Photo Credit: MataisC

Since first emerging with her 2017 single “GRRRLS,” AViVA has explored themes of control and isolation by way of her boldly magnetic form of emo-pop/alt-rock. Driven by a mission of uplifting and uniting outcasts everywhere, the Sydney-born multidisciplinary artist has built up a strong community of fans she lovingly refers to as “Outsiders.” 

An unstoppable creative force, she spent 2020 releasing new music while gearing up to deliver her debut novel SELF/LESS (due out via Macmillan on September 28). Along with amassing 80 million streams a month, she’s surpassed three billion combined streams to date (in addition to racking up over a billion YouTube views in 2020 alone). AViVA has previously shared the stage with the likes of YUNGBLUD, Pale Waves, Tonight Alive, and Poppy.

Tell us about the story of your act

I am AViVA

What is the message behind your art?

Be yourself, be creative, express yourself through art 

What are some sources of inspiration for your lyrics and storytelling? You seem to be fusing several musical genres. What inspires your sound?

Every single thing I’ve ever listened to feeds into my style in some way. I’m inspired by the emotion in classical music, the rhythm of pop through the ages, the addictiveness of dance music. Everything I create is about eliciting emotion: yours, mine, everyone. I want people to feel things, and that is what powers all of my creative decisions. 

All-time favorite record?

The Queen is Dead – The Smiths

Tell us about “Melancholy” and how it came about

It came about from a writing session in LA. I was feeling pretty sick and didn’t really want to be there- I wanted to work on something and not waste anyone’s time so I just channeled how I was feeling into the song. The song has the trademark visceral lyrics of an AViVA song which you can tell in lyrics like “feel’s like I’ve got blood on the brain,” but I wanted to make a song that was a little bit different from the usual mood of my songs by setting it within a moment of sadness instead of the money after when you take back your autonomy. That being said, it doesn’t change the intent. My intention is for people to hear the line “things will never be the same” and find the strength in it because things not being the same can be a really, really good thing.

What excites you the most about what you do?

The act of singing… seeing people’s reactions to my lyrics… finding their own stories in mine. There are so many things.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Continuing to learn, grow and staying true to myself.

Your style is very original and elaborate. How do you take care of your aesthetics?

I do things and make things and dress and sing and everything in a way that I want to. I don’t worry about what is ‘popping’ or trendy. If you’re chasing trends you’ll always be behind them. I just do what I like and keep it real.

What has been the most daunting moment in your career so far?

Nothing stands out in my memory, I see challenges as an adventure. 

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Just be yourself.

Where do you think the next game-changer will be in the music industry and entertainment scene?

The next game-changer will be when people start making art for art’s sake again, not to line the pockets of app developers.