The band goes through several transformations, difficulties and disappointments before gaining recognition from music lovers and producers. The Brooklyn-based band Ava Luna is no exception. This band has persevered through some of the most difficult and sometimes seemingly insurmountable obstacles and is now reaping the rewards. The frontman, Carlos Hernandez, has been with Ava Luna every step of the way.
Carlos formed the band at the age of 17. Throughout his musical studies, Carlos constantly studied classical piano. During his studies, Carlos learned that he “hated practicing, but loved writing”. This led to an interest in piano composition. Carlos also became interested in rock and roll; and Weezer became his favorite band. At the age of 17, Carlos had a new passion and goal: to write music that people his age would listen to and love.
Together with his best friend at the time, Nathan, a synthesizer player, Carlos participated in a band called Ava. Later, the original band members adopted a second name, Luna, after learning about another band also called Ava.
Early breakups of the band
In the early years, Ava Luna made three albums, all of which, according to Carlos, were “disasters.”
“When Ava Luna first started, people called it a cabaret; someone even described it as a Rocky Horror Picture Show-which I definitely didn’t want to hear.” In his mind, Carlos perceived the band’s sound as something darker and less exuberant. These comments shocked him.
In addition to the audience’s reaction; problems began to arise between Carlos and Nathan. The two original members of Ava Luna ended their friendship when they both graduated from college. After that, Carlos decided to continue Ava Luna as a solo band.
After the band broke up, Carlos rethought a lot about what he wanted from the band. “One day I literally sat down and thought: “How can I create a band without people, and how can I create the sound of this band?” If I wanted to have a future with this band, I had to define a clear sound. I thought about my musical background and asked myself how I could create a band that would represent that and give me the opportunity to compose and offset the influence of soul music.”
Carlos also thought about how he could contribute instrumentally to the group and picked up singing and playing guitar in addition to playing the synthesizer. He also asked his younger brother to play drums. Later, Carlos decided to write complex vocal lines for several singers, and this led to the invitation of three backing singers to join the band. A drummer soon followed, and Carlos’ former bandmate and friend Nathan reunited with Ava Luna.
Ava Luna now consists of 6 people. They managed to go on tour after only a year of performing. And although they were still experimenting as a band, they got a bigger response from the audience.
Carlos adds: “Now I can understand what makes my band members love this music, and my job is to see how I can make sure that everyone feels satisfied.” Their latest performance at the US Open in Flushing, Queens, New York, proves it.
The band’s musical grandeur, dedication, and flawless performance attracted the most attention from passersby that day. I was in the middle of that crowd the whole time, taking pictures and recording the band on video. I might have gotten the back of the head from many people, but the performance was worth every minute!
Recently, Ava Luna was invited by a record label to create a new album called “Service LP”. They will also be touring New England, Canada and some Midwestern countries as an opener for Toro Y Moi. Their first show will be tonight at Webster Hall in New York City, and their last show will be on September 25 in Minneapolis.
More opportunities and commitments also equate to more challenging time and work management for the band. During my conversation with Carlos, I learned that four of the band members work full time. All of them try to make it to rehearsals 2-3 times a week, and when they can’t, all the singers and instrumentalists play their parts on their own time. At rehearsals, Carlos comes up with ways he can synthesize rehearsals to temporarily fill in for a missing instrumentalist or singer.
Carlos also works a part-time job to make time for the band. On a typical day, Carlos communicates with the band members through constant emails about Ava Luna’s upcoming performances.
The combination of blues, soul, rhythm and blues, and folk in Ava Luna’s songs makes this independent band unlike any I’ve ever heard. I hope this band will tour more and record more albums. Finally, I asked Carlos what motivates him to stay in the music business, and he answered frankly: “It’s not a choice; it’s just what I do.”