The overnight pop success speaks to Grazia about whats next.
Ava Max
A blood-curdling scream does not seem like the natural choice when it comes to beginning a pop song. And yet it is the perfect introduction to Sweet But Pyscho a 2018 earworm that catapulted Ava Max to stardom. Not since Neve Campbell has a scream so ensured instant fame. The song with its catchy chorus and playful lyrics - hit number 1 in 22 countries. But what of its legacy? When a simple song creates a sensation what does the artist behind it do next?
For Ava the American singer with the asymmetrical blonde bob and striking red lips the answer is simply more of the same in her lucrative pop sound. This week she releases Kings & Queens a rousing number that fits within her pop mould while changing tack from her Sweet But Pyscho origins through its more uplifting encouraging message more in line with her second hit So Am I.
Her songs she explains come from studio sessions where she comes up with a melody then spontaneously creates the lyrics in the booth. Her active imagination helps. One time I was in a booth singing and I imagined myself on the tip of an iceberg right on the top she explains. And I thought that if I didnt come out with a really good melody I was going to fall and die. Isnt that crazy? Ever since then thats a good technique to pressure myself.
Kings & Queens makes use of fairy tale tropes damsels swords but Avas real life royalty are the artists who inspire her. I love Madonna she says. Elton John. Queen Freddie Mercury. These are artists that changed the game forever and went for it. But she has her family her parents left Albania for the US in 1990 to thank for the passion. Both of my uncles were in bands back in Albania and so my whole familys kind of musical she explains. My mom sang opera around the house - she was always singing - and so my uncle would come over for dinner always having a new CD to give me. The first one was Mariah Carey then Madonna then it was Britney they really were introducing me to this pop world.
Ava has never shied away from the pop genre despite existing in a realm which seems to speak down to it. Sweet But Psycho became very popular somehow she laughs. I do not know how but it did in a more indie. I was scared to put out that song but I knew I had to. It was in my blood to put out pop music. I think if no ones doing something thats a good thing carve your own way. Make your own path.
She was shocked by the attention the song brought her but thrilled that it brought her the platform to share her new music. She says she could not live without Instagram but self-care measures keeps her off YouTube. I cannot look at YouTube comments anymore she explains. Every time I look at them I find something that hurts me. When I come across them I really want to write back and say really bad things to that person. But I do not. And I have not yet. But you never know. It gets to me. So for my mental health to be clear and have a clear vision for the future I do not want to get blurred by all these negative words on the internet.
With Kings & Queens out and her debut album finished and set for release this year Ava is looking forward to getting back on the road and forging the next part of her path. Via a chippy during her next London visit. I know its bad for you but I have a thing for fish and chips she laughs. Every time I go to London I get them. It really is the best thing.
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