Oxnard, California rapper Rey Avalon, formerly known as Cali Allstarr, links up with ThaWilsonBlock to talk music production and local music scenes in tha 805 and 661
Mistah Wilson: Yo, Rey Avalon! What's good wit it, fam! Honored to have you here with us for this
Rey Avalon: First, thanks for this article. I’m a Hip Hop lover, but music lover first. You can hear all the different sounds I incorporate in my music. I’m originally from Lancaster, CA. Now I reside in Oxnard, CA, The home of agriculture, beautiful beaches and women. I’m an artist before everything. Not a perfectionist, I like to "let the music be" if that makes sense.
Mistah Wilson: First & foremost, I gotta let tha world know that we go wayyy back! Never once did I think you or I would become tha artists we are today. What led you to becoming an artist?
Rey Avalon: I started off writing poetry, or at least I thought it was haha. Always had a deep love for music and the way it made me feel. So I began writting verses over well known hiphop instrumentals at 13 and it just grew from there.
Mistah Wilson: You were formally known as Cali Allstarr and released a couple projects under that alias such as the California Blend mixtape series. Tell us about what inspired tha name "Rey Avalon"...
Rey Avalon: Rey means "King" in spanish so I really wanted to keep my latino roots in the name. Avalon means "Unique" or "One of a Kind" and is also the name of Santa Catalina Island only City "Avalon". I really wanted a LA marketable name, so I ran with it and I love it. Cali Allstarr was the young me, I grew and so did my music, so I needed something to sound more "Mature". Basically Rey Avalon is the New Cali Allstarr. I even go by my ego-trippen name Cali Rey.
Mistah Wilson: Who are some artists you've worked with thus far in your career?
Rey Avalon: Nobody big. But alot of good independent artist from all over California.
Mistah Wilson: Name some artists you'd like to collaborate with some time in tha near future...
Rey Avalon: Layzie Bone. King Lil G. Phora. & Blu
Mistah Wilson: Shows! You've definitely had your share of openers and headliners. Tell us a little about your performances and any other upcoming shows we should be on tha look out for...
Rey Avalon: Man. I love performing I feel really free on stage and love to entertain the crowd. I’ve opened for Big Names from Snoop Dogg, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Nipsey Hussle to YG, Dj Quik, & SlaughterHouse. I just finished the album so I’ll be back booking shows ASAP!
Mistah Wilson: Yo, big shout out to Scott Swoosh! He's produced some bangers for you. How do you manage to find tha right producers to create that unique sound for your projects? Also, tell us about other producers you've worked with on previous projects...
Rey Avalon: Yes, that’s my Boy ! He’s dope. He’s been ahead of the curve for a long time now. A pure genius. With this latest project "California Blend 3.0" I’ve kept everything In house. We have a lot of talent at #The949 and were ready to show everyone!Mistah Wilson: Correct me if I'm wrong, but you've actually been doing a little music producing yourself with your latest cut "2 in the Morning". Tell us how that track came together...
Rey Avalon: I was in the studio listening to oldies but goodies. You know the art laboe oldies lol. And It just popped into my head. I love Smokey Robinson and I threw it together and the song came to my head right away ! I love producing because everything comes thru me. The idea, the beat, the lyrics, the recording and WALLAH !!! Finished product ready for people to hear.
Mistah Wilson: What's your next project and when is it dropping? Any potential features with ya boy Reeks?
Rey Avalon: My 3rd installment if the California Blend series "California Blend 3.0" dropping this fall ! I hope so !! Haha I would love to hear Reeks on the track !
Mistah Wilson: When writing new songs, where do you grab inspiration from to develop new concepts and subject matter?
Rey Avalon: My life. The lives of others. Stories. Movies. Ideas. I just see things and right away My vision turns to words.
Mistah Wilson: Who are some influential people in your life that motivated you to pursue music?
Rey Avalon: I have to say Myself. Friends that I have now, lost or gained along my journey. A little belief goes a long way.
Mistah Wilson: For tha record, I just have to ask. What's tha music scene like in Ventura County?
Rey Avalon: Its not huge. There are a lot of talented artist out here and since Anderson Paak (Oxnard, Ca) has just been singed to Dr. Dre. I think it gave a lot of us more hope that someone from our area went out there and grinded and got what he was looking for.
Mistah Wilson: Can't forget about Lancaster, CA! Have you mixed with their local music scene at all?
Rey Avalon: Man ! Haven’t been to Lancaster in a while but I got some upcoming things that
Mistah Wilson: What have been some challenges you've faced on your artistic journey?
Rey Avalon: I’ve always believed that if you want to speak on certain things. You should live them. I’ve always learned the hard way. I think that has allowed me to speak on certain topics better. No teacher on earth is better than Experience. Also just learning how to be a one man army ! Because people come and go. And no one will ride for you, like you.
Mistah Wilson: What are some more of tha rewarding things?
Rey Avalon: Hearing that people have listened to my music to get through rough times. That it actually inspired them and got them through was super rewarding for me. Because theres nothing like touching people with your music. It feels great.
Mistah Wilson: What do you plan on accomplishing through your music?
Rey Avalon: Creating a Bigger Fan base, touring the World, and eventually signing a Major contract.
Mistah Wilson: What is tha overall message as an artist you want to send to your fans?
Rey Avalon: Keep working hard. Believe in yourself and walk with swagger. Be your #1 fan. F%ck with yourself HEAVY !
Mistah Wilson: How important is giving back to the community for you?
Mistah Wilson: What positive, encouraging words do you have for aspiring artists who want to pursue a career in music?
Rey Avalon: Find your niche. Expose it. Do what you love and be great at it !
Mistah Wilson: Yo, Rey Avalon! DT! It's been real. Thanks for taking tha time for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock. Please send our regards to tha fam! Dora, Gucc, & Keith! If you have any shout outs, drop em!
Rey Avalon: All day ! Thank you, Bing! Much love to you and ThaWilsonBlock!
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