Ties between music and evil have always existed: the dissonant tritone is called diabolus in musica (devil in music), some claim that crossroads demons entice aspiring artists to trade talent for their soul, and secret backwards messages in popular songs can supposedly make listeners do dreadful things. Spirit Springs is a dark gem of independent horror that pairs the hard-driving songs of a rising band with unstoppable malevolence. The film doesn’t condemn the art form as inherently sinister. However, it understands the power that both music and diabolic entities have to influence your soul. With band life as a backdrop, Spirit Springs creates a surreal world where the boundary between realms is menacingly thin.
Avaryana Rose is a rising actress. She possesses that little extra sparkle you often find in celebrities. She stars in the film, playing Eden, the charismatic — but sometimes moody and demanding — front woman of the Midnight Misfits. When the band isolates itself in a remote rehearsal space to prepare for its most important gig to date, Eden accidentally awakens an ancient spirit with a hunger for souls. Will the band survive, or will evil triumph?
Avaryana didn’t only act in Spirit Springs, she also produced the film and helped write it. The multi-talented creator told Screamify, “Spirit Springs is a passion project, and almost every person who worked on that set had their hearts in it.” Although she is currently working on several film and television projects while traveling across the country, Avaryana graciously took some time to answer a few questions about herself and Spirit Springs for Screamify.
How did you build your impressive following and develop your skills? Did you always want to be an actress/model/etc.?
I built a following by chance! I started posting random stuff when I was younger. When I got older, I went to a casting call for a cheer uniform/clothing brand and actually made it into their look-book with no prior experience! I got more serious about the world of social media, and a few years after I decided to pursue modeling, a friend brought me into acting, and I’ve been in love ever since. I always loved watching movies and looked up to people on screen, but as a child I never imagined I could one day be one of those people on screen. I was a very introverted child (turns out I still am), but I also loved Allstar Cheer, so it helped me gain confidence in performing in front of crowds.
What would we be surprised to learn about you?
I’m not sure if this is surprising, but I work with children! I teach them all about cheer, tumbling, and flexibility, the same way I learned when I was younger.
Do you have a favorite memory of working on Spirit Springs?
I especially loved working with Greg Cipes, who is the voice of Beast Boy on Teen Titans Go and Michelangelo on TMT.
You’re credited as a producer on this film. What did that entail?
It was so much fun! I helped with casting and learned so much about the ‘behind the scenes’ of making a movie.
The location was gorgeous, but eerie. Did you feel any sort of spooky vibe while there?
Sadly, no! None of us felt any sort of ‘vibe’ or anything (unfortunate, I know). The house was absolutely beautiful, as well the location. On non-filming days, we all enjoyed the nature and swam in the freezing springs!
Where was that location, and how long were you there?
It was in Homosassa, FL, and we were there for 10 days.
Is there anything about Eden that is you? Do you sing or play an instrument? If not, where did you get the inspiration for the character?
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I am currently learning to play drums! I come from a family of musicians. A lot of the inspo for Eden is from my older sister. (She’s technically my sister-in-law, but labels don’t matter as she’s always been my sister.) She has the most beautiful singing voice, and she’s had her hair every color of the rainbow. Eden’s aesthetic is a direct reflection of my sisters’. Plus, she is actually in a band with my brother and their friends! (Shameless plug: they are called Primary Insight!)
Do you have a favorite genre or type of character that you like to play?
I love playing the evil ones, lol. But I also thoroughly enjoy anything super dramatic or the love interest!
What made you want to start Babes Against Bullying? Were you ever cyberbullied?
Unfortunately, I absolutely was. I like to say, though, that I am grateful that it happened to me. It gave me the ability to not waver, no matter what people said about me. I gained immense confidence and strength from it. It also inspired me to create Babes Against Bullying to help spread awareness about the relentless bullying and cyberbullying that models, actors, and content creators go through.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to do what you do?
My number one tidbit of advice would be to keep going no matter what people say about you. Remember, people above you will never take the time to put you down; it is only the ones beneath you.
Do you have any upcoming projects that you’re excited about and can share?
I am so excited for The Caretaker to come out! I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Jeff Miller (who has made so many movies that I honestly lose track). As well as some amazing talent! Daniel Baldwin and Rampage Jackson, to name a few! It was a blast, and I got the opportunity to see Las Vegas for the first time ever. (It was beautiful!)
I also just filmed an amazing movie project with a great team and was blessed to have Vincent M. Ward from The Walking Dead in it as well as several other named talent.
I’m getting ready to film a couple more projects with named talent, and I just got back from LA filming a TV series. Last year, I did get to film with NBC-U for a new pilot TV show… But that’s all I can say about that one, of course ;)
