Hiya Ava, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What was life like for you before you got into music?
Honestly there wasn’t really a time before I got into music. It’s always been a huge part of my life and I’m grateful to have always been involved with the arts growing up. I’ve always loved music and so creating it just seemed to make sense as something I wanted to do.
What’s the live music scene like in Newbury, Massachusetts right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
For sure! The area has so much talent which is incredible, I’m always inspired by my peers, friends, and mentors. I was just in my town’s Battle of the Bands and there were so many incredible performers there, from this amazing band called Hyperdrive to my friend Wade Turner who’s set to release some of his original music soon! So yeah, a bunch to look out for in the area!
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician, how do you feel about this?
It’s honestly one of my least favorite parts about the modern industry, however, there are some huge upsides to it. I’d say that as hard as it can be to self-promote and seem authentic in your content, you can engage more with fans and followers by showing them your personality. It makes the music feel a little more personal, and social media also helps broaden your audience to a global scale. Promoting my music online has always been a struggle for me, but now I find that I’m starting to feel more comfortable putting myself out there.
How do you manage engagement on your socials?
I think just to balance the type of content you’re making is important. I always try to have a wide range of videos that I post, from song promotion to covers to trends or just videos about me. It’s hard to post a lot, because some videos just won’t do well. But it’s important to keep trying and putting things out there so you can reach more people.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
I think it’s more complex than ever before. It’s harder to find your footing in so many ways, with the overwhelming amount of music being made in the world. But, it also feels a little less isolating to see that there are so many people trying to make it like you.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
I’m really not quite sure. I’m still trying to find my sound, my people, and myself, so it’s hard to figure out where I fit sometimes. However, I have a great support system of family and friends who lift me up, and I’m just trying to make music that makes me happy. I just hope it makes other people happy too!
Whats the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
I think it’s just that you have to trust yourself and your instincts. Your gut truly is never wrong in music. You need to be open to growth, exploration, and compromise for sure, but in the end, your voice needs to be heard and you’ll feel better about your songs if they feel authentically yours.
What was your best experience on stage?
Singing my songs on a stage in front of hundreds of people and having them sing the words back to me. There truly isn’t a feeling like it in the world, it was a surreal and crazy moment for me.
What was your worst experience on stage?
It would have to be just any time I mess up, or my voice gives out, or the lyrics disappear from my brain. It happens to everyone, we’re all human, but it’s soul-crushing for me every time no matter what.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
I’m obsessed with bridges. And not the bridges in music, just actual bridges. I think the architecture of bridges is fascinating and I think they’re really cool!
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Yes! I have a new single coming out called Clean My Room, which is a song that comes from a time of isolation and loneliness for me. It’s a really introspective and sad song, but it has a pretty fun beat which is always exciting! I love this song and can’t wait for you to hear it!
What was the recording process like?
This one was a song that I recorded in New York earlier this year, and it was so exciting since the instrumentation in Clean My Room completely morphed and changed throughout the process. It’s one of the songs I’m proudest of creating, and recording it was really fun so I hope that comes across!
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
For this one it was really just all about editing. I knew I wanted to edit down the song I had written, but editing songs in a way to make them more impactful is a hard task. My producers helped me so much and we created a final version that makes me so happy!
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
I’m so happy with how I ended up that I don’t think I would! That’s super exciting for me, and I hope you feel the same way I do!
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Sure! In addition to Clean My Room, which comes out September 5, I have a collab with the incredible Ana Moda coming out on August 22, and an EP which will be out in late October!
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