Meet Cristian Avila

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cristian Avila a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cristian, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

This is one of my favorite questions. I discovered my purpose by following my passion for music. Early exposure to Latin American folk music and self-exploration led me to become a self-taught musician and songwriter. Pursuing formal music education further deepened my skills. After a significant mental breakdown, I realized that music was my true calling and switched from architecture to music. I found purpose in advocating for mental health awareness through my music, using it as a platform to convey messages of honesty and vulnerability. My journey is a testament to the transformative power of following one’s true path and staying authentic.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a musician and producer, and what excites me the most about my work is the ability to create music that connects with people on a deep emotional level. I find it incredibly special to use my songs as a platform to convey messages of honesty, vulnerability, and mental health awareness. It’s fulfilling to see how music can touch the hearts of listeners and inspire self-reflection and unity.

I’m also thrilled to share that I’m currently working on my upcoming album, ‘Artesano,’ in collaboration with the talented Rodney Alejandro. This project holds a special place in my heart as it’s a labor of love filled with raw emotions and experiences. ‘Artesano’ is a testament to my passion for music and my dedication to spreading awareness about important social issues.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In my journey, I’ve found three qualities to be particularly impactful. First and foremost, my unwavering passion for music and my commitment to authenticity have been crucial. It all began with a deep love for music, and I truly embraced it, even making a significant career switch when I realized it was my true calling. Second, honing my musical skills and pursuing formal education in music at institutions like Universidad San Francisco de Quito and Berklee College of Music has been essential. Expertise in your chosen field is invaluable. Lastly, resilience and prioritizing mental health have played a pivotal role. Personal challenges, including a mental breakdown, prompted me to prioritize my well-being.

For those starting their journey, my advice is to follow your passion, invest in learning, prioritize mental health, embrace resilience, stay true to yourself, and seek mentorship. Each journey is unique, so stay open to new experiences and continue growing as you pursue your path to purpose and fulfillment. Finally, don’t forget about collaboration. It is usually overlooked but you learn so much from collaborating with others. During my career, I’ve collaborated with award-winning artists, producers, and songwriters and all the experience that I’ve gained from those collaborations made me grow professionally and personally.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I have a deep appreciation for self-help books, and among the many I’ve encountered, Dale Carnegie’s ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ stands out as profoundly impressive. While my passion lies in music, I wholeheartedly recognize that developing strong communication skills is equally essential. Effective communication and the ability to forge connections are invaluable in any field. Personally, I’ve come to understand that social skills aren’t my natural forte, making Carnegie’s book all the more impactful. His straightforward advice, such as smiling more often, remembering people’s names, and ´saving them face´, is not only practical but also transformative. When applied consistently, these principles make you a more likable person, someone others genuinely want to be around and collaborate with. It serves as a potent reminder that our growth extends beyond our core interests, and honing skills in communication and relationship-building is an indispensable part of personal and professional development.

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Image Credits
Mishele Arciniega

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