NEWBURY −Following a breakthrough year that included being named First Runner-Up in American Songwriter’s Road Ready Talent Contest, the release of her acclaimed sophomore EP Sophomore Slump, and continued momentum as one of New England’s fastest-rising young singer-songwriters, 17-year-old indie pop artist Ava Valianti returns with her powerful new single, “alterations,” available everywhere on August 14.
Known for turning deeply personal experiences into songs that resonate far beyond herself, Ava tackles one of her most difficult subjects yet: body image, self-worth, and the impossible standards young people, especially young women, are expected to live up to.
Driven by haunting melodies, intimate storytelling, and a growing indie pop-rock sound, “alterations” explores the exhausting cycle of comparison and perfectionism. The song follows the internal dialogue of someone convinced that changing their body will finally make them feel enough, while revealing the emotional toll of chasing an unattainable ideal.
“This is one of the hardest songs I’ve ever written because it’s so honest,” says Ava. “I wanted to write about the way insecurity can completely change how you see yourself. Even when everyone else sees you one way, your own mind can convince you you’re never enough. My hope is that people who hear this song feel a little less alone.”
While the lyrics paint an unfiltered picture of distorted self-image, “alterations” is ultimately rooted in empathy. Rather than glorifying the struggle, the song shines a light on the quiet battles so many people face and encourages conversations about body image, expectations, and self-acceptance.
At just 17 years old, Ava Valianti has already built an impressive resume. In addition to being named First Runner-Up in American Songwriter’s Road Ready Talent Contest and performing live at Nashville’s famed Basement East, her music has surpassed 600,000 career streams, while earning airplay on more than 300 radio stations. She has also received nominations and awards from the Boston Music Awards, the New England Music Awards, Unsigned Only Music Awards, and the IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards).
A dynamic and emotionally charged live performer, Valianti has shared the stage with artists including Jessica Baio, Lucy Kaplansky, Andrew Duhon, The Strumbellas, Jamie Fine, and Morgan St. Jean, while also selling out her own headline shows across New England and New York City.
Ava will be at The Brickyard in Woburn, Mass. on August 21st.
On Saturday, August 22nd Ava will deliver a headlining show at The Music Hall Lounge in Portsmouth, N.H, starting at 8pm.
On Saturday, August 29th, she’ll return to deliver an intimate showing at Newburyport’s Metzy’s Restaurant. ♦
