When Michael Averill began his KIN degree in 2002, he was a Varsity athlete and guitar was just a recreational activity. However, while he was at UBC a number of developments occurred that would set Michael on his way to becoming a professional musician.
As a student, Michael lived in Totem Park residence and he recalls, “I used to be painfully scared of playing in front of people, but I was encouraged by friends to play at the residence open mic Coffee House. It was such a great experience, and the songs I played at the time became a source of connecting with my neighbours. Some of those songs became anthems for us, and it’s how I will always remember that time in my life.”
While at UBC, Michael competed on the Thunderbirds Track and Field team, which required regular travel to competitions. “I found a miniature traveller’s guitar to take on trips with me to play in our downtime,” which helped animate the team and “reinforced his love for music,” he states.
After graduating in 2oo6, Michael worked in the physical health and wellness industry for a number of years. And then his trajectory changed, and he became a full-time professional musician who combines music, storytelling, and social and psychological wellness. In 2013, Michael started a project that was a “music meets health and wellness” fusion project called “I’d Rather Walk”. He explains, “It has been a massive discovery project, a way to learn about Canada, and an initiative to encourage people to connect through song and story. I have walked more than 4000 miles across Canada, and am one Territory short of visiting every region of our country this way. ”
Michael is a well-known and beloved local Vancouver performer and community animator who gives voice to many people through his music. He performs regularly at various venues across the lower mainland and across the country and is an actively engaged Kin alumnus.
