Maven Avila
Maven Avila is an American singer-songwriter and activist, best known as the vocalist and guitarist of American alternative rock band Dead Letterman.
 Avila in September 2020. | |
| Date of birth | June 22,1998 |
|---|---|
| Place of birth | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Nationality | American |
| Pronouns | they/them |
| Gender identity | Agender |
| Known for | Vocalist and guitarist of Dead Letterman |
Early Life
Maven Avila was born in Louisville, KY in 1998.
Musical Career
Dead Letterman (2020-present)
Formation, first releases
On February 11, 2020, Avila announced via Facebook the formation of Dead Letterman. The name Dead Letterman was inspired by an inside joke between friends, involving a conspiracy surrounding late-night talk show host David Letterman.
Govern Me Daddy
On April 3, 2020, Dead Letterman released the single Govern Me Daddy (Andy's Song,) dedicated to Kentucky governor Andy Beshear and his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. On April 13, the song was featured in an article by NPR affiliate 91.9 WFPK.[1]. In June of 2020, Avila announced that Govern Me Daddy would be removed from all streaming platforms, citing dissatisfaction with Governor Beshear's response to protests over the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.
Acoustic, rebranding
In May of 2020, Avila announced that Tyler Warden would join Dead Letterman as a multi-instrumentalist, and Dead Letterman would be making stylistic changes, shifting to a more acoustic, folk punk based sound.
On May 25, 2020, Dead Letterman debuted their new style with the EP Acoustic.[2]
When the World Burns
On June 5, 2020, Dead Letterman released the Bandcamp exclusive EP When the World Burns,[3] a commentary on the Black Lives Matter protests. All proceeds from this album were donated to Blak Visions Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to civil rights for people of color. This EP was later released on all streaming platforms on December 17, 2020.
Singles, A Dead Letterman Christmas
On October 7, 2020, Dead Letterman released a new single, Halloween.[4]
On October 18, 2020, Dead Letterman released a new single, Mackenzie.[5]
On December 8, 2020, Dead Letterman released a Christmas themed EP, A Dead Letterman Christmas.[6]
These releases were added to all streaming platforms on December 17, 2020.
Departure of Tyler Warden, Small Hours
On December 22, 2020, Avila announced that Tyler Warden would be leaving the band, and Dead Letterman would continue as a solo project. Additionally, they announced Dead Letterman's first full-length album, Small Hours, which is set to be released in 2021.
Activism and politics
Avila is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, women's rights, and the Black Lives Matter movement. Avila has hosted fundraisers for organizations such as Black Visions Collective, the Native American Rights Fund, and the Lebanese Red Cross. On June 13, 2020, Avila hosted their first live performance at Wet Basement, where all proceeds were donated to artists of color.
On November 4, 2020, Avila was awarded the title of Kentucky Colonel.
Personal life
Avila identifies as agender, pansexual, and uses they/them pronouns. Avila is a recovered alcoholic, maintaining sobriety since September of 2019.
Govern Me, Daddy (Andy's Song) (2020)
Taproom Queen (2020)
Acoustic (2020)
When the World Burns (2020)
Halloween (2020)
Mackenzie (2020)
A Dead Letterman Christmas (2020)
- ↑ https://wfpk.org/2020/time-for-a-punk-rock-tribute-to-andy-beshear/
- ↑ "Acoustic". Retrieved 2020-12-23.
- ↑ "When the World Burns". Retrieved 2020-12-23.
- ↑ "Halloween". Retrieved 2020-12-23.
- ↑ "Mackenzie". Retrieved 2020-12-23.
- ↑ "A Dead Letterman Christmas". Retrieved 2020-12-23.
