Lisa Goes Local : One on One with Christine Havrilla

Christine Havrilla and her band, The Gypsy Fuzz, missed playing music so much during quarantine, that they recorded their own audio and video in their homes and put everything together in layers. The audio was mixed by Keith Giosa, and the video edits were done by Gretchen Schultz.
Watch "Desire" Here

Award-winning Philadelphia native musician, Christine Havrilla, who has shared stages with such artists as Brandi Carlile, Chely Wright, Janis Ian, & Melissa Ferrick, brings her well-built, catchy, smart tunes to audiences everywhere. READ MORE

"You probably should not wear socks because if you do, singer/songwriter Christine Havrilla and her band, Gypsy Fuzz, will knock them right off." Read More

--Len Lear, Chestnut Local (2019)

Christine Havrilla celebrates milestone at World Cafe Live, looks to the future

Singer-songwriter Christine Havrilla is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her album "Some Other Thing." It is Havrilla's second album and one that she says was instrumental in moving her musical career to the next level. Read More

-By Fern Brodkin For Digital First Media Oct 17, 2018

Folk rocker comes home for 20th-anniversary show

Out indie musician and Philly native Christine Havrilla is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her album, "Some Other Thing," with a special hometown performance Oct. 20 at World Cafe Live. Read More

-By Larry Nichols, PGN Oct 18, 2018

Live on the radio!

Salisbury University 2018

"Award-wining Philadelphia native Christine Havrila brings her "wel-built, catchy, smartunes"(UpstageMagazine) to audiences everywhere,touring nationaly as both a solo act with the suport of her band,GypsyFuzz. Christine utilizes the soft, grity texture of her vocals to expres warmth and honesty which complements her agresive, raw, trash-style guitar playing and loping. Christine formerly worked for pro-audio company TCHelicon, providing demos of their effects and lopers at trade shows acros the U.S., and she comes to campus too offer insight into the use of electronics in live performance.

Haverford Concerts in the Park

Godfrey Daniels AD for FIG Summer 2017

"I see so many artists...I'm always pleased and amazed at what Christine is doing, and have enjoyed watching her art develop over the years I have known her. We especially appreciate it when an artist recognizes the energy in the room, and harnesses it to take their audience on a wild ride."

-Ramona LaBarre, Managing Director at Godfrey Daniels

Featured - AMS Feb 2017

"What a great voice..."

-Dewey Bunnell, America (the band)

"(Christine is)...a kind person & great talent"

-Larry Goldfarb, Tin Angel

" Christine Havrilla was one of the most talked about acts at The Ladybug Festival last year (2015)"

-Jeremy Hebbel, Gable Music Ventures

"the loops, the beats, the chops, the total excitement... a sensational experience"

-Jeffrey Gaines

CHRISTINE HAVRILLA & GYPSY FUZZ - The Old Church Sessions - Vol 3

Hailing from Philadelphia, Christine Havrilla, is a creative, talented powerhouse wrapped up in one complete package. Her abilities to play solo or with her band, Gypsy Fuzz, is one I have witnessed first hand at Musikfest, Pride In The Park and at Godfrey Daniels. This award-winning musician is back with Volume 3, continuing the pace she set on Volume 2. The discerning listener will find that these tracks are intelligent, moving and showcase all her songwriting abilities. The proof is when she has a gig, there are many local musicians who come to hear her play because of her unique talents hoping they can learn and appreciate from hearing what Christine offers. Her Roots/Folk/Americana background coupled with that unique individuality that she possesses allows her to be a presence that steps into many genres and gives her the tools to crossover to different music formats. She loves to record in many diverse locations such as a church, her living room, live gigs and in a studio all with live audiences.

Volume 3 was recorded with only one microphone in an old church, in a live all-acoustic setting, with instrument placement perfectly situated to capture that unique mix of sound. The CD opens with short intro explaining the background behind the recording which then morphs into "Blinders" which will hook you from the start with the precise picking, a nice laid-back sound, and an awesome story behind the lyrics, 'Blinders only let you see..' "Set Me Free", a 1998 offering, features multi-chord strings, complimenting harmonies and captures that feeling being projected. "Hail" is a new track just recently finished that Christine calls her 'new anthem'. This track stands out as the tune marches through what we all go through daily in our lives. How true!

" Ride" is one of those songs you want to play multiple times to let everything sink in. "Great" is very energetic and a retrospective look into a relationship where she gives and wants to receive back in kind. "Foolish Lullaby" has a retro Gordon Lightfoot style reminiscent of "If You Could Read My Mind." that Christine nails to perfection. "Drivin' Fast and Far Away" is very focused and emotionally stirring. Christine's creativity shines! "Daffodil" is the old-church version of this fun, catchy tune that excites the ear. Christine just lets it go full-tilt for the finale. BANGING! "Fresh Sanity" is a toe-tapping, get-down, high-energy tune that gets the blood flowing. Christine's powerful vocals dominate to make this one of the best on this CD!

