Just a few weeks ago, Bristol-born artist Ava Lily shared new track Higher Love and announced that her long-awaited debut EP is finally on its way.
Higher Love follows on from previously released sultry lo-fi, R&B track Closure and her mesmerising single Blameless.
Speaking on the track, Lily says: ‘’Higher Love’ is about connecting with my higher power. It was an awakening moment where I felt like I’d outgrown the situation I was in and I wanted more. It was the beginning of a journey of self-love.’ On writing with Vartanian, she adds: ‘Me and Allen have never met in real life, but somehow we just clicked and have this special connection. There was so much magic in the mystery! He’s amazing!’
M asked Ava Lily a couple of questions to get to know her a little better.
Hi Ava Lily! Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
Hey! I’m a singer songwriter from Bristol.
We heard that you were discovered by Naughty Boy on YouTube. Talk us through it…
That's correct! I don’t know how, but he saw my first ever YouTube video, it was a Bonnie Rait cover of I Can’t Make You Love Me. He messaged me on Facebook and asked me to come to his studio in London and I was like, ‘Wait what?!’ I'd never been to a proper studio at this point, so it was all very exciting, and of course, I was well up for it.
How does being an independent artist compare to being on a label?
There are good and bad points to both, I’m really enjoying and appreciating the freedom of being an unsigned artist at the moment after being in a big label. It's a lot more work, but now I am in total creative control of everything. It feels so good knowing I’m making things happen and choosing all the amazing people around me to work with.
What are your golden rules for songwriting?
Songwriting is an outlet for all my emotions so I try to be as honest and real as I can, and not judge whatever comes out.
What can you tell us about your upcoming EP?
Higher Love EP came together really naturally and quickly. Gareth (my producer/ co writer) really knows how to pull out the magic in my emotions. It's a very honest EP. I think there Is a lot of strength in vulnerability.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
070 Shake. I love Under the Moon. Also, Sabrina Claudio is a goddess.
What’s next for Ava Lily?
I would like to play some shows when the world opens up! Until then I’ll be writing and releasing more music, staying inspired, and working on EP 2.
