Northbound, then Westward, Creation in Anticipation of Change: An Interview with Avalynn

From house shows to the recording studio, Avalynn’s music speaks to the

universal experience of college students: the lasting impact of high school friendships

and how they take new form during diaspora. Conceived in November of 2023, band

members Andrew Garcia, Steven Hubert, and Mikey Espinosa tribute Avalynn’s

formation as a result of the pressure of going off to college. While sitting on sticky diner

seats inside of Frank’s Hotdogs, Andrew recalled, “It was our last year of high school for

me and Steven. We were just kind of nervous that we were all going to go our separate

ways. We’ve been friends for a long time.”

In 2024, Steven and Andrew both ended up at Cal Poly and Mikey continued high school in Santa Maria. The band, and more importantly the friends, were able to continue playing music together. They recently released their first EP, “Northbound, then Westward.” The EP has been in progress since the band’s conception, and in my opinion serves as a manifestation of the band’s original purpose: creation in the face of change. The songs, though each feature a unique sound, carry the pull of nostalgia.

“Too Late,” one of the band’s personal favorites from the EP, was written by Mikey. “It relates to the fact that due to college either Steven or Andrew or I would be eventually leaving. I was scared to leave comfortability,” Mikey said. This song is a band favorite not only because of the meaning, but also the amount of transitions and technicality. “We wanted to create a fuller sound without relying on conventional pop. We tried to go more

distinct, aiming for something people could sing along with but also thrash their heads to."

The EP was recorded in a series of locations. While their other singles were recorded almost exclusively at Mikey’s house, the band had access to the Alan Hancock music studio over the summer. Steven recalled his experience with the technology, “We were like kids in a candy store. My set up at Mikey’s house was four microphones for my drum set, and at Alan Hancock I had fifteen."

However, while Steven was recording lavishly, Mikey recalls his and Andrew’s more modest set- up: “We recorded all the vocals at some random ladies house because our producer was house-sitting. We just set up one mic in the living room and recorded all the vocals in one day from 6 PM to 5 AM."

Their songs feature rock and alternative motifs, a sound anyone can enjoy. I’d recommend “Scratch the Surface” to any fans of drums and electric guitar. The band recommends themselves to any fans of Dinosaur Junior and alternative rock.

I find their music to be deeply entrancing, with a 2000s indie rock vibe. Emotional vocals overlay with guitar and drums to create a sound that draws the listener in. Layered tempos make every song a new adventure, melodies transitioning from relaxed and intuitive to energetic and electrifying. “Northbound, then Westward” is the perfect playlist for an introspective night or a lively mosh pit.

Avalynn is a band that loves to perform, and they do not disappoint. A few weeks

ago they played at Linnea’s Café for .WAV Zine and SJP’s benefit show for the Sudanese

American Physicians Association. The band does not have any shows upcoming, but

they often post their shows on their Instagram @avalynn.band. Andrew also has a solo

project, Saturn Delta, @saturn.delta, which features a much mellower sound.

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Sidney Johnson is on our Editorial Team. She conducted the interview and wrote the article. Omar Sanchez is on our Art Team. He made the graphic. Becca Gutierrez is on our Photo/Video Team. She took the photos.