" Deception" talks about your date not showing up and you wait and wait for your phone or doorbell to ring. AWESOME! "Desire" contains piercing vocals and perfect acoustics that give this track crossover potential. The final track, "Waiting", features Gretchen Schultz adding piercing harmonies to Christine's vox. This up-beat tune has everyone having fun and is tight, precise and hits that sweet spot in your ear! WAY COOL!

Volume 3 picks right up where Volume 2 left off. The players, Dan Kauffman on bass, Rob Schnell on percussion and vocals, Gretchen Schultz on harmonies and Christine's acoustic prowess and piercing vocals, put it all together, once again, to give one the opportunity to listen to another excellent collection of music that only can be described as intelligent, creative, fun and well-managed. This CD is a MUST LISTEN! I give this a hearty 2 THUMBS UP!!

By Michael McKenna - Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine - August 2015

From The Key (wxpn) : Tonight's Concert Picks

Long-running Philly singer-songwriter Christine Havrilla is in the midst of a live recording series with her band Gypsy Fuzz. Their latest, Volume 3: The Old Church Sessions, was recorded at an actual old church (The Virginia Napurano Cultural Arts Center) with Stockton, NJ's WDVR radio using only one microphone. Havrilla and the band relied on the placement of the instruments and the acoustics of the room (as well as the polite silence of the audience) to create the sound of the recording, since there was no fancy mixing board to fall back on. As you can hear below in "Set Me Free," it turned out pretty nicely. Tonight, Havrilla and the band play at the Bryn Mawr Gazebo.

CONGRATULATIONS to this week's ARTIST OF THE WEEK, CHRISTINE HAVRILL!

Christine is a Philadelphia PA native that describes her sound as "Neofunkadelicfolkpoptwangrock." Sharing the stage with the likes of Brandi Carlile, America, Don McLean, Heart, Christopher Cross and many others, Christine also gives back to the community through many non-profit and national fundraising organizations. In other words, SHE ROCKS! Her gig at the Downtowne Listening Room in Cincinnati was submitted to our website to reach the thousands of visitors that come to us week after week to follow the music!

See her featured as "Artist of the Week" on our website at:

www.AcousticOhio.com
"It's All About The Music"

This ambitious Philly native manifests her talent in certain ways that allows her to create eclectic music which will grab your heart and leave a lasting memory. Her strongpoint is her vocals that I describe as gritty, powerful and emotionally stirring. Her Roots/Folk/Americana background coupled with that unique individualty that she possesses allows her to be a presence that steps into many genres and gives her the tools to crossover to different music formats. She loves to record in many diverse locations such as a church, her living room, live gigs and in a studio all with live audiences. Her credits include 6 studio LP's, 4 EP's, many awards and over 12 years of touring as a solo act and with her band. "The Sunset Sessions – Vol 2" recorded at Morning Star Studios in front of a live audience with her current band, Gypsy Fuzz, is a masterful piece of work that exudes energy, feeling, passion and precision. "Fortune Teller"is an uptempo tune that could cross into many different formats especially country. Powerful vox and acoustics! "Sing" is an awesome number that takes one thru changes and incorporates a cool hook that captured my ear. "Hail" features stunning lyrics and energy that hits one upside the head. "Waiting" features Gretchen Schultz adding piercing harmonies to Christine's vox. Great audience participation! "She's Blessed" is way cool that way she just came out with this spontaneous ad lib.

"Take Another Look" incorporates Christine's mandolin which gives this catchy song party flavor. The mandolin solo rocked as well as the audiences backing vocals. Participation at its finest! "Daffodil" is a rocker with pounding rhythms from Dan Kauffman on bottom and Rob Schell on skins that excite the ear. Hot vocals! A KILLER CUT! "Reprise Daffodil" picks up where "Daffodil" left off with a higher energy level. "Fade"is a touching mid-tempo ballad in the mold of a Melissa Etheridge. This is another number with breakout potential! "Falling Above" explodes from a mellow intro into a rhythmic rocker with great instrumentation and tight back vox from Gretchen and then back again for the outro. This CD just defies description. It is hot, tight, precise and just plain kicks ass. If I was still programming radio, I'd be all over this! My recommendation is go hear the band live, buy the CD and experience what I have just heard. I give this 2 THUMBS UP!

