An Interview With Ava Rivello

R.A.G.
1 day ago
6 min read

Ava Rivello is an artist who has been around for a few years now, and throughout that time has dropped a handful of singles that most certainly show how she pushes the expressive boundaries of what she writes and releases.

Her songs fall into a bit of a heavier rock category, but there's a lot of feeling attached to the lyrics and how she performs them, along with insight into her persona along the way.

She doesn't hold a lot back, and that's something that draws people into the music in general. She's very open with letting those inner thoughts come spilling out for everyone to take in, and that is quite courageous, to an extent.

I have been thoroughly enjoying her blend of edgy, alternative character with the personal quality that she delivers. There's a lot of sincerity that comes through, and the combination of a forceful rock foundation with all of the heartfelt lyrics that she contributes is something that gives it its own identity.

Her latest single, "hold me til i fall asleep", brings us deeper into that persona with the notion of having to let go of a situation or a person. There's a little bit of heartbreak there, and you can hear that in the lyrics and the vocals, but it also comes through with this sort of radio-friendly power ballad approach, which makes it accessible.

One of the things that makes this song so compelling is the live drumming. The drummer on this track really adds something special to it. It lets the song breathe and build up to these climactic moments with more of a push. This works perfectly with how she performs those vocals because when those climactic moments happen, she's all in.

The whole thing is able to really build moments of urgency that stay with you long after the song has ended.

The guitars have a sort of phaser-like effect on them, which lends a hand to beckoning a bit of a classic '90s or even early 2000s alternative rock sound, again something I really liked because I grew up with that kind of stuff and she nailed that aesthetic.

Her vocals can be softer or more forceful depending on the moment in the song. Either way, she's delivering loads of melodic tension that feels intertwined with the edge of the instrumentation.

She's definitely a natural at once again giving those pieces of herself in her music. This song is no exception to that rule whatsoever.

About wanting to hold on, even though a part of you knows it might be impossible. Just stay a little longer, let me hold on to you, and for right now, in that moment, everything's okay.

That's the kind of message the song gives out. This is something a lot of people can totally understand, and I like how she's able to portray that with such meaning.

The song does have that abundance of edge to it. She sings with grace and definitely has this poised sort of performance, but the whole thing packs a bit of a punch because the feelings are running high. I think that the weight of the song reflects the emotion that's happening.

This is a single that feels insanely genuine, and I feel like she comes from this place of youth where you just have a lot of feeling in general. It's a part of life that's always heavy on the heart when it comes to situations like this one. Wanting to hold on to someone that you probably can't hold on to.

The song has a sweeping kind of undertone that makes it feel substantial, and it absolutely should because again, this is about something real.

The single feels very full-bodied, and the tone of it all rings out with that very urgent, youthful cry we can all relate to.

Upon digging into the single, along with some of her other releases, we were lucky enough to interview Ava to find out how the song came to be and to dive into some of her influences, among other things.

So, have a brief peek into the world of Ava Rivello below, and do not miss this song.

Ava Rivello Talks About “Hold Me Till I Fall Asleep,” Songwriting, and Finding Her Voice

Hello Ava! “Hold Me Till I Fall Asleep” was amazing! It came through with such an intense undertone!

Did this song come from a real place?

Absolutely. Every song I write comes from something I've experienced or genuinely felt. “Hold Me Till I Fall Asleep” started as a love song because I thought I really loved the person I was with. But while I was writing it, I realized I couldn't ignore the truth anymore. I knew the situation had become toxic, and even though I wanted it to work, deep down I knew we both needed to grow separately.

I wasn't ready to let go, and writing the song helped me accept that. I hope it helps someone else who's struggling with the same decision.

Do you write music or lyrics first when it comes to a song like this?

It usually starts with a feeling. I start with thinking about a theme or idea to write about, and then I write whatever comes to my mind. After that, I try to come up with a melody or rhythm and put it all together.

Did you write the song with someone, or was this all you?

I wrote the lyrics and collaborated on the melody. I love collaborating because different ideas can make a song stronger, but it's really important to me that the lyrics stay true to my own experiences. That's what makes the song authentic.

You are a multi-instrumentalist, correct? What do you play?

Yes! I play guitar, bass, piano, and drums. Guitar is definitely the instrument I connect with the most when I'm writing because it's where almost all of my songs begin, but learning multiple instruments has helped me understand music in a much deeper way.

How long did it take you to complete this single, and did it come out how you expected?

It evolved over quite a bit of time because the meaning of the song changed while I was living through the experience. Once I accepted what the song was really about, everything else came together naturally.

Looking back, I'm actually glad it changed because I think it became much more honest than what I originally set out to write. It was supposed to be a love song initially, but turned into a song of pain.

You have such a great singing voice! How long have you been singing?

Thank you! I've been singing for as long as I can remember. I started taking professional lessons around the age of 9. My family always jokes that I was constantly singing around the house.

It has always felt natural to me, and over time it became the way I expressed myself.

Did you always write music as well? Also, what instrument did you start with?

I started with singing, and actually started with guitar but it just didn't take, so I switched to piano. I played for a bit and playing came easy, but when it comes to writing music, once I picked up the guitar it just naturally followed.

I realized music gave me a place to say the things I sometimes couldn't say in a conversation.

Do you come from a musical family?

Not really. My mom dabbled in piano for a bit, but that's about the extent of my family's interest in playing. I asked my parents to get me some music lessons and that's where it all started.

My parents always encouraged me to follow what I love, and having that support has meant everything.

Anything upcoming now that this is out there?

I'm really excited about what's next. “Hold Me Till I Fall Asleep” is part of a larger emotional journey that continues with another upcoming release, “Closer to Dead.”

I also recently had the opportunity to perform an acoustic set at the iHeartRadio Maybelline Lounge in New York City, and I'm looking forward to performing more of these songs live.

Do you have any advice for other young, upcoming artists out there?

Don't compare your journey to anyone else's. It's easy to feel like you're falling behind, especially with social media, but everyone has their own path.

Stay true to who you are and write the music that feels honest to you. Trends come and go, but authenticity lasts.