Q&A: Ava August Embraces Nostalgia and Growth on Her New Track “GOODBYE”
AT JUST 18 YEARS OLD, Southern California’s Ava August has already carved her niche in the music industry. From her impressive stint as the youngest-ever Top 10 finalist on Season 19 of American Idol to her performances at iconic venues like Crypto Arena and Sofi Stadium, Ava’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Now, she’s back with her latest single, “GOODBYE,” a track that encapsulates her knack for blending heartfelt lyrics with engaging melodies.
In this exclusive interview, Ava opens up about the inspiration and creative process behind “GOODBYE,” a song born from a nostalgic reflection of her Southern California roots. She discusses how the track differs from her previous singles “Move On” and “Beauty Queen” and shares insights into her experiences on American Idol, which shaped her resilience and authenticity as an artist. Ava also reflects on the challenges and rewards of being a fully independent musician and how she balances her artistic endeavors with her strong social media presence.
Join us as we delve into the mind of Ava August, exploring her latest musical creations, her journey through the highs and lows of the music industry, and her exciting plans for the future.
LUNA: Congrats on your new track “GOODBYE”! Can you give us some insight into the creative process?
AUGUST: Thank you so much! I first came up with the idea for the song in June of 2023. I was playing around on my guitar when I first thought of the chord progression and the lyrics, “We were driving down the 405.” Summer was just beginning at the time, and I wanted to write something that felt nostalgic and relatable to me. Incorporating elements like the beach and the 405 freeway were important because it directly reflects my identity having grown up in Southern California. I then took my idea to my producer, Dylan, and we finished writing and recording the entire song in one day. Once the song was finished, I reached out to my videographers, Ashley and Jordan, to help me film a music video! We shot the video all throughout Malibu and Los Angeles. The video highlights myself and Nick (my love interest in the video) spending one final day together before we had to say goodbye.
LUNA: How does "GOODBYE" differ from your previous singles "Move On" and "Beauty Queen" in terms of sound and lyrical themes?
AUGUST: “GOODBYE” explores the idea of not wanting to leave someone you deeply love, and reminiscing about your final day spent together. The song provides a unique juxtaposition with its upbeat melodies and bittersweet lyrics. I experience all kinds of emotions when I hear “GOODBYE.” I want people to realize how important it is to cherish love and their relationships before it's too late. The lyrics of “GOODBYE” can be interpreted in many different ways. One could listen to the song and experience feelings of sadness and another listener may feel intense joy. Its lyrical ambiguity lends itself to multiple interpretations. The simple chorus and melodies personally make me feel optimistic and hopeful when I listen to the song.
LUNA: At just 18 years old, you’ve achieved so much, including placing in the Top 10 on Season 19 of American Idol. How has your experience on the show influenced your music career?
AUGUST: Going on American Idol at 15 years old was such an incredible experience. The show really taught me how to perform under intense pressure and the importance of staying true to yourself. With millions of people watching you perform on national television every week, you inevitably begin to learn that the only voice you need to follow is your own. It's so easy to get influenced or swayed by what others think, especially when it comes to music and art. I really learned that you can’t please everyone and you have to be resilient in this industry. The show opened so many doors for me and helped grow my fanbase as well! It also made me realize how much I love performing live and the true joy I feel when singing on stage.
LUNA: Your performances at major venues like Crypto Arena and Sofi Stadium are impressive. How do these live experiences shape your approach to music and performance?
AUGUST: Performing at Crypto Arena for the LA Lakers and Sofi Stadium for the LA Rams were definitely some career highlights thus far. Singing to a crowd of over 80,000 people at Sofi Stadium was an out of body experience. Both venues have incredible sound systems, and hearing your voice echo through the crowd is truly magical. Performing at both venues made me appreciate the beauty of music and how it can bring so many people together in one place. It also reminded me to appreciate both the large and small venues, and what each has to offer. Singing in an arena is so special because you can connect with thousands of people and convey a message to the masses. Performing at small venues is just as surreal because there is a level of intimacy that cannot be mimicked in large settings.
LUNA: As a fully independent artist, what are some of the biggest challenges and rewards you’ve encountered in the music industry?
AUGUST: Being fully independent has allowed me to be in control of my art. I am able to release music at any time and execute my creative vision in the way that I want to. As a fully independent artist, I have released six singles on all streaming platforms that I am incredibly proud of. I feel extremely empowered when a song and music video all comes together. Knowing you did it by yourself is extremely rewarding and powerful. However, not being with a label has definitely made it hard to get access to the resources and finances that are integral to the success of your songs. Releasing music is a journey, and I am excited for all the opportunities and possibilities ahead.
LUNA: You have a strong presence on social media with over 80,000 followers. How do you engage with your fans and what role does social media play in your music career?
AUGUST: I have been using social media as a way to share my music for as long as I can remember. I initially started posting videos of me singing cover songs when I was around 10 years old. Then, I began to post live recordings of my original music and engage with fans all over the world. My social media definitely started to grow during my time on American Idol, and I’ve been able to interact with thousands of people through my music. I’ll post little snippets of my originals online and it's always fun to see what the fans have to say about the songs. I use social media to interact with listeners and bring awareness to my brand as an artist. It has become an extremely valuable tool for me as a musician.
LUNA: How do you balance your time between songwriting, performing, and managing your social media presence?
AUGUST: That is such a good question! It can definitely be a lot sometimes to juggle writing songs, doing shows, and managing my socials because each can take up a lot of time and energy. I think dividing up where I’m going to put my focus each day has really helped me remain efficient and productive in all those areas. Some days I will revolve my entire time on working in the studio and other days will be dedicated to filming content or performing.
LUNA: Looking ahead, what can fans expect from you in the near future? Are there any upcoming projects or releases you’re particularly excited about?
AUGUST: In the near future, fans can expect more music!! I have another song called “The End” that will be coming out very soon. I am currently working on the visuals and shooting a video for the song, which I’m beyond excited about. It is nothing like the songs I’ve released in the past, so I cannot wait for everyone to hear it. It’s in the pop-rock genre, and I’m obsessed with the guitar, drums, and energy of the song. I hope to perform my new music at different venues and hopefully go on tour in the upcoming year.
