Adrian Lee-Avalos learned to sing by listening to his father’s music.
Greg Byrd | El Defensor Chieftain

 

Adrian Lee-Avalos is a 19-year-old recent graduate from Socorro High School. An aspiring singer, Lee-Avalos can be found playing with his family at the Socorro Plaza.

How long have you been a singer?

I would say about three to four years. I learned from listening to my dad David Avalos’s music, which is why I came out here today to perform in front of my family.

Do you play any instruments?

No, I just sing. That is what I’m good at. This isn’t a formal band. I just sing on my own.

What is your favorite type of music to perform?

Spanish. And I don’t speak Spanish. As my parents say, I am a “gringo,” but for some reason I can just understand Spanish songs and sing them very well.

How long have you been interested in music?

Ever since I was a kid. My thing is to put on all types of different songs on a speaker and do my best to learn them. At one point I caught on to a song by Al Hurricane called “A Medias de La Noche” and that was the song that really got me focused on learning how to sing.

As a non-Spanish speaking person, how hard is learning to sing in that language?

Not hard at all. I listen to these songs a few times and then it’s locked in for me. There’s something natural that I could not explain. It’s like a reflex.

Were you born and raised in Socorro?

Yes, been here all my life. Growing up in Socorro has been great. I’m trying to figure out my life as an adult now after graduating, but I know I want to sing.

Do you have any college or career plans?

I don’t right now. All I want to do is sing. That’s what makes me happy. I haven’t thought about anything other than that and my parents (David and Erika) have not pushed me to do anything other than what I love to do.

Did you grow up as an only child?

No. I have a brother, David Avalos Jr. He’s an E-5 in his army platoon. I also have a sister, Jessica. I’m the young one of the group and when they left to go their own ways it was tough because I was always used to them being around. But growing up, my family really instilled the right ways to be a good man which I am grateful for.

What kind of future do you see for yourself as a singer?

I hopefully want to be big someday. I want to be like Al Hurricane Jr. and some of these other big bands one day. I am trying to set goals such as perhaps going to school for music soon in hopes of achieving what I dream about.

If you didn’t have music in your life, what would be your other possible career option?

I would probably go with being a barber. I’ve always wanted to cut hair, which is something I’ve never done before. It just always seemed cool to me.

If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you do?

I would buy myself a recording studio and start making music. Hopefully get a band together too.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Phoenix, Arizona. I like small cities, but I also like bigger cities because there’s a lot more stuff to do. Arizona has always been a place I have enjoyed.

If you could change one thing about Socorro County, what would it be?

Create more things to do for the kids.

There’s just not a whole lot here for them. As simple as putting a bowling alley in that old Smith’s would be great for the community.

 

Greg Byrd | El Defensor Chieftain