a blast, too—we have so much fun together. We’re like a family, as clichéd as it sounds. After the last show in Vancouver, we all watched her show from beginning to end. She is a stellar performer; she carries herself with such poise and charisma. Her entire concert inspired all of my band, and especially me. She is definitely my new idol. It was an amazing week.
VBC: What are some of the other big moments you’ve had so far this year?
EA: Touring with Beyoncé was definitely the highlight of the year so far, and the Junos were lots of fun, too. I always feel very privileged to be attending these types of events. My show in my hometown was so special as well—that was another highlight.
VBC: As a young singer with an increasing fan base and fame, how have you dealt with the rise in popularity, and is there anything you wish wasn’t part of the job?
EA: It sounds weird when people call me a celebrity, because I really don’t consider myself one. It’s always very flattering when someone stops me on the street or in public places. It reminds me that I love my job and it’s great to be recognized for it. Makes me smile and warms my heart. I feel so blessed to be doing my dream job, but yes, there are times when it gets a little crazy. Whether it’s a photo or video shoot, an autograph signing or a media event, you sometimes feel like you should be in 45 places at once. Or when on tour, it can be very exhausting. Always waking up super early, going from hotel room to hotel room, all that traveling…it’s hard physically and mentally. But I’ve dreamed about this since I was a little girl, so I don’t allow myself to complain. I try my very best to cherish every single moment of it.
VBC: Songs like “Damned” are the kind that one can easily relate to, maybe laugh at. What is your best behind-the-song story?
EA: Last year I wrote over 40 songs. Some were autobiographical, but not all of them. On my last record, I co-wrote a song called “Run.” I took a lot from my past personal experience and wrote a story about moving on, leaving the rest behind, running to a better place, etc. It was a lot of fun to write; it came very naturally. I’m also a very big fan of the song “I’m Sorry”—also on the new record. I didn’t write it, but it sounds like I did. The vulnerability and the honesty in that song is very me. I love that one a lot.
VBC: What’s next for Eva?
EA: Touring, doing some festivals and the Calgary Stampede and this winter I will be in Ross Petty’s Robin Hood musical. I am so excited about that. I did a lot of musical theatre when I was younger and I’ve been dying to get back into that. Hopefully it’ll open some doors for me in the acting world. The next step in 2010 will most likely be working on a French album.
When my girlfriend invited me to go to a preview of All’s Well That Ends Well at Bard on the Beach this past weekend, I jumped at the chance.
