Band/Artist Name: Avenue
Musical Genre: Hip Hop
City or Hometown: Boston, MA
Avenue is a hip hop artist, born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. Being raised around such a diverse community, Avenue finds his inspiration from the many different genres around his surrounding neighborhoods. Avenue continues to pursue his goal of releasing his next album and collaborating with other musicians, artists, and MCs.
AUX: “What part of Boston are you from? What about growing up in that area that inspired you to become an artist?“
Avenue: I was born & raised in the south end, Lower Roxbury section of Boston. Same section of the city as the group ‘New Edition’. The history my neighborhood holds, has always been in front of me since a kid, stories about Detroit Red hustling in my neighborhood, MLK actually living on Mass Ave during his time at Boston University. Being able to see Mike Biv every summer during the Big 10 Basketball tourneys was definitely an early inspiration.
“How would you describe the hip hop scene in Boston for someone unfamiliar? Does it vary from one area to another or is it a unified sound?“
AVE: Boston music scene is as crazy as it’s been in a very very long time. A lot of dope artist, producers, influencers, making impact. City of Boston split into neighborhoods similar to (boroughs) South End, Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain. Very diverse. Large West Indian & Cape Verdean community, as well as Latin & black community of course. So the music mirrors that. Feel like the sound range varies, not by area; but more so by upbringing and/or by struggle.
“The radi8er app is a digital streaming platform that features the top independent artists based on their location. Every city has a history. Every artist has a story. And that’s what we aim to highlight. What would you say is Boston’s narrative as it pertains to the music industry as a whole? Where does Boston fit in the culture?“
AVE: Misunderstood & sometimes uncredited. I believe the things that are often highlighted from here don’t often represent how diverse it really is in the town. So that’s our goal with the music to open that up. Not by just by glorifying hardships but educating and making a point on what we believe is essential to navigate. So collectively the inner city is working right now to rewrite the narrative.
“Considering the current climate in the music industry right now, what do you believe are the next opportunities for indie artists to come up?“
AVE: A lot more partnerships. I’m seeing an number of BIG artist & platforms start to speak out about the working of the industry. Which is building awareness for the average listener to have insight on what supporting an artist really is. A lot more direct to consumer marketing & transactions. Covid also slowed down a lot of things, so information has been received different and put the power back in the hands of the people. As well as created this sense of pride in uplifting any and everything independent. Which is dope.
“We want to help spread the word on any projects, plans or developments you have in the works. What’s next for Avenue? Anything the readers should know?“
AVE: 4th Quarter I’m in album mode – trying to get one off. During quarantine recorded a project with Hil Holla, one of my favorite rappers – he’s from Pawtucket, RI. So that’s slated for October release, “Two Sides Of The Same Comin”. But as always me and Frank been cooking for the cold weather. Everything – Business As Usual, Eat what you Kill.
Avenue – Social Media Links
Avenue Fanlink Website
Facebook: @AVENUEBLVD
Instagram: @avenueblvd
Twitter: @avenueblvd
Author: Anthony Pellé
