Ava Valianti already shows she possesses the kind of emotional intelligence and musical instinct that a sheet of music can't teach. Her new single, "Distant," is a sparkling indie-pop gem that somehow encapsulates the heaviness of growing up and the lightness of moving on the whole shebang in under four minutes. The real magic in the contrast is between the upbeat production and the wistful, introspective lyrics. Ava doesn't try to mask the sadness of watching childhood friendships drift but notes it, acknowledges it, and gives it a tender voice without being sentimental. Her delivery has wisdom, but it's never forced because It's raw, authentic, and unmistakably her.
Since arriving on the scene in 2023, Ava's already amassed a list of accomplishments any artist twice her age would be proud of: 150+ national radio spins, two New England Music Award nominations, a second-place finish in the International Acoustic Music Awards, and opening bills for both Jessica Baio and Lucy Kaplansky. She even sold out her first headlining show. A perfect taste of what's to come, "Distant" combines what's fresh and appealing in sound with the emotionally evocative. With her debut EP dropping this fall, she couldn't be heading in a more attractive direction.
"Distant" has a pulsing pulse, brightness, and a kind of summery feel that makes you want to roll the windows down. But listen closer, and you'll hear an ache beneath the polish. Valianti's lyrics sting with the honesty of someone who's learning, in real-time, that even the best friendships sometimes wither with age. If you like indie pop, sincere singer-songwriter feels, or that sweet intersection of teenage nostalgia combined with looking toward the future, "Distant" should be added to your playlist. And if that's what Ava Valianti sounds like at 15, we look forward to hearing what comes next.
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