Each month we feature one member from our community to learn more about them and their contributions to the industry. This month we had the opportunity to speak with Singing Saxtress, Ava Lemert 🎷

Ava! Thanks so much for joining us in the Artist Community. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’ve been an Independent recording artist since 2009 and a one-woman enterprise! I  have a long background in visual arts, photography and graphic design. I've been considered for 6 GRAMMYs and a bunch of other awards since I started performing solo. I've been in many bands from three to 70 members. I built my own home recording studio, and perform mainly in the Sacramento, CA area where I am based. Proud to be a mom and wife, too!

Amazing! You certainly stay busy. So how did your journey in the music industry first start?

Well, I was singing made-up songs into a tape recorder when I was about four. Then I was in the school band where I had the unique honor of being the first female/Sophomore Drum Major of my High School's marching band (full Scottish mace, BTW). I left music for many years and came back to it in 2005 when I decided to re-learn how to read music so I could become one of the first members of a community marching band in my city at the time. 

Then I got the performance bug! I was in several local bands, from Big Band, to cover R&B/Motown bands as the female singer. But I wanted to do my own songs, so I ventured out on my own. My first album From My Soul was released in December 2009.

Wow! What a story. And you’ve been doing quite a few major projects recently. Can you tell us about some that stick out?

I’ve  performed for several charities that I feel passionate  about, from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, to the JazzTrax festival on Catalina Island. I headlined a show at Spaghettini in Seal Beach and have been an advocate for music creators as a GRAMMYs on the Hill Team captain. I was also in the Recording Academy, and an ambassador for the Copyright Alliance.

That is so cool. It sounds like you’re really inspired by important causes. What else would you say inspires you creatively?

My most recent 'bolt of creative lightning' has been from watching the great "Get Back" documentary. I'm a life-long Beatles fan, and it can strike anytime, but I'm finding that taking a break from writing and recording then coming back to it can be a good way to refresh old ideas. I've got so much new music to release, it's going to be a busy 2022!

I bet! We’re really looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Is there a quality or skill you would say is essential to being a musician or part of the industry in general?

Humility, perseverance, and open-mindedness.

We couldn’t agree more. What do you love most about connecting with your fans?

Learning how much someone is moved, or made happy by my music. I've had some pretty touching reactions to my songs and performances. It's something that keeps me motivated no matter what level of notoriety I might or might not attain

It sounds like you have a special connection with your fans. We love to hear that! Would you mind telling us a little bit about what you like about using Bandsintown?

Oh, the new Artist Community! It's the best. I'm a pretty solo DIY person and have tended to isolate myself to be sure that I can do my thing in the way I want. The people I've gotten to connect with here in the Bandsintown for Artist Community are wonderful, open and I feel like we are in this together! A wave to lift all our boats, so-to-speak!

We can’t tell you how truly glad we are to hear that! Speaking of the Artist Community, is there anything you’d like to ask your fellow members for support on?

At this point, I'm trying to build up my YouTube audience. I'm going to try to get more content out there, and of course my music streaming. But when the “in person” shows start up again, Bandsintown is the calendar I’ll use to get people to follow me and come out to watch me perform!

​To connect further with Ava directly, you can find her in the Bandsintown Artist Community!

Next month, we’ll choose another member to spotlight, so stick around!

Website - https://www.avalemert.com/ 

Bandsintown - https://www.bandsintown.com/a/1062387-ava-lemert 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/AvaLemertmusic 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/avalemert/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/AvaLemert/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/AvaLemert