Maven Avila

Maven Avila is an American singer-songwriter and activist, best known for their musical work as Dead Letterman.

Early Life
Maven Avila was born in Louisville, KY in 1998.

Burnwick (2015-2016)
Avila's musical career began in 2015, performing as a hip hop act under the moniker Burnwick. Avila's one album as Burnwick, Future Shock, was released independently on August 17, 2016. Burnwick also performed as a featured artist on several songs by Washington based rapper Youngin, including Black Leaves and Smoke With You. Following the release of Future Shock, Avila set out on a regional tour, including performances in Kentucky (Louisville and Lexington,) Indiana (Bedford,) and Tennessee (Knoxville,) however, these tour dates were later cancelled due to a personal emergency. Avila announced on Facebook in late 2017 that there would be no further releases or performances under the Burnwick moniker, and Future Shock was removed from streaming services shortly thereafter.

A Family of One (2018)
In late 2018, Avila announced on Facebook that they would be returning to the studio to record new music, now under the name A Family Of One. They would release 4 singles in late 2019, Ethereal, Woodlawn Bridge, Social Anxiety, and Slade's Song, all of which were re-recorded or altered versions of material previously heard under Avila's Burnwick moniker. A Family of One did not release any new music in 2019.

Vagabond Avant (2019)
Avila resurfaced in 2019 with sporadic musical releases on Soundcloud under the moniker Vagabond Avant. These releases displayed a stark contrast from Avila's previous hip hop oriented work, now showcasing elements of multiple genres, live instruments, and sung vocals.

Formation, first releases
On February 11, 2020, Avila announced via Facebook that Vagabond Avant would now be known as 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. Dead Letterman released several EPs on SoundCloud throughout early 2019, including The First EP, The Second EP, The Third EP, Dead Letterman, and Dead Letterman II. These releases were eventually removed from SoundCloud.

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 91.1 WFPK. Govern Me Daddy quickly spread among social media users in Kentucky following the release of WFPK's article. 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.

Taproom Queen
On May 1, 2020, Dead Letterman released a new single, Taproom Queen.

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.

When the World Burns
On June 5, 2020, Dead Letterman released the Bandcamp exclusive EP When the World Burns, 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.

On October 18, 2020, Dead Letterman released a new single, Mackenzie.

On December 8, 2020, Dead Letterman released a Christmas themed EP, A Dead Letterman Christmas.

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 for their work in music and activism.

Personal life
Avila identifies as agender, pansexual, and uses they/them pronouns. Avila is a recovered alcoholic, maintaining sobriety since September of 2019.

As Burnwick
Future Shock (2016)

As A Family of One
Ethereal (2018

Woodlawn Bridge (2018)

Social Anxiety (2018)

Slade's Song (2018)

As Dead Letterman
The First EP (2020)

The Second EP (2020)

The Third EP (2020)

Dead Letterman (2020)

Dead Letterman II (2020)

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)