Summer is far from over with big weekend music festivals plentiful

Another outdoor venue will feature music of a much different nature this weekend. The Bryn Mawr Twilight Series at the Bryn Mawr Gazebo (9 South Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bryn Mawr,http://www.brynmawrtwilightconcerts.com) will host the Lisa Willson Vocal Academy on August 7.

The season finale on August 8 will feature Nalani & Sarina along with Christine Havrilla & Gypsy Fuzz. Both artists will have busy musical weekends. Havrilla also has a pair of New Jersey shows — Lambertville on August 7 and Asbury Park on August 9 while Nalani & Sarina will be double-dipping on August 8 with a late night show in Manhattan.

Havrilla's set at Bryn Mawr will be a full band show celebrating her "Vol. 4- The Red Hill Sessions" release. Nalani & Sarina, the powerhouse twin sister act from central New Jersey, will be focusing on songs from their new EP "Scattered World."

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times

Christine Havrilla Ready to Bring Some Noise ...read more

Christine Havrilla is on her game. In a big way.
Her beautifully resonate voice has control, depth and genuine emotion that takes you on a journey through her brilliant songwriting. Her energy is raw yet controlled on Fortune Teller, Hole in the Ground and Waiting, with lyrics that connect experience and emotions we all know only too well. Her positive energy shines through every note, and through message in songs like Hail and Daffodil. We were also thrilled to hear her new music and can't wait for more!! Christine's guitar work is masterful - incredibly inventive with and without her brilliant looping and adds a depth to her work that deserves serious critical acclaim. Christine's connection with the audience is genuine and engaging, and her following only continues to grow since her return to our coast! Lucky us!!!"

-North End Concert Series, Alexandria, VA

Connecting with musicians Christine Havrilla and Gretchen Schultz
Singers/songwriters/musicians Christine Havrilla and Gretchen Schultz have been busier than ever this week, with an intimate house concert in Wilmington, Delaware, an upcoming show at the Tin Angel, and the release of their new CDs (Havrilla's The Sunset Sessions, Volume 2, recorded live with her band Gypsy Fuzz; and Schultz's debut disc Not Afraid to Fall).

REHOBOTH BEACH - The 14th annual Rehoboth Women's Fest will take place throughout the city's downtown area through Sunday, April 13, and one of the performers who will no doubt draw throngs of fans is longtime participant Christine Havrilla.

- Written by Roger Hillis Delmarva Media Group Correspondent

"With Gypsy Fuzz (the album and the band), Christine Havrilla takes especially that rock element and turns it to 11. Gypsy Fuzz fuses fantastic guitar work with Christine's vocals, which can reach down inside and grab your heart. A very diverse album, showing elements of rock, blues and even country, among others, Gypsy Fuzz continues Christine's string of fantastic albums. Buy it."

-Mark Rogers, 93.7 WSTW

"Unlike so many of today's "cutesy pie" female artists, Christine Havrilla doesn't wear her influences on her sleeve and has crafted a sound that is at once familiar and original...making for a very pleasurable listening experience that breaks the mold and is actually, some other thing entirely.

Singer-Songwriter Christine Havrilla’s East Coast Tour

by Debra Miller
Philadelphia Arts and Culture Correspondent
Photo by Tiana Godfrey

It's an exciting time for Christine Havrilla. After receiving nominations for two of her songs at the 7th Annual OUTMUSIC Awards in May, she's focused on a new project, a new album, and a new Northeast tour. The Philadelphia native moved to Portland, Oregon in 2010, but still has strong family ties, a large network of friends, and an extensive fan base in the greater Philadelphia area, which she visits frequently.

This summer, she has been balancing her solo appearances with her work on Gypsy Fuzz–the self-described "power trio" of Havrilla, Mike Kurman on bass, and Rob Schnell on drums, whose debut album will be out in September. With a focus on electric rather than acoustic, and the addition of background singers and musicians on organ, guitars, and horns, Gypsy Fuzz promises to be a dark and ethereal blend, whose layers of sound Havrilla compares to a painter applying layers on a canvas.

To fund her new project, she is offering fans the opportunity to be directly involved in its development, by making a donation, pre-ordering copies of the Gypsy Fuzz CD, or at a higher level of support, by booking a 90-minute "house concert" for an up-close and personal experience. Upcoming private events are scheduled at homes in New Hope on July 17, and Brooklyn on July 31.

This month Havrilla will also perform at a series of public venues, including the Nighcat in Easton, Maryland; the Seafood Shack in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; Twilight Concerts at the Gazebo in Bryn Mawr; and John & Peter's in New Hope, where she'll appear with Gypsy Fuzz. Her passion for the new sound is evident: “I want people to pump a fist and not just tap a toe to some of the new Gypsy Fuzz songs!”

