Portland based, Christine Havrilla, embarked on an ambitious new journey with her Gypsy Fuzz project in late 2011. Havrilla, a Philadelphia native, who has five studio albums, three EPs, and over a decade of touring under her belt, ventures into a new band project with Gypsy Fuzz. The power trio based band features Christine on electric guitar, and has been described as "a blend of 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s rock delivered by the modern singer/songwriter." Searching. Finding. Living. is the debut release from Gypsy Fuzz. While touring in support of her Gypsy Fuzz project, Christine continues to perform solo and support her recently released “A Collection”, which showcases fan favorites from all of her albums.
Christine Havrilla's album, "In My Chair," demonstrates her ever-evolving musicianship. In a very personal and solo endeavor, Christine sings and plays all instruments in her most ambitious effort to date. Writing and producing "In My Chair" from her home studio, listeners hear raw authenticity as Christine’s gritty vocals and overall musicality breathe life into fifteen engaging songs. Christine’s strength on guitar is ever-present. She delivers “In My Chair” in the unabashed style which has garnered her critical praise.
"In My Chair," released independently in May 2008, delivers an eclectic collection of songs as did its predecessor, “Velocity.” However with “In My Chair,” Havrilla showcases her songwriting abilities and instrumental prowess with an organic, intimate approach. Along with her earlier albums, Christine has a collection of songs that clearly define her as a pop singer/songwriter at the peak of her form.
As noted by the Princeton Packet, "Angst takes a left turn to upbeat and fun." Dean Sciarra from ItsAboutMusic.com described the personal connection when he said, "We get inside her head with each successive entry from her musical diary. And 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."
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).
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 accomplishments such as:
Christine was a finalist for Philadelphia City Paper's 2002 Best Folk Artist/Group award, and received two grants in two consecutive years from The National Endowment for the Arts for its Meet the Composer series. She has opened for and shared the stages of venues and major festivals with such acts as Jeffrey Gaines, Chely Wright, Jill Sobule, Melissa Etheridge, Janis Ian, Antigone Rising, Tempest, Grey Eye Glances, Train, Melissa Ferrick, Catie Curtis, Don McLean, Heart, Sara Lee, Kyler England & Adrianne (The Rescues), Davy Knowles, Bitch, and Sally Taylor. 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.
Self-taught, 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!" She lives up to the moniker bestowed upon her by Dena Marchiony of the Philadelphia Songwriters Project, "the quintessential pop-rock goddess." Philadelphia Magazine simply states, "She rocks!"