Shaun Avant

Shaun Avant, an Indianapolis native was born to Artessa Avant, a well known local gospel singer growing up in the community church. Strongly influenced by his single parent, Shaun found comfort in music and fell in love with singing. "I grew up finding music as a new best friend; this was my get away from life as it was. Music was the only thing that would bring joy in my life. I knew that it would take me further then I could ever dream of. Watching my mother in the church was like hearing a...

Shaun Avant, an Indianapolis native was born to Artessa Avant, a well known local gospel singer growing up in the community church. Strongly influenced by his single parent, Shaun found comfort in music and fell in love with singing. "I grew up finding music as a new best friend; this was my get away from life as it was. Music was the only thing that would bring joy in my life. I knew that it would take me further then I could ever dream of. Watching my mother in the church was like hearing an angel sing to me. I wanted to sound like that one day. I felt that God bestowed upon me a gift, the gift of music and my voice. I was always raised to understand that you cannot take what God gives you for granted." By high school, I noticed my voice to be a new found attention getter with the ladies. At the age of 16, Shaun began taking music seriously and was encouraged to showcase his young talents singing in talent shows at Broad Ripple High School. Shaun’s love for music was evident was from day one. Growing up, Shaun’s mother played classics like the Dells, The Four Tops, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross and many other greats. Today, Shaun fondly reminisces upon these artists as his inspirations. In 1999, Shaun was accepted to Wilberforce University where he joined the gospel choir New Voices in Praise. This is where this raw, talented singer learned that there was more to music than just singing. "While attending school I went through a lot of heart aches and pain. I learned how to grow into myself and stop trying to be someone I was not. Dealing with my grandmother's passing when I was in my early 20’s took me to a whole new world. During this trying time is when I truly turned to music for comfort. I let it engulf me, and I knew that music was all of me and I was all of music. I felt like I was alone when my grandmother passed, and a part of my heart died with her. Looking back, I now see this to have been a time of genuine growth, both for myself and my musical talent." Shaun’s musical talent began to flourish while he was attending Wilberforce. To Shaun, “Music is like my girlfriend, which is so fine I just couldn't wait for everyone to see her.” Half way through his academics, Shaun left Wilberforce and transferred to Tennessee State University. This would signify the beginning of Shaun’s recording career. Voice lessons were followed up with his first demo CD titled, Choices. This was recorded with 1 Stage Music Group in 2006, his first solo project. Inspired by love, truth, heartache, and pain; Choices dealt with hard situations many can relate to in life. He had lost his job and ultimately decided to leave school and move back home to reflect on his life. Shaun had been put through a lot, tested in many respects. This was not just another sad story for him. Shaun has had his heart broken and he broke a lot of hearts in return. The songs he sings today come from his life’s experience; from the good to the bad. “I know that we have all had someone that we have loved and tried to be with, no matter what happened.” It's a relatable feeling that carried into his songs, his music and ultimately, his spirit. He feels that if you can't share your life, and your hardships with others, it really doesn't mean much. Every experience he has had, he’s tried to put it into his music. Shaun wants the world see life through his eyes, and he wants to tell a story through his music. “My story is about a man that has been tested and grown to better himself every day. Close your eyes and open your mind and follow the soulful sound.” Shaun records under the moniker S. Avant. In 2007, Shaun tried out for American Idol, but did not make it to the competition rounds. Cameos include various artists, such as Dee-Nyce, a New York conscious rapper, local CA native of San Jose artist, Johnny, along with a few local rappers in Indianapolis, IN. Shaun’s latest project he is working on and developing is his first solo album entitled, Stuck between 2. Moving to California has persuaded Shaun to record his first CD, influenced by an old soul sound with new soulful grooves. "The move to the west coast was the biggest and hardest thing I have ever done. This move was a long time coming, and a once in a lifetime opportunity to get a foot in the door for my music. I came to California for regular job however, moving here was the best thing in the world for me. This move has influenced me to start a new project and give people a new prospective of me. I am putting a lot of my heart and soul into this new album. Stuck between 2 is an old school - new school mix. My goal is to allow my audience to get to know who S. Avant is, and not just as a singer, but as a role model and person who has been through hard times but still can handle the challenges of Life. I know that people are tired of the same old music they hear every day. I am going to bring back that old soul mixed with a little funk. I call it a neo-soul-gosp-r&b mix." With no intention of being a fly by night artist, this singer is bringing back substance to the music industry. S. Avant’s sound has you reminiscing about your first love and the first kiss you had. "I know you remember that first kiss. When you were nervous, and you counted to 10 to get it. Think back to that time in your life when you thought she truly was that love of your life. You would do anything for that special person. Well at least I knew I would. This is how my music is to me; it takes you from your first love to your first break-up." Resurrecting that old Motown sound, S. Avant is a lover of all music. However, his strongest draws are Rhythm & Blues, and Soul music. And still, if you catch him at the right moment, S. Avant might break out some gospel which, in his own words is “truly the root of my music”. At 29 this young man belts out a sound that is reminiscent of old with a new day neo-soul twist.