Indra Aziz
Sat outside Next Door Records in Dalston, the air buzzed with the anticipation of a conversation that would delve deep into the creative process of emerging artist Ava Joe. Her arrival, a quick dash across the road, was met with a warm exchange of pleasantries, setting the stage for an interview eager to capture the insightful gems she was poised to share. This encounter, situated in the heart of London’s vibrant cultural landscape, serves as a fitting backdrop for an artist whose journey is as dynamic and multifaceted as the city itself.
Early Influences and a Predestined Path
Ava Joe’s formative years were marked by extensive travel, a nomadic childhood that spanned Ireland, Devon, Surrey, and London. This constant movement, while perhaps presenting challenges in establishing roots, provided fertile ground for the cultivation of her artistic passions, with music emerging as the undeniable focal point. Her early sonic landscape was shaped by the powerful and charismatic figures of mainstream pop: Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, and Adele. "I was really into singing," Ava recalls, "like I remember getting a karaoke initially one Christmas and I was obsessed with Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Adele and Lily Allen, all of the sort of like mainstream pop artists at the time." This early immersion in the world of powerful female vocalists and theatrical pop performances undoubtedly laid the groundwork for her own vocal prowess and stage presence.
The influence of her father, himself a musician, played a pivotal role in solidifying her dedication to music. "My dad is in a band, actually, and I think growing up, seeing him play and listening to his music and just being around that, sort of really inspired me," she explains. This early exposure to the creative life within her own family fostered a deep-seated understanding and appreciation for the artistic endeavor. For Ava, the decision to pursue music was not a fleeting whim but a profound, almost innate, calling. "I feel so blessed that I knew from such a young age," she states with conviction. "Literally from the age of three, I was like, ‘This is what I want to do.’ And ever since then, I’ve just stuck with it." This unwavering certainty at such a tender age speaks to a profound connection with her artistic identity.
Songwriting as Therapy: Navigating Loss and Self-Discovery
While singing was an early passion, the art of songwriting began to take a more serious form around the age of 16, though the initial spark of "writing" can be traced back to a school project on the Aztecs at 14. It was a significant personal upheaval, however, that transformed songwriting from a casual pursuit into a vital coping mechanism. The divorce of her parents at 14 plunged Ava into a period of profound emotional turmoil. "My whole world sort of just like collapsed and that’s when I really started writing because like I always wanted to write but I felt like I never really had much to write about until that happened and then there was so much loss and so much pain that I couldn’t really do anything but write about it, you know?"
This raw, cathartic outpouring of emotion became the bedrock of her lyrical style. Songwriting, in this context, evolved into a form of profound self-therapy, a means of processing complex feelings related to relationships, family dynamics, anxiety, and the myriad of life experiences, both joyous and painful. This therapeutic aspect of her craft continues to be a driving force behind her creative output.
The Impact of a Nomadic Childhood on Connection and Collaboration
Ava’s childhood spent moving between different locations undeniably shaped her ability to connect with a wide range of individuals. "She cites her childhood experiences, travelling around at a young age, as the reason she can get along with so many people," the article notes. However, this same transience also presented challenges, particularly in forming long-term friendships. This difficulty in forging deep, lasting connections has, paradoxically, created a unique space for her artistic endeavors. It allows her to approach intimate writing and collaboration projects with a certain detachment, knowing that the transient nature of these interactions might prevent the complexities of enduring personal relationships from interfering with the creative process. She views these experiences not with regret, but with a philosophical acceptance, believing that "everything happens for a reason" and that her past has been instrumental in fueling her creativity.
Evolution of Influences and Artistic Expression
The young artist who once emulated the karaoke anthems of Lady Gaga has undergone a significant artistic evolution. Her current influences paint a richer, more nuanced sonic palette, including the soulful depth of Amy Winehouse, the harmonic complexities of The Beach Boys, the understated brilliance of Chet Baker, and the experimental textures of Radiohead. This expanded range of inspirations is reflected in the maturing sophistication of her songwriting.
Her writing process itself has also transformed. Moving beyond narrative-driven storytelling, Ava now finds inspiration in poetry, often employing a vintage typewriter to capture her thoughts. "I feel like there’s poetry in my songs," she observes, "and I feel like it’s, again, it’s inspired by the same kind of things, the land, the relationships, the life, the emotions." This artistic synergy between poetry and music underscores her holistic approach to art. "I love art, I just love art, I love poetry, I love paintings, I love songs, I love music. I think it’s all around us and I love it," she exclaims, highlighting her deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of creative disciplines.
"Big Beautiful Mess": A Journey Through Introspection and New Beginnings
The release of her latest project, "Big Beautiful Mess," marks a significant milestone in Ava Joe’s artistic development. This collection of songs delves into themes of vulnerability and self-acceptance, reflecting a period of profound personal growth. Ava candidly admits, "I can’t really hide, I’m not very good at hiding my emotions or anything like that, so it is, yeah. The story’s there, if you go looking for it, you’ll probably start to understand a lot about me and what I’ve gone through." This unvarnished honesty is the project’s greatest strength, inviting listeners into her emotional landscape.
