Christine Havrilla

Philadelphia area native Christine Havrilla starts off 2023 with the release of a new single and EP called, “California Night”, which is a blend of 90s guitar and late 60s harmonies wrapped up in this catchy rocker about sharing the California Coast & it’s memories. Christine utilizes the soft gritty texture of her vocals to express warmth and honesty listeners quickly embrace as well as her aggressive, raw, trash-style guitar playing and looping. 2019 brought a previous album with her band, Gypsy Fuzz, called “Sunless Escapade” which was recorded at Studio 1311. Even with Covid & a 2020 cancer diagnosis, you’ll still find Christine hitting the road hard & continuing with her writing, touring, jammin’ & living! You need to experience her LIVE and be wrapped up by her positive energy! Until you can join her, she previously released a series of "Live Sessions" in 2014-2017, which included long-time fan favorites as well as new songs with her current band, Gypsy Fuzz. Recorded in numerous settings such as venues, living rooms, a recording studio with an live audience, an old church, etc…these volumes captured the spontaneous energy, soul-felt vibes and musical adventures that Christine brings to the stage, ANY stage! Havrilla, who has 13 albums, 3 EPs, and over 20 years of touring under her belt, continues to venture out under “Christine Havrilla & Gypsy Fuzz” as well as a solo artist, showcasing ALL of her music with new twists, and described as "a blend of 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s rock delivered by the modern singer/songwriter."
Christine, a self-taught musician, is known for bringing her “well-built, catchy, smart tunes” (Upstage Magazine) to audiences everywhere, touring nationally as a solo act as well as with Gypsy Fuzz. After an inspirational time of being based in Portland, OR, Christine is once again back in the Northeast and frequenting such venues as World Café Live, Steel City, Godfrey Daniels, Jammin’ Java, Burlap and Bean, John and Peter’s, Rockwood Music Hall, Ramshead on Stage, The Tin Pan, to name a few.
"They just rolled out a new track called “Desire,” and in a new music video released last week, you can watch them record it isolated but together, each contributing parts from their home studios. The song is a jagged rocker reminiscent of Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt!" – John Vettese, The Key WXPN (Aug 31, 2020)
The Journal of Roots Music listed Christine in the article named “Through the Lens: Women Leading the Way in Roots Music”(November 2021)
“As soon as they started playing, we knew this was a group with incredible talent, a group that would “wow” anyone who was lucky enough to hear them perform!” - Lisa Bryant, Delmarva Life WBOC
"Christine is an amazing songwriter, guitarist, & performer!"- Chely Wright, Jammin Java Live Show (Oct 13, 2019)
Ed Kiggins of inD Round raves, “Christine is one of the hardest working women in music. With her child prodigy-come-of-age guitar virtuosity, a supremely passionate and emotive voice, and an arsenal of wonder-songs that have endeared her to a loving and devoted audience, she is in a class all of her own…we simply call her brilliant!”
Christine was featured virtually on WDIY’s Parlor Sessions, Sellersville Theatre’s Soundbooth Sessions, Wawa’s Welcome America 4th of July Event, and World Café Live’s House Concerts (2020-2021)
“Christine Havrilla is a tough-as-nails front woman with a serious habit of rocking a plethora of stages! –Andre Lamar/Dover post (2019)
“If you’ve never witnesses the power of Christine, particularly when supported by her band, Gypsy Fuzz, then get your tickets and prepare yourself. This show is going to ROCK!””- Ed Simpson, Steel City (Aug 10, 2019)
What’s Up Magazine exclaims, “Christine breaks out the gasoline and sets fire to the typical Roots/Folk genre with blazing guitars.” Ed Kiggins of inD Round raves, “Christine is one of the hardest working women in music. With her child prodigy-come-of-age guitar virtuosity, a supremely passionate and emotive voice, and an arsenal of wonder songs that have endeared her to a loving and devoted audience, she is in a class all of her own. She calls her unique style Neofunkadelicfolkpoptwangrock, but we simply call her brilliant!”
Michael McKenna at Steel Notes Magazine shares, “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 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. This album (Vol. 2 The Sunset Sessions) just defies description. It’s hot, tight, precise, and just plain kick-ass. If I was still programming radio, I’d be all over this! My recommendation is to go hear the band live, buy the CD, and experience what I have just heard. I give this TWO THUMBS UP!”
Mark Rogers at 93.7 WSTW raves, “With Gypsy Fuzz, Christine 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.”
"The loops, the beats, the chops...the total excitement-a sensational experience!" - Jeffrey Gaines, musician
"What a great voice..." - America (the band)
“It’s kind of like punk-folk!” - Brandi Carlile (Raise the Roof Benefit show)
"Christine has a great knack for infectious melodies with really fun hooks. Compounded with an incredible live performance, you CAN NOT go wrong!" -Helen Leicht, WXPN
Nor’easter Magazine raves, “Christine is a creative, talented powerhouse wrapped up in one complete package.”
Inessa at 101.9 KINK FM Radio calls Gypsy Fuzz, “Yet another fun late-year discover!”
Michaela Majoun, former DJ from 88.5 WXPN, applauds her "terrific, big sound”.
Ramona LaBarre, Managing Director at Godfrey Daniels (2013), says, "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."
The Washington Post writes, “(Havrilla’s) 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.”
Along with her earlier albums, Christine has a collection of songs that clearly define her as a singer/songwriter at the peak of her form. Listeners hear raw authenticity as Christine’s gritty vocals and overall musicality breathe life into her engaging songs. Christine’s strength on guitar is ever-present. You need to catch her LIVE and be surrounded by her energy. In the meantime, you can check out the series of Live Sessions including The Creamery Sessions, The Sunset Sessions, The Old Church Sessions, & The Lansdowne Folk Club Sessions, capture the raw live energy of Christine’s work on guitar and the solid songwriting!
