Teenage pop phenom Ava Della Pietra has journeyed from the Broadway stage performing in such shows as School of Rock and Les Miserables, to quickly mounting a burgeoning music career all in just a handful of years. The multi-faceted artist is also attending Harvard University-Berklee College of Music to take her career to the next level.
Not too shabby for someone who can’t buy a legal drink just yet.
And on Valentine’s Day, the pop singer-songwriter released her latest bubblegum pop single, “sick.” Fitting for the Valentine’s season, Della Pietra sings of the woozy effect love has on her. Her lighthearted yet real take on young love makes for a nostalgic feeling for those of us who have been there.
Della Pietra offers an innocence to her modern pop sound, and naturally with a flair of theatrics. The song’s catchy lyrics and energetic composition quickly reels in listeners, inviting them to dance along. Her intention with “sick” was to encapsulate the overwhelming sensation of being head over heels in love, while also blending humor and circumstance into the fold.
We got to chat with the young songstress about the new single and much more.
It’s been a few years since we last chatted. How do you feel you’ve grown as an artist and songwriter in that time?
Since “My Boyfriend” was released, I’ve released eight new songs. In that time, my style has expanded and shifted towards a more upbeat, danceable, and pop-rock genre. I’ve always prioritized writing honest and personal lyrics, and I think my recent music reflects the authenticity I hope to express.
You just released your newest single, “sick,” on Valentine’s Day. What more can you tell us about this song and why you wanted to release a V-Day song?
“Sick” is about that all-consuming feeling where you’re so obsessed with someone that it almost feels like you’re physically sick because you’re not together! I realized that it would be perfect to release for Valentine’s Day because it’s lighthearted and fun, and it really encapsulates that butterflies-in-your-stomach sensation when you can’t think about anything or anyone else but that special person.
Can you talk about the creative process and vision behind the upcoming music video?
The music video was inspired by all the silly lines within the song where I compare being ill with being in love. Lines like “I’ve got a headache over you” or “WebMD says you’re all I need” sparked the idea of being set in a hospital room as if I’m being admitted for being too much in love! I wanted the video to capture the same fun energy and authentic vibe I felt in the studio while recording the song.
Where was the track recorded and who helped produce it?
Jon Levine produced “Sick”, and it was recorded in Los Angeles at his studio. I always have so much fun working with Jon because he sets the tone for an extremely open and collaborative process. He often has me sing certain lyrics in funny ways to loosen up. For example, I yelled “sick!” so many times in different voices, and we ended up incorporating the chant into the song!
I filmed the music video in Brooklyn, and Waley Wang directed it and Panoptica Films handled the production. I had such a fantastic time, even though it was probably one of the coldest days that month!
Can fans expect to see it on an upcoming EP or LP?
Absolutely! I’m excited to share that you can definitely look forward to “Sick,” along with “Ego” and “Talk it Out,” being featured on my upcoming EP, which will be released later this year. This EP will also include a few more tracks, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear.
What does success as a musician and songwriter mean to you?
I learn something new about myself with each song I write, so I view success as creating music that is authentic to me but also connects with my listeners. I also deeply value having the opportunity to collaborate with talented producers, musicians, and songwriters. Touring with other musicians would be an incredible experience since I’d have the chance to share stages with artists I admire.
What does a dream gig look like for you?
Sharing the stage with some of my favorite artists would be an absolute DREAM! Imagine if I performed with Lauv, Billie Eilish, Tate McRae, Shawn Mendes, or so many others? Performing with such talented and inspiring musicians who have influenced my own music journey would be a dream come true.
What are one or two pinnacle moments for you as an artist?
One pinnacle moment for me was performing at a club during the Sundance Film Festival. I remember looking into the crowd, seeing people completely lost in my music, and then hearing them scream for an “encore.” That was when I realized I truly love performing and sharing my music with people. Another unforgettable highlight came during a tour this summer. Young fans lined up for autographs—on everything from their crocs to their foreheads! It was incredibly moving. They also held up “I love Ava” posters they had made. It made me feel immensely appreciated and cherished.
What are some of your goals – whether musically or otherwise – for the rest of 2024?
I’m looking forward to releasing the EP I mentioned earlier, featuring a mix of tracks and some new surprises. I also plan to put together an acoustic album of stripped-down versions of some previously released songs and new tracks. I will be performing more live shows this summer! Performing live is such a unique and exhilarating experience. It will be a busy, exciting year, and I can’t wait to share all these moments with my fans.
