Today we’d like to introduce you to Avian Burns.
Hi Avian, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Heyyy!! I’m Avian or some refer to me as Young A-V
My story begins in a small town called Greenville, South Carolina
Early beginnings in church and performing at my 8th grade talent show both contribute to my dream of making it big!
I will be 26 years old in July and I’ve been in love with music as far as I can remember. When I was younger I loved to dance it just made me feel free. It was one of the things I was really good at.
As I got older I made my first music video with an old friend of mine called “Locomotive” fresh out of high school in my hometown of downtown Greenville (Filmed by RKBP) and it is now at 3K views on YouTube.
After that I began investing in myself and trying to find new ways to expand my reach due to the fact that coming from a small town- not a lot of people are interested in seeing you go beyond their expectations. For me- I love a challenge so at the age of 19 I moved away and went straight to New York! The artist drake said in one of songs that Location is everything- and he wasn’t completely wrong. However I did have to make sacrifices to make ends meet. After a couple failed relationships I ended up leaving New York and moving back a couple of times. Where would I leave New York and go to you ask? ATLANTA😂 whew God and then I ended up uniting with another old friend of mine Named Jimmy Mcfan and we ended up filming our music video for “Soul” which is another CLASSIC song that I featured on, and I just loved watching it come to life because it was so raw and I think we both brought something different to the table. Definitely one of my favorite collabs (that music video is also up on YouTube)
After leaving Atlanta for the last time- and moving back to New York I had a falling out with somebody I was close with and had to figure out who’s couch or floor I’d sleep on next THEN came my marriage which lasted about 2 years before we got divorced and while in that relationship I learned the most about myself than ever before! I think I can give that relationship credit for helping me find my voice because during that time I used a lot of the alone time I had when I wasn’t around my ex to really focus on what I wanted to sound like- how I wanted to present myself- how to present myself more professionally as an artist and how to really stand on what I believe as a man.
The pre education was born(now out on all streaming platforms) and it’s a short and sweet 5 song project that details love- hurt- anger- sadness- and most of all confidence. It’s my story in the most beautiful package. I named it after Lauryn Hill because I was inspired by her natural ability to teach through her music which is something I’d like as well- to educate others through my experience. Plus the songs are fire hellooooo!!!! But after putting out the EP performing in Maryland to help promote the EP- Filming my “Teardrops” Music Video with @atunez__ on Instagram I had the sad realization that the relationship I had with my ex was coming to an end. Fast forward after I had to leave my ex I had to figure out what was next for me- so then I ended up joining the Navy so I could rebuild what I had lost on my own.
And now I am out of the Navy(Separated for reasons I won’t discuss) and I have moved back home to rebuild my relationship with my parents/ my little brothers and I’m taking time to really breathe without shrinking to meet everybody else’s expectations of me. I want to be better than the me yesterday.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
NO it was NEVER smooth lmao
1st being a pastors grand child you don’t see it until you grow up how religion can unhealthily effect your life(Yes I believe in God)
2nd being an INDEPENDENT artist(that’s all that needed to be said.. it’s expensive.. as fuck)
3rd being the oldest of 3 is a LOT of pressure and has also made me look at life a lot differently as I’m getting older
4th Being divorced and finding my way back to myself after words has been.. one of the worst mental battles I’ve ever had to face
5th Accepting that my parents won’t always understand me and that’s okay
6th BILLS BILLS BILLS BABY ITS HARD OUT HERE HELLO!
7th I’d say the cliche thing- everybody’s NOT your friend!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What sets me apart from others is I know how to catch people’s attention. I’m very entertaining at the right place and the right time. I believe it’s important to tend to who you actually are behind performing so I think that’s what sets me apart- I’m just literally being myself.
I’m known for dancing for the most part(and making dance hits) I can sing and I can rap. I’m also known for My workout content which I recently started and it’s been making me feel so good lately.
I am most proud of my ONE project that I have out right now because it’s the proof of life for me Music wise. That project took YEARS to make and it’s crazy because it’s only 5 songs but if you listen closely I’m saying a lot.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
YES moving to New York at the age of 19 with a boyfriend that cheats on you in your face is a DIFFERENT kind of risk😂so different babe. Omg.
During my marriage investing in my project I had to learn how to budget and manage my money better. It created arguments I didn’t see coming.
I took a risk when I drove to Atlanta to meet my favorite artist (Bahja Rodriguez from the OMG Girlz)
I took a risk breaking my neck in high school at the pep rally when I was called out for a dance battle.
I took a risk getting married AND divorced.
I took a risk going to studios in My hometown and in Atlanta and in New York just trying new things and seeing what worked for me.
I even worked with a new producer for The Pre Education and that actually worked out for me because he had these beats that matched exactly what I felt like around that time.
I can go on and on but I’m the biggest risk taker it’s just not publicized because I don’t care for too much attention that gets overstimulating.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realyoungav?igsh=MWFrcTc5ZWV3cHNwaA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Twitter: https://x.com/realyoungav?s=21
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theyoungav?si=fhx6sO-qHVjogW0p
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/xZVUFkEAWFVtUf6Rjq