The project’s title track, "Big Beautiful Mess," along with "Lost In The Woods," explores the nuanced interplay between freedom and escapism. Ava describes these tracks as being "about freedom and, you know, the fine line between escapism and like a healthy kind of release." This exploration resonates with the universal human experience of seeking solace and liberation, often through artistic expression or personal journeys.
"Try Me," a track from the project, signifies a new phase for Ava, embodying a spirit of embracing life’s unfolding journey. "It’s about taking in and embracing life," she explains. This sentiment suggests a shift towards a more optimistic and forward-looking perspective, even as the project grapples with complex emotional terrain.
Exploring Themes of Girlhood, Love, and Independence
"No Man’s Land" emerges as a powerful anthem of female empowerment and independence. Ava reveals, "I think I wrote that song before him [her partner], I was single, you know, living my best life, enjoying the freedom of not having a relationship, and really just appreciating girlhood and platonic friendships and love and how beautiful that can be as well." The song captures the unadulterated joy of female camaraderie and self-reliance. "It’s about going out with your girls and not giving a fuck about any man and not letting anyone get to you and not worrying, ‘oh, is he going to be pissed off while I’m out till five in the morning?’ None of that, just pure freedom and pure womanhood and girlhood. So that’s the song for the girlies," she states with palpable enthusiasm. The production, a collaboration with Dom Valentino, contributes to its distinct, "trippy and quite psychedelic" vibe, described by Ava as "more of a vibe than a song."
In contrast, "Sunkissed" and "Milk And Honey" represent the more tender and romantic facets of the project. These songs are a direct reflection of Ava falling in love during the creation of "Big Beautiful Mess." "As I was writing this project, I fell in love, so those two songs are about that," she shares. "Milk And Honey" is notable for its powerful live vocal outro, a testament to Ava’s vocal agility, though it differs from the studio version. This leads Ava to reflect on the nature of artistic completion: "In a way, I don’t think they ever really are [finished], there’s been so many songs where it’s like, I could keep going, but I feel like you just have to stop at a point, you know?" This introspection highlights the constant evolution inherent in the creative process.
"Deja Vu Hotel" also delves into the complexities of romantic relationships, specifically exploring the lingering effects of past experiences. Ava describes the song as being about "waiting in a hotel for him, and he didn’t come; he didn’t promise me he would, but I was expecting him to, and he let me down." The song questions the authenticity of new relationships in the shadow of past hurts. "If you’ve ever been in a relationship with someone who’s treated you very badly, any relationship you then come into after that, you’re going to be hyper-vigilant to it," she explains, articulating a common psychological response to past trauma.
Finally, "Am I A Dreamer" offers a poignant moment of nostalgia, born from a holiday experience. It encapsulates the project’s overarching theme of reflection and introspection, inviting listeners to ponder their own pasts and present realities.
Artistic Vision and Future Trajectory
Ava Joe’s artistic vision extends beyond mere musical creation. She views her life as her art, with her music serving as a direct reflection of her lived experiences. "Life is my art and I just kind of reflect that into my music, I think," she states. This holistic perspective informs her approach to her career, which has seen significant growth since her first EP. She has performed two headline shows, supported Jalen N’Gonda on his UK tour, and achieved one million streams for her song "Try Me."
The question of a full-length album looms, but Ava emphasizes her desire to craft a deliberate artistic journey rather than a singular release. "I wanted to create a journey as well. I didn’t just want to put one album out. I want it to be more of a this is where I started, and now we’re here, and this is where we’re going to go," she explains. This approach suggests a commitment to developing her narrative arc and allowing her audience to grow alongside her. She harbors a strong desire to create prolifically, aiming to release "as many albums as possible."
Looking ahead, Ava’s New Year’s resolutions, though perhaps humorously challenging to maintain amidst a burgeoning career and a new kitten, point to a desire for balance and continued growth. "I think it was just to be more healthy, go to the gym more, and be more creative. I’ve got a list of things I want to achieve this year and how to do it, both musically and personally," she reveals. The reality of her demanding schedule, however, means that even simple goals like attending the gym can be difficult to achieve.
A Message of Affirmation and Connection
In a concluding message to her fans, Ava Joe delivers a powerful affirmation of self-worth and acceptance. "You are completely perfect the way you are, like you’re, there’s nothing wrong with you, you’re completely safe, you’re gonna be okay, you’re loved, you’re seen, you’re understood, you’re hurt, I’ve got you and it’s going to be alright," she declares, offering a beacon of hope and solidarity. This heartfelt sentiment underscores the profound connection she seeks to forge with her audience, using her music as a vehicle for empathy and shared understanding. Her journey, from early pop inspirations to a deeply personal and evolving artistic voice, positions Ava Joe as a compelling and significant presence in the contemporary music landscape.
"Big Beautiful Mess" is out now.
Words: Callum Smyth
Photo Credit: Nat Traxel
