Meet Avery Johnson of AVEVO in Castleberry Hill

Today we’d like to introduce you to AVEVO.

Avery, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2010, I was approached by a friend from middle school who said he needed a producer. He knew I played the drums, which I began playing by ear when I was 14 years old and thought I could help him out. He gave me FL Studio 3 (the demo version) and that began my production journey. After 2-3 years of practice, my production skills reached a point where I was ready for people to start rapping over my beats. At that time, I was producing under the name A_V_E. I had elaborate stories that explained the story and vibe behind my beats, and no one was really getting them. So, during that time, no one was really rapping over my beats. To better present my ideas, I had the idea to make concept videos for the beats I made. I wanted to call my video channel AVEVO as a play on the platform VEVO. Though pronounced A-V-E-VO, I don’t correct people who pronounce it A-VEVO which is Italian for “to have.” I fell in love with music because I always had it. I feel like it was given to me. I still don’t know how to read music, I was just good at it from the start. After about 5-6 more years making my rounds with local artists in Jackson, MS, I knew I needed to broaden my circle and go where the players play. I packed up two weeks worth of clothes and my studio equipment and moved to Atlanta.

When I got to Atlanta, I had to learn very fast, I didn’t know anyone. I did a few beat battles and grew to be known as one of the top competitors. I also had the idea to use Instagram for what it’s actually for and began to network. I continuously followed the bed crumbs until it led me to Rachel–the coordinator for ibeatDaily–which ultimately let to my first placement with Nivia (Circles), and three months later, my placement with Boston George and Jeezy (Right 2 Left) co-produced by Lil Wayne’s tour DJ, T. Lewis.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Having moved to Atlanta, I didn’t know anyone other than a few people I’d met at beat battles. Instead of trying to figure out how to network within the industry, I just tried to use fundamental ways to connect with people. If I was in a room and felt there was someone there who could help me get further, but didn’t know exactly who that person was, I would talk to everyone in the room to make sure I found them. I was a no-name person who is basically a nobody. People would begin to ignore me, even in the middle of me talking. Really, I had more internal struggles, like moving to another area, with another sound, and more producers. You eventually just have to learn how to get out of your own way.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Most recently, I’ve actually gotten into the AVE of AVEVO, which stands for Audio Visual Evolution. Blending my sounds with visuals, I just recently shot and directed my first two video projects. One thing that sets me apart is sometimes being able to let people see what I hear.

What were you like growing up?
I was always thinking and watching, observing. I learned a lot from watching my friends. I had quite a bit of self-confidence and would share my ideas without worrying what anyone else thought about them, even if I was laughed at.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_avevo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avevo12/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AVEVO_

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