An Interview With Ava Maybee
A fresh release from Ava Maybee brings on an edgy pop tonality with loads of character in an almost fantasy-like undertone that all create a cross between a retro and futuristic atmosphere and it feels damn good.
"Puke" does indeed touch on that nostalgic feel right down to the classic lead guitar hook and the entire thing is just oozing with a colorful and vibrant energy that is very quickly infectious.
This track is a solid hook after hook both musically and vocally and the way everything is arranged is driving and endlessly fun.
One of the best things about the song is that even though it's very pop oriented, it also has this sort of rock feel to it at times and that comes from that energy and that drive because her performance has that touch of attitude to it.
Before the end of the song comes you're already waiting for that chorus to swing back around and the whole thing really is a sort of fists in the air, dancing around the living room singalong.
This track is pure heart and it feels great to pump really loud.
Ava really shines with her presence on this track and you immediately want to go find out what else she's done before this.
Another amazing thing about this track is that it's under 3 minutes but it feels so much bigger. Something like that's really hard to come across and pull off.
The song does boast quite an atmosphere of its own and has a way of sort of flowing because it does have touches of ambiance underneath all the shine.
So that little bit of dream feeling is evident and sort of Peaks its head through here and there.
That vocal performance surely delivers a unique but comfortable approach that makes this track so incredibly radio-friendly.
It's great to hear a song that's such a wonderful crossover of old and new school styles because it's not always easy to make that work but Ava does it without a hitch.
As a matter of fact, the songs completely Charming from beginning to end.
It also has a bit of a cinematic style to it as well and it's cool because at times you can hear the song get stripped down a little bit more and when it does you get acoustic guitars and a different feel for the instrumentation.
But no matter what it never loses that embodiment of pop.
With such a fun release, we wanted to have a sit down with Ava Maybee to find out where this track actually came from and what might be coming up next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
TSWS: Let's kick things off with "Puke". This single was fun, edgy, and vibrant pop rock! Tell us about the meaning of the song?
The inspiration behind writing Puke - It was a crazy day, I woke up feeling so much anxiety that I wanted to cancel the session. I drove to the session anyway, barely got myself out of the car, walked into the room feeling like I had nothing to share and my friends and co-writers on the song really rallied and helped me work through my feelings which literally became the song we wrote. This is my favorite song we have written because it is written as if you just opened a page in my diary. I battle with managing my anxiety every day and I hope that when people listen to this song they will not feel so alone in dealing with their own emotions. It’s important to have women in pop talking about mental health so that it normalizes self expression, talking out your emotions, and admitting to not being okay, to the younger generation.
TSWS: When did this all start for you? When did you fall in love with music?
grew up singing in school choirs and gospel choirs all throughout elementary, middle, and high school. I always loved to perform and really started writing my own music at around 13 years old. My love for performing started when I would sing at charity events. Being able to sing for a cause always gave me a sense of purpose for my life and still does to this day. 
TSWS: What inspires you to write a song?
Anything- really. Sometimes I hear melodies throughout the day or at night and I quickly rush to record a voice memo of them so I don’t forget it. I read a lot and get inspiration for lyrics through that. If I feel stuck while processing an emotion, I’ll write about it. It always makes me feel better.
TSWS: This single has some great styles! Can you give us some of your top musical influences?
Thank you so much! I have been super inspired by Remi Wolf, Yves Tumor, and Chiiild at the moment.
TSWS: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
When I’m not working on music, I am at school! I’m a full time student at the Clive Davis Institute at NYU studying recorded music and minoring in child psychology.
TSWS: Who's in your headphones right now?
Right now I am listening to this artist named Woz. He’s incredible.
TSWS: Are you doing any live performances right now?
I will be playing a bunch of shows at SXSW in March!
TSWS: This track feels like a big undertaking, is there any advice you'd give to other up and coming artists out there?
I would tell other up and coming artists to truly focus on perfecting your live set (I am currently trying to do this). The way to truly win fans over is to be an incredibly vibrant entertainer. Live shows are where the magic happens.
TSWS: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
The fans can expect new music!! After I graduate from college, I will finally get the time I need to make music. I am so excited for what I have in the works.
TSWS: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
I just want to say thank you for being so patient waiting for new music!! It’s coming!! And I can’t wait to get on the road so I can meet everyone. I just feel so lucky and grateful that people connect with my music. It is truly all I have ever wanted.