The unexpected nomination
Artist and junior Kieler Avery is nominated for best pop album in San Diego
Artist and junior Kieler Avery performs at a restaurant called Roxy located Encinitas. Avery looks into the crowd while she showcases her music.
March 15, 2022
Emotions of excitement and shock spread throughout her body; a new experience presented unexpectedly. Feb. 15 marks an unforgettable day for artist and Bonita Vista High (BVH) junior Kieler Avery. After hearing surprising news from her mother, Kerie Muller, Avery’s career in music changed. Kieler Avery was nominated for the Best Pop Album in the 31st annual San Diego Music Awards (SDMAs).
“I wasn’t expecting it at all. My mom hadn’t told me that they [San Diego Music Awards] were releasing nominations. I was watching TV with my mom and all of a sudden she starts screaming, and she goes ‘you were nominated for the best pop album!’” Avery said.
As Avery grew up being constantly surrounded by different tunes and rhythms, she soon grew an interest in music and developed a love for it. Avery adds that the overall experience that the nomination provided was unlike any other. Muller mentions that this moment provided her the time to acknowledge Avery’s music development throughout her lifetime and how it has grown since.
“She’s been in [musical] theater since she was three. As she got older, she got more interested in playing instruments,” Muller said. “She played piano, took piano lessons and then was able to play the ukulele. [Next,] she went from the ukulele to playing guitar.”
Along with instruments, Avery has continued to make music because of inspirations such as English songwriter and singer, Harry Styles. But Avery’s large source of inspiration derives from the American singer, songwriter, actress and record producer Tori Kelly. We got a whole high school of kids. If they vote every day through Mar. 15 she may have a fighting chance. — mother of Avery, Kerie Muller
“My favorite singer of all time is Tori Kelly. She’s the reason I do music. […] [I had] learned guitar by watching old Tori Kelly videos,” Avery said.
Muller explains that Avery’s music career is in its early stages and that there is much more to look forward to in the future. Avery’s current experience and inspiration have given her the opportunity to be more motivated within her music career.
“She [Avery] said, ‘this [music] is what I want to do. I want to make it happen.’ She’d do open mics [which is] the best way to get your name out there. Then, she started to record and release music [and] it’s just a matter of letting it out,” Muller said.
In general, Avery’s family has been a huge supporter of her work. Prior to the SDMAs, Avery’s family had to submit her work beforehand. At this time, Muller was uncertain if Avery was going to get called for a nomination on the day of the announcements.
“They [SDMAs] don’t tell you anything ahead of time. We knew we had submitted her stuff but a lot of musicians who submit their stuff have never been chosen. So, we’re pretty excited [for her to be nominated],” Muller said.
Since Avery is a solo artist, it can be hard to compete with other musicians in the category, as they tend to be pop bands with more members and thus larger followings. Currently, the voting process for the 31st annual SDMAs is open and the publics’ vote will end on Mar. 15 at 5 p.m. Avery’s family hopes for the students at BVH to support Avery’s music nomination at any given chance.
In Avery’s friend group, they try their best to support her any chance they could get. Though the voting process is soon to end, this does not stop Avery’s friends from voting each day. Long time friend of Avery and junior Jessica Engen has known Avery since kindergarten. Due to their close bond, Engen is always by Avery’s back and reminds herself to vote every day on the SDMAs website.
“We’re allowed to put in a vote each day. So regularly, we’re like, ‘oh my god let’s go vote,’” Engen said.
The support does not stop from there. Avery’s family will support Avery throughout her music career. As a parent, Muller wants what is best for her daughter.
“We got a whole high school of kids. If they vote every day through Mar. 15 she may have a fighting chance,” Muller said.
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