As noted by the Princeton Packet, "Angst takes a left turn to upbeat and fun." J.F. Pirro writes, “On In My Chair, Havrilla’s music and message remain as high-energy and introspective as ever…and always from the heart, dispensing medicinal lyrics for the soul.” (Main Line Today Magazine)
"I'm completely blown away and hooked. Havrilla’s talent is not only music but to take you away from the hum drum of life and go on a journey where she is the driver and we are her passengers," writes Madalyn Sklar (Founder/Publisher, GoGirlsMusic.com - Houston, TX).
"Christine breaks out the gasoline and sets fire to the typical Roots/Folk genre, with blazing acoustic guitars, blatantly honest lyrics..." - Rik Ferrell, What's Up Magazine
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."
Nate Bauer from Blue Weekly says, "Christine offers the kind of pop-guitar songwriting that definitely should not be overlooked...Havrilla has shifted from the typical Lilith Fair pigeonhole into her own enjoyable sound."
Her material has garnered a variety of accomplishments such as:
“Homey Award” 2020 For “Hail” (Delaware Public Media/DJ Mark Rogers host)
WHYY Picked up the video “Desire/Quarantine 2020” for their House Concert Series
88.5 WXPN’s The Key featured “Desire/Quarantine 2020” (Aug 31, 2020)
Showcasing at SUNDANCE 2020 Film Festival at The Acura Lounge in Park City, UT
Quoted in the book by Sean Kay, “Rockin in the Free World” (Rowman & Littlefield 2016)
One of 23 Power Women chosen for Main Line Today Magazine (Oct 2015)
Featured Artist for American Musical Supply’s Singer/Songwriter Month (Feb 2015 and Feb 2017)
Featured “Artist of the Month” at MyRuralRadio.com (Jan 2015)
On Takamine Guitar’s Worldwide Artist List
Top Ten Artist multiple times on Reverbnation (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017)
Nominated for Homey Awards for 93.7 WSTW (2014, 2015)
“Silent Night” featured on WSTW’s Holiday benefit Album (2014)
Top 10 Artist list on Reverbnation (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017)
Christine nominated for About.com’s Reader’s Choice Awards (2012)
“Searching. Finding. Living.” (Gypsy Fuzz) listed in Advocate Magazine’s Top Ten Best Overlooked Albums of 2012 not to miss!
Christine had 2 songs nominated for the Out Music Awards (2011)
“Blinders” won the Garden State Film Festival’s “Best Country Song” for the film, Embraceable You (2010)
Co-wrote the song, "Hightail", for the Independent film Til Death Do Us Toby (2010 Chateau Entertainment/Canada)
Curve Magazine's Anniversary Issue Finalist for Favorite Musician/Newcomer (2010)
One of the Top Ten Indie Artists" - Advocate Magazine
Velocity's "Hole in the Ground" topped Sirius Satellite Radio's Hot 20 chart at #1 to start off 2007 and remained on the chart 16 weeks!
Featured in Curve Magazine’s Music Issue (August 2008)
“Every Now & Then" used for the Violet Mendoza film, No Boundaries (2008).
Christine received Best Female Rock Album for "Velocity" from WSTW radio (Feb. 07).
Christine was a finalist for Philadelphia City Paper's 2002 Best Folk Artist/Group
Christine received grants in two consecutive years from The National Endowment for the Arts for its Meet the Composer series.
Christine has opened for and also shared the stages of major festivals with an eclectic list of acts including KT Tunstall, Brandi Carlile, Jeffrey Gaines, Chely Wright, America, Jill Sobule, Trigger Hippy, Janis Ian, Antigone Rising, Michael Glabicki (Rusted Root), Grey Eye Glances, Train, Melissa Ferrick, Catie Curtis, Don McLean, Willy Porter, Michelle Malone, Indigo Girls, David Wilcox, Dixie Chicks, Heart, Christopher Cross, Karla Bonoff, Sara Lee, Kris Williamson, Holly Near, Dave Mason, Firefall, Kyler England, Adrianne, Gonzalez (AG), Susan Werner, Davy Knowles, Willy Porter, Bitch, Barnaby Bright, and Sally Taylor to name a few. She also composed and performed the music for the Johnny Cash Franklin Bible Session, a spoken word recording, and had the song "Sing" chosen for the GoGirls 2005 Radio Compilation CD, “Hole in the Ground” followed in 2007. Christine has also donated through her music to local non-profit groups helping abused women, homeless shelters, animal cruelty, and to national fundraising organizations such as The American Cancer Society, Musicians on Call, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, PCAR, and GLSEN. Other projects have included 3 Stories High, Sugar Mistress, 9 5ive 4our, and Mama’s Black Sheep.
Self-taught from the age of 5 and growing up with a musical family, Havrilla wins crowds over wherever she goes with her musical innovation, heartfelt lyrics, and her guitar a mere extension of herself. Her music and sound are difficult to fit into one category; hence Christine describes it as "Neofunkadelicfolkpoptwangrock!" Philadelphia Magazine simply states, "She rocks!
Besides Christine’s new EP “California Night”, you can find her creating with Collen Clark in the electronic-acoustic project ALLIR MUSIC, with their first single called “Therapist”. Christine is also working on scoring music for the upcoming indy film, Yachatz, with her single “Mother It’s Me” being included in the film as well as “So Far Away”.