Today we’d like to introduce you to Avalon Cutts-Jones.
Avalon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised here in Grand Rapids, MI. Both my mother (Jones) and father’s side of the family (Cutts) are exceptionally gifted in music. Everyone sings, plays, or preaches. I grew up with gospel quartet roots with family groups like The Pilgrim Wonders, The Pilgrim Angels, The Wings of Faith, and the Wonder Boyz. My family is my greatest musical influence and training. Over the years, I was introduced to r&b and funk, later venturing into jazz and neo-soul. I have an appreciation for each genre. It wasn’t until I went to college as an adult that I became familiar with classical music. I’m often asked what is my favorite style of music to perform. Well, I don’t have one exactly. I think there is something to learn from every genre. I’ve been blessed to be able to dabble in many. There is too much music out there to be stuck in one style. As long as I am able, I will do as much as I can with the gift I’ve been given.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Smooth??? Absolutely not. There were internal struggles of doubt and lack of confidence. For years I would compare myself to other singers/artist on a national and even a local level. How my voice wasn’t as powerful, I didn’t have the look, the creativity, or the skill that others had. I am one who tries to support others, but the same isn’t always reciprocated, and that added to that self-doubt. By far, the greatest challenge I’ve had was being told I’d never be able to sing again after an assault. I ended up having emergency plastic surgery. After a time of healing, it was discovered that I have permanent nerve damage. This hinders me from controlling facial movements. It’s literally through faith, hard work, and determination that I didn’t walk in that defeat. It was actually that diagnosis that pushed me to enroll in college. I needed God to prove his word to me, and I was determined to prove the doctor wrong…I’m a bit stubborn lol. God honored that and I went on to get my Bachelors of Music in Vocal performance from GVSU. I still have challenges with it to this day, but he continues to give me strength and courage to push through it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a vocalist. I not only love the final product but the creative process that precedes it. I love creating harmonies and teaching them. I love telling a story and creating a mental picture through music. Believe it or not, I am an introvert, but here’s a sense of freedom and liberation, boldness and vulnerability that I find security in through music. I love singing background vocals just as much, if not more, than being front and center. I have had the opportunity to travel as a background vocalist for other artists. I love both live and studio work. If I had to choose one, I’d say my favorite is being in the cast of a musical or an opera. I love the costumes, choreography, acting, dancing, all in addition to the singing night after night. While helping to bring other folks’ dreams to life, I decided to take a chance on my own. That’s how Avalon Cutts-Jones Music, AVCJ Music, came about. I love taking a cover song and putting my own twist to it. Weddings, graduations, parties, festivals, directing, vocal coaching, writing, arranging, and I would love to get into voice over work as well…I’d love to do it all. I think I’m most known for my versatility. It is very common for you to hear everything from r&b, neo-soul, gospel, jazz, classical, and even an old soft rock oldie in one of my sets. That is what sets me apart from other performers.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Be honest about who you are, then fall in love with it. So much so that you aren’t afraid to shine but also aren’t too proud to learn. Another would be don’t be afraid to step away from the norm. What you have to offer may not fit in with everyone else. They may not even understand what or why you do what you do… and that’s ok. Maybe they aren’t supposed to. Someone, somewhere will absolutely love what you have to offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.avcjmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avcjmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avcjmusic
Image Credits
Doug Simms
Lifeline Media
Weatherstone Studios
