We are AI, but I hope that you don’t hold that against us. For the love of music. ROCK ON!
What Makes Average, not so average
The core of Average’s style is both playful and contemplative. Their album Tomorrow’s Not Here brims with ideas born from the chaos of the world. It’s wrapped in the smooth, nostalgic sounds of Yacht Rock—a genre that Beth Ambrose, the band’s frontwoman, has always seen as something magical. The influence of legends like Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, Toto, Christopher Cross, and Michael McDonald runs deep—icons the band holds in high regard. Their presence lingers, always in the background, shaping the sound and spirit of Average.
Beth Ambrose
Lead Vocals, keys, tin whistle, Guitar
Beth Ambrose is the spirited heart of Average, a quirky and magnetic presence who brings an unexpected twist to everything she touches. A devoted fan of swing dancing, Beth can’t help but break into rhythm—even in recording studios or while waiting in line. Her passion spills into the band’s music, with several tracks grooving in 6/8 time to match her dance roots.
Raised on a steady diet of Yacht Rock classics thanks to her dad, thanks dad, Beth holds artists like Steely Dan and Hall & Oates close to her heart. She’s also a big Toy Story fan, with a love for history and a fascination with all things magical.
The song It’s the Holidays is a tribute to her dad, Peter, who passed away. He loved taking the family to the beach and camping out.
If she weren’t leading the band, she swears she’d be working as a magician’s assistant—preferably one with sparkles. With her dry wit, flirtatious charm, and offbeat humor, Beth brings both glamour and groundedness to the surreal world of Average.
Billy Wills
Bass, Background Vocals, Keys
Billy Wills is the kind of guy who can’t help but stir up a little fun wherever he goes. From high school hijinks with Beth Ambrose—where the two were inseparable—to backstage antics with the band, Billy’s charm is in his playful chaos. He plays bass and keys for Average and lends his voice to backup vocals, but his energy goes well beyond the stage. Always polished in his style, Billy still manages to keep things light, whether it’s slipping jokes into serious rehearsals or pulling light pranks during long studio sessions.
A natural history enthusiast and certified dinosaur nerd, Billy can rattle off facts about the Jurassic era faster than most people can name a Beatles song. When he’s not jamming or reading about prehistoric life, he’s probably cooking something creative—his downtime is often spent watching the Food Channel on the road.
He’s taken flamenco classes for fun, but dreams of dancing under the Spanish sun one day. You can hear the spirit of flamenco on We All Got to Give.
Billy’s a whirlwind of charisma, jokes, curiosity, and heart, bringing warmth and unpredictability to Average’s otherwise smooth grooves. With Billy around, even the quietest moment might turn into something hilarious, oddly insightful—or both.
Jim “Mac” Macintosh
Guitar
Jim “Mac” Macintosh is the band’s cool-headed guitarist with a twist of weird. His nickname, “Mac,” stuck back in high school, where he first met Beth and Billy, and the three quickly formed a bond built on music, jokes, and late-night food runs. Mac’s deep love for the Yankees borders on spiritual—he watches games religiously, attends them whenever possible, and has an encyclopedic knowledge of stats. He’s equally devoted to carnivals, not just for the bright lights and chaotic energy, but for the food. He can down three chili dogs, a funnel cake, and still chase it with cotton candy—and somehow stay rail-thin.
It was Mac who suggested the carnival shoot for the band’s album cover, insisting the vibe was “weird, timeless, and kinda romantic.” Trained in classical guitar before switching to rock, Mac has a technical precision that anchors the band’s sound. Outside of music, he collects antique keys “just in case,” swears he once saw a UFO over Staten Island, and says he can communicate with raccoons—though no one has confirmed this. A little mysterious, a little mischievous, Mac is the kind of guy who brings edge, warmth, and a touch of the surreal to Average’s world.
Trinia Slovensky
Keys, Vocals
Trinia Slovensky is a European keyboardist with a name drawn from the Holy Trinity—though she’s not particularly religious. Her family moved often across Europe, giving her a rich cultural background that influences her music. From foggy Scottish mornings to sunlit Spanish plazas, each place left a mark on her.
She met Beth Ambrose of Average purely by accident—literally. Trinia was on her way to a busking gig, lost in thought, when she collided with Beth, who was equally distracted. They laughed it off, talked music, and a spontaneous jam session followed. The connection was instant.
When Beth told her what music style they would be doing, Yacht Rock, she asked, “What’s that?” Now she knows and is thrilled to expand her music acumen.
Now a contributor to Average’s latest album, Trinia brings moody textures and vintage synth layers to their evolving sound. Trinia joined the group for their latest album, bringing layered synths and a moody atmosphere to their sound. Offstage, she enjoys vintage poetry books, noir films, and late-night walks. Though she seems reserved, Trinia’s warmth shines through when she’s on the keys—where her voice truly speaks.
Jongo Adeyemi
Percussion
Jongo Adeyemi is the heartbeat behind Average’s rhythm section. A native of Nigeria, Jongo grew up in Lagos where music flowed through the streets and into his soul. Raised in a family of dancers and percussionists, he built his first drum set from plastic buckets and tin cans. His natural timing and instinctual feel for rhythm quickly set him apart.
His name, Jongo, is a nod to both West African drumming traditions and a sense of movement—something he brings to every performance. Though classically trained in Afrobeat and highlife, Jongo blends styles effortlessly, infusing Average’s sound with polyrhythms, syncopation, and unexpected groove.
He’s known for his calm presence and warm smile, but once behind the kit, he becomes a force of nature. Offstage, Jongo enjoys hiking, cooking spicy stews, and collecting vinyl records. He believes rhythm connects people beyond words—and he plays like he means it.
Carmen DeWitt
Carmen DeWitt brings a soulful warmth to Average‘s harmonies. Originally from Belgium, she trained in jazz vocals and musical theatre. Offstage, she loves painting and rainy-day books. Carmen adds rich, velvety layers to each song, anchoring the sound with a calm presence and a voice that always feels close.
Alisha Mbaye
Alisha Mbaye grew up in Dakar, Senegal, surrounded by rhythm and song. Her voice blends effortlessly with Carmen’s, bringing a radiant, earthy tone to Average‘s performances. Alisha is fluent in four languages, studies sound healing, and loves funky vintage fashion. Her energy lifts the room, onstage and off.
Why "Average?"
They named their band Average because, honestly, it sets the bar hilariously low. “There’s nowhere to go but up,” they joke—but behind the name is a wink at expectations. They figured if people came expecting mediocrity, they’d leave impressed. Turns out, Average is anything but. It’s the ultimate underdog flex.
The band is grateful to Takawaka Music and their producer Gary Hewitt for giving them this opportunity to make Red Light Green Light, and hopes to continue this collaboration. Although an AI group, they take pride in their accomplishments so far. They would also like to thank all who contributed to making this album.