Today we’d like to introduce you to Av
av, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started in my grandpa’s house in Manassas, Virginia, surrounded by music. Gwen Stefani, Mary J. Blige, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine, Lauryn Hill—those were the sounds that shaped me. I’d sing at the top of my lungs, feeling something so deep and electric that even as a kid, before I understood what a “career” was, I knew this was what I wanted to do.
Music was never just about sound; it was about feeling—experiencing everything all at once. Over time, life threw its lessons at me. Friendships came and went. I took my fair share of scrapes and bruises. But through it all, I had a support system that never let me stay down for long. My friends—the most beautiful people—have believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself. My partner sees, appreciates, and champions my success as much as I do, which is a blessing in itself.
It hasn’t been easy, but every trial and error led me here. And right now, I feel like I’m in the best space I’ve ever been as an artist. I’ve found my voice, my purpose, and my drive—and I’m just getting started.
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?
Growing up in Atlanta, idolizing artists and rock stars, you dream of that life—the freedom, the rebellion, the energy. But what you don’t always understand at first is that the lifestyle comes with consequences. There’s an “ignorance is bliss” mentality, a you only live once mindset, and sometimes, that can be dangerous.
As artists, we’re often our biggest critics, but we can also be our own worst enemies. That’s been one of my biggest struggles—getting out of my own way, not letting self-doubt or destructive habits take over. And then, of course, there are the struggles that just come with being human.
Has it been smooth? No. But has it been worth it? Absolutely.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a singer-songwriter, tattoo artist, model, and overall creative. I’m pretty adventurous—I love dipping my toes into different forms of expression, and I’m always open to new experiences. But at the core of it all, music is my main focus.
I own and operate 888 Ink Studio, and tattooing is something I deeply love. It’s a therapeutic pastime, a form of alchemy—turning ideas into something permanent and meaningful. The chance to create forever art with people is something I truly value.
And modeling—man, modeling is its own beast. It’s one of my favorite creative outlets, even if I don’t always know how to describe it. It’s about stepping into different versions of myself, pushing boundaries, and creating striking visuals.
As for what I specialize in—musically, I blend alternative, shoegaze, and post-punk rock. Visually, I focus on editorial and alternative creative direction, crafting imagery that feels raw, bold, and immersive.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I don’t know exactly where the industry is headed, but I know what I want to see—more authenticity, more unity, more longevity. More truth. I want to see passion, real artistry, and the kind of music that makes you feel something.
I’m excited to see what this next generation brings—the impact, the influence, the legacies we’re building and passing down. I want to see how we shape the future of music.
And honestly? Let’s bring back full album experiences—bodies of work meant to be listened to from start to finish. Let’s bring back VH1, real music video culture, and the kind of mass exposure that helps young, undiscovered artists realize who they are before they even know it themselves. That’s how inspiration spreads.
So yeah—hopefully, we do that. More longevity. More authenticity. More unity. More swag. More heart.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/av888ry/profilecard/?igsh=bmN3bXJpZ2lyMGJm
- Twitter: https://x.com/av888ry?s=21
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@av888ry?si=lQ786jUryalOCKxB
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/voaQgpXHKKKp6Rk2A
Image Credits
@antemortem.mp4
@rasawrld
@eyezofher
