AUSTIN, Texas  — When the coronavirus pandemic hit, 19-year-old and lead singer of the band Professor Rafe and the Fables Avery Johnson was forced to slow down.

What You Need To Know

  • Avery Johnson, 19, balances college and being the lead singer and guitarist for a band

  • Takes inspiration from blues-rock artists including Stevie Ray Vaughan and Gary Clark Jr. 

  • Coronavirus pandemic has brought live performances to a virtual halt

  • Band, Professor Rafe and the Fables, preparing a new album

“We’re taking the time to work on our new album,” said Avery.

She’s an old soul, with legendary musical inspirations.

“I love Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, Gary Clark Jr. - so amazing,” said Avery.

While music may be her inspiration, it’s not her only passion. 

“My major is neuroscience and I’m on the pre-med track, but it’s - I don’t know - I love music, and I’ll never stop doing it, but I like science too, so I’m just kind of going with the flow,” said Avery.

This year Avery had to figure out how to balance both her band and college, studying on a bar stool between sets.

“It’s definitely hard trying to balance practicing, shows, like sometimes even transportation, setting up. It’s just a lot of time and commitment, but it’s so worth it,” said Avery.

Avery Johnson, of the band Professor Rafe and the Fables, appears with a red Duesenberg guitar. (Courtesy: Avery Johnson)

The band has been together for three years. It includes Avery’s brother and her two best friends, both of whom are still in high school. Mom is even part of the band, claiming to be their biggest fan as well as their manager.

“Having them exposed to different things is super fun. Instead of me being a soccer mom, I’m a rock band mom,” said Avery’s mom, Stacy Johnson

While booking the band now is nearly impossible, it wasn’t easy before the pandemic either.

“Trying to book a band that’s underage is somewhat difficult too at most places, so we look for alternative spots like libraries or farmers markets or restaurants,” said Johnson

As for Avery and the band, they think playing in bars is just part of the gig.

“I think it’s great. I want to bring all my friends out here. They want to come to a bar, and so it brings people out. Obviously we’re being professional here. We’re just here to play the show,” said Avery.

Playing in bars, libraries or anywhere may be a thing of the past for now, but Avery and the band hope to get back out there soon. In the meantime, they’re perfecting their sound and will soon release their latest album.

As for their future in the music industry Avery says they’re just taking it one day at a time. 

“I mean, I don’t necessarily have the goal of making it. I just hope that we can just really grow as musicians and people together,” she says. 

Members of Professor Rafe and the Fables appear in a rehearsal space. (Courtesy: Avery Johnson)