Feature: Avalon Stone Decodes “Forget You”
How did you come up with the idea for "Forget You?”
"Forget You" emerged from a place of introspection and past experiences. It’s about that challenging phase of knowing a relationship isn’t right but still feeling attached. I wanted to capture the emotional turmoil and the eventual empowerment of letting go. The initial spark came during a jam session with Taylor Leith of Sierra Pilot. We were riffing on the theme of past relationships, and the song just started to take shape naturally. It was like piecing together different moments of my life and finding a universal story in them.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for "Forget You?"
Recording "Forget You" was an intense and exhilarating experience. We worked with Kevin Dietz, whose approach to production really aligned with my vision. In the studio, it was all about capturing the raw energy and emotion of the song. Kevin has this knack for bringing out the best in you, and he created an environment where everyone felt free to experiment. Recording has been challenging for me in the past, it was a fear I had to overcome. We wanted the track to not just sound good but to feel alive, and I think we achieved that.
What do you like the best about "Forget You?"
I love the honesty of "Forget You." It’s raw, it’s real, and it doesn’t shy away from the messiness of emotions. There's a certain power in its vulnerability. Musically, I adore the blend of grungy guitars, the return to riff rock, and the freedom of the passionate vocals. It’s a song that speaks from the heart and to the heart, and I think it resonates with anyone who’s had to find the courage to move on from something that once meant the world to them.
Can you share a bit about your musical background and the journey that led you to where you are today?
Music has been a close friend since I was a kid. I started writing songs at 10 and was fronting my first band by 12. Growing up in Kitchener, I was surrounded by a rich blues scene, which deeply influenced my musical style. Over the years, I've dabbled in various genres, but I've always been drawn back to the gritty soul of rock and grunge. My journey has been about self-discovery, honing my craft, and embracing my unique voice as an artist, turning trauma into art and also doing work on my mental health. It's been a road of highs and lows, but every step has been crucial in shaping who I am today. I also believe it’s important to use my platform to help create awareness and support for mental health. I have a charitable organization called Music For Mental Health that I want to grow as my career grows to give back to our community.
How do you approach collaborations with other musicians or artists?
Collaborations are all about chemistry and mutual respect. I love working with artists and musicians who bring something different to the table. It’s a give-and-take process. I approach collaborations with an open mind and a willingness to explore new ideas. A big part of that is being willing to be completely honest and vulnerable. (What’s said in the writing room stays in the writing room LOL). For me, the best part is the fusion of different creative energies that can lead to something truly special and unexpected. It’s about finding that sweet spot where our styles and visions align to create something unique.