It takes a special talent to receive compliments from music legends such as Chaka Khan, Roy Ayers, and Jennifer Holliday. Before the release of her debut album All in My Head, Avery Sunshine had garnered respect from some of the most highly regarded musicians in the business. Sunshine recently sat down with rolling out to discuss her musical background, the benefits of being an independent artist, and why acting has become more than just a hobby. –amir shaw
When did you first delve into music?
I started singing in the church when I was 13. By the time I got to Spelman College, I was directing the choir at Morehouse, I sang with the glee club and the symphony. At that point, I knew that I wanted a singing career.
You have also acted in well-received plays. What was your role in I Dream [stage play]?
… I was Dr. Martin Luther King’s grandmother. She was a very influential part of his life. The run ended a few weeks ago. It was a different take on his life. Jasmine Guy was the director.
What are your thoughts on acting?
I am passionate about acting. I have a few things on my bucket list. I want to be on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and I want to be involved in a sitcom. Right now, we’re praying that someone will pick up the play to put it on Broadway.
What was it like creating this album?
All in my Head is my first album. My partners, Ernest Davis and Dana Johnson, were much more familiar with how to market the album, but things fell into place. This is an independent album, but we made number 93 on Billboard top 100. We were number three on Itunes R&B/Soul list on the week the album was released. It was Usher, Keith Sweat, my album, and Alicia Keys. That’s big for an independent label.
Do you want to continue to be an independent artist or are you hoping to sign with a major label?
I want to continue to be an independent artist because I can do exactly what I want to do. Major record companies are about the business of selling records and I am about the business of making music. I’m singing because this is a gift that God has given me and I want to continue to give those gifts to the world.