Along with her other local dates, Havrilla will play a charity event for New Jersey Ride Against AIDS on Friday, July 29, beginning at 9 pm. Originally scheduled as a house concert through a friend who cycles with her Dad, the benefit has been moved to Triumph Brewing Company, 400 Bridge Street, New Hope. The goal is not only to raise money, but to generate awareness and support for the 3-day, 250-mile bike ride from High Point State Park to Cape May, scheduled for September 23-25, with 100% of the dollars pledged going to charity.

For more information, a detailed list of concert dates, and "all things Christine," visit her website at www.christinehavrilla.com. Look for my full-length feature interview with Havrilla in the September-October issue of Central Voice. Havrilla has previously performed at The Wire and Whitaker Center.

Upon reviewing "Velocity," Chris March of the Phoenixville Mercury writes:
"(Havrilla's) tunes offer some of the most focused and empowered songwriting from any artist to stem from the local area yet and results in an eclectic set that can range from adrenalized to emotionally stirring."

"Christine Havrilla offers the kind of pop guitar writing that definitely should not be overlooked. With her recently released CD, Ruby Red, Havrilla has shifted from the typical Lilith Fair pigeonhole into her own enjoyable sound."

Blue Weekly- Center Daily Times, State College, PA
Nate Bauer's Consume This

"Christine Havrilla is the quintessential pop-rock Goddess. She writes well crafted, easily accessible, hooky songs, and plays a very respectable lead guitar. Her stage presence is high energy, and infectious. Buy her CD, see her Live you will not be disappointed."

Dena Marchiony, Co-Founder/ Executive Director, Philadelphia Songwriters Project

From accross the pond, here's a review from the online music site "Americana-UK"

DeSoto Rust's "For What It's Worth", with female harmonies by Christine Havrilla, is a jaunty lament by two exlovers looking back on a relationship with excellent country fiddle playing as the pair duet like some rhinestone sparkled couple.

"We only host a few houst concerts every year. We never book anybody we don't believe in 100% - anything else would be unfair to the family and friends we invite - and we wouldn't hesitate to have Christine back again.Christine writes some great, great songs - her CDs are never far from our player (and that's saying something!). She's a fabuLous singer, an excellent guitarist, and a pleasure to work with in every way. If we could we'd have her play every week, we would."

CONCERTS ON SIXTH ST.

"Christine Havrilla delivers stories in her songs. Stories we not only relate to but clearly visualize as we listen...if she didn't possess that rare ability to make her songs so easily accessible, memorable and heartfelt, then you wouldn't come back for more. And you will come back for more."

Dean Sciarra - ItsAboutMusic.com

With her band and electrified, this tight trio brings her songs to life. In the intimate setting of the famous Gallery in the East Village, Christine sits on the brink of breaking out. All she needs is to be heard and you will fall in love

Creative Loafing , Altlata GA.

CHRISTINE HAVRILLA - Making her Atlanta debut, Pennsylvania-based Havrilla cuts through the murky singer-songwriter waters with a more sophisticated compositional vision, far removed from the disappointing good-voice-simplistic-strum-along formula. The alternate-tuning arrangements and full-band sensibilities of her sophomore release Some Other Thing give the feeling that she's from the rare but appreciated 'player first, folk singer second' school of folk rock. Eddie's Attic. (Matthew Hutchinson)

Singer-songwriter Christine Havrilla's "Some Other Thing" is one of those rare self-financed CDs that sounds fully realized. The songs are intelligent and moving, the arrangements are incisive and colorful, and, best of all, Havrilla consistently comes across as a confident and seasoned performer.

Like a lot of young tunesmiths, Havrilla is drawn to songs about relationships, but she's far more adept than most when it comes to exploring emotional complexities without sounding self-absorbed. "Price of Love," "Set Me Free," "Letter" and other meditations on romance derive much of their appeal from the way Havrilla poses fundamental questions in tuneful and telling ways. Her voice, which occasionally suggests the influence of Bonnie Raitt, is strong and soulful, but more than anything else it's the impressive level of songwriting that ultimately turns "Some Other Thing" into something special.

Appearing Saturday at the Metro Cafe with Sam Spencer

Singer-Songwriter Christine Havrilla delivers a pleasant and modern-sounding disc of diverse and appealing tunes with her sophomore effort, "Some Other Thing". Each song offers up a shifting balance of folk and rock showcasing a strong voice and a wide range of emotions. A five piece backing band supplies a strong and sympathetic foundation that never gets in the way of her voice of the essence of each tune and i particularly liked the drumming throughout. Unlike so many of today's "cutesy pie" female artists, Christine Havrilla doesn't wear her influences on her sleeve and has crafted a sound that is at once familiar and original...making for a very pleasurable listening experience that breaks the mold and is actually, some other thing entirely.