Originally from Bristol and based in London, newcomer Ava Lily returns with more music in 2022. The artist has been writing music and playing piano since childhood; using songwriting as a means of expression and therapy. After being discovered by Naughty Boy from her cover of ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’, Ava Lily was signed to Virgin EMI where she collaborated with artists including Emeli Sande, Professor Green, Laura Mvula and James Arthur, and upon exiting her deal co-wrote 'Common' off of ZAYN's Icarus Falls record.
Through that process, Ava Lily has continued to hone her craft and develop an even deeper respect for the complex art of songwriting; ultimately deciding that she both wanted and needed to tell those stories as an artist herself. Spend some time with the artist in conversation with us below:
Tell us a bit about your story: who are you and what has your journey looked like so far? My journey has been long road of self-discovery. I started writing songs at 15, and I’ve used it as an outlet for my emotions ever since.
Who inspires you musically and creatively? My life and things that I come across daily, I’m really observant and sensitive and writing is way cheaper than therapy.
What is the creative process behind your music? When I first plant seeds for my songs it usually always starts with me and a piano. I like to get a solid song before we start building anything else. I’m pretty old fashioned when it comes to making music.
What’s the best advice you’ve received during your journey? Find your people. The people who make you feel understood and listened to and contribute to your growth and cheer you on.
How do you nurture your creativity? I nurture it by never forcing it, by letting it flow naturally through me. Some days I can write 10 songs, other days they are just not there. I’ve learnt to adapt to it.
What do you hope your music will reveal to your listeners? That its ok to feel your fee
lings. To sit with them and grow through them. I wrote this EP during the process of getting sober, so that comes through a lot in the songs and I love to tell these stories to the audiences, they really embrace it, and we go in the journey together.
Are there any upcoming shows or projects we can look forward to? I’m releasing new music from my new EP every month until the full EP is released in the late Summer. I’m playing small shows all around London a lot at the moment. It is amazing to be back and I am so grateful for it.
Is there any advice you want to give to new artists? I know this is the most typical thing to say but be yourself and trust your gut. You are the only person that knows what truly fulfils you and what kind of music and message you want the world to hear. Connect with Ava Lily
Images by Edwards Cooke