Creating an alternate world of feminine power and fun, the playful lyrics accompanied by a soulful delivery ensure AVA's message is heard in her debut single 'Business Man'. Produced by Julian Steel and Aldwin Cajili, 'Business Man' is lush and vibrant, full of unique instrumentation from Melbourne's greatest musicians.

AVA is an original new face in the music industry, however definitely no beginner when it come to performing and creating music. Hailing from the South-Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne, she forged her own lane in the music industry as a unique artist after growing popularity for her covers of the likes of artists such as Snoh Aalegra, where she created a buzzing online presence.

Ava sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Ever since I was young, we always had music playing in the background, the soundtrack of my childhood was accompanied by Whitney Houston in mum's car or Bob Marley in dad's car. Growing up in a family of girls as well, we always looked to musical icons be it Beyonce or Madonna, Britney, with this sense of awe, these glamorous women gave us the extra strength to be bold and live our lives with purpose. 

I think especially through high school singing and music gave me the confidence to express myself and be authentic in who I was, on stage I was free in a way that I didn't typically feel in day to day life then. Music has blessed me with so much! I have connected with amazing minds and have been able to connect to a sense of vulnerability and emotion in other people that I don’t think I could have done any other way.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I have so many! I literally have a golden list in my journal full of amazing creative people I would love to work with and it grows all the time with the more people I discover. I am amazed by the minds of people like Beyonce, SZA, Jack Antonoff, Frank Ocean, Lin Manuel Miranda, Lana Del Rey, Andre 3000 and so many more.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

I am actually very lucky in the sense that I prefer my creativity to be very personal, I usually don’t write with anyone in the room and prefer to be alone with my thoughts. So I have been able to do a lot of writing and thinking in this time. It has put a stall on some visuals and collaborative project which is annoying because I really want to work with more Melbourne creatives, but the awkward Zoom meetings have gotten me through a lot.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I think my sound is a number of things, I definitely have roots in RnB and Soul because that is how I was trained. I have always sung such extremely soulful, heart on a platter kind of  songs, but I think with a lot of writing and experimentation, I have created a more alternative RnB sound that is super feminine and airy. I also think my writing changes my sound a lot, I am all about the intention when it comes to writing so for me it is less about putting a box around what I need to sound like and rather letting the music work on its own and creating something meaningful and coherent.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I think everyday I am surprising myself with the things I am learning and executing! I was very proud of myself after my first music video shoot for Business Man! I came up with the treatment and idea so seeing it come to life and actually being able to be super present and grateful in the moment was such a huge blessing for me!

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

My main advice would be to fail hard and quick, this industry is really complex and confusing so the quicker you get out of your head and give yourself the permission to fail and just allow yourself to be authentic, the better. You're always gonna mess up in some way whether it is running late to something or having a creative block etc so the sooner you accept that and keep pushing past that and just making sure you're working with consistency and looking after yourself, you will be okay!

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Yes! I have a handful of amazing Melbourne creatives that are always such angels to get advice and guidance from. Olivia Escuyos is a RnB legend in Melbourne, Ashwarya is an amazing pop act that is creating some really fresh stuff, Kaiit has the voice of an angel and is amazing live!

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

I have been adoring Lorde’s new album Solar Power and Billie’s Happier than Ever, they have been playing a lot in my house! I also am hearing that Beyonce’s new album is coming out soon so I have been listening to her self-titled album and Lemonde to get me hyped for it. 

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Apart from music, I am very big into spirituality, I love doing yoga and just anything that makes me feel in awe of the universe and like there is meaning to life, haha sorry if that is a little dark. But anything that can kinda like take me out of my head like going to the beach, playing with my dog, pretending I am on a holiday but I am really just sunbaking in my backyard etc. I am also a huge foodie so I love to cook and learn about food and culture, the SBS food channel in Australia is my safe place <3

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

When I go to the studio it is usually just to finish or polish what I have already done at home, so I guess my laptop with all my recordings, my crystals for good vibes and maybe some coconut water, as it has a great cooling effect on my throat!