Hey, could you tell us a little about yourself for those who aren’t acquainted with your music?
I’m Ava Della Pietra, a 17-year-old singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and actress. I’ve been playing music since I was seven and have had the incredible opportunity to perform on Broadway and on national tours. I play piano, guitar, bass, violin, and ukulele, and have won several songwriting awards for my original music! As a songwriter, I have written over 130 songs, recorded 22, and released 9. I am passionate about creating music that is deeply personal to me, while also resonating with others. I’m grateful for my journey so far and look forward to creating more music.
You recently released your new single “Happy For You,” can you tell us what the song is about?
“Happy For You” is a song I wrote about trying to be genuinely happy for my crush who liked someone else. The lyrics depict the internal struggle of trying to maintain composure while feeling heartbroken inside. The line “it’s hard to be happy for you when she’s the only one you see” sums up the sentiment of the song well. It’s about wanting to express your feelings but holding them in because you don’t want to ruin the happiness of the person you care about. I think the song resonates with a lot of people who have experienced similar emotions in their own relationships.
What inspirations do you take when writing your music?
I find inspiration in many different places. Songwriting is like a diary that helps me work through my emotions and personal experiences. Whether I’m singing about love, heartbreak, self-discovery, or the world around me, I aim to create lyrics that are authentic, relatable, thought-provoking and always inspiring.
One of my favorite sources of inspiration is nature. Going for a walk or a run outside helps me clear my mind and sparks my creativity. I am also passionate about social issues. Writing about topics such as cyberbullying and mental health allows me to use my platform to raise awareness and make a difference. Lastly, I find inspiration from other artists. Listening to their music and analyzing their lyrics, melodies, and production techniques helps me learn and grow as a songwriter.
Who are your current favorite new artists?
Currently, I am drawing inspiration from Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Lewis Capaldi, Lauv, and Alec Benjamin. Each artist brings a unique sound and style to the table, and I am constantly learning from them. I am particularly drawn to their ability to tell personal stories through their music.
Who would your dream collaboration be with, and why?
I would love to collaborate with Alec Benjamin. I admire his unique songwriting style. He is a poignant storyteller and a talented musician. We also share similar tastes in music, and I could learn from his experience. Ultimately, I think that by combining our talents and passions, we can create something special and meaningful together!
What does the rest of the year have in store for you?
I’m thrilled to say that this year is shaping up to be a whirlwind of excitement and creativity! I’ll be heading out to Los Angeles this spring to work on two brand new songs with the incredibly talented producer Jon Levine. And that’s just the beginning, as I’m also recording a fantastic track this very weekend with Nashville producer Steven Martinez. This summer, I’ll be hitting the road and touring for the first time. And of course, I’ll be writing and releasing new material throughout the year. I can’t wait for you all to hear them!!