Q&A: Dolly Ave on Her Latest Album ‘This Is Our Time,’ a Bold Anthem With a Willingness to Explore Life, Love & Loss

Q&AMusic

Oct 20

☆ Molly Rose Sharples ☆

BORN FROM THE INTRICATE AND DEFINING NUANCES OF AN ARTIST’S LIFE, LOVE, AND LOSS — Dolly Ave’s latest album, This Is Our Time explores poignant themes that represent the fragility, emotion, and indeed strength and discovery prevalent within our everyday lives. The album is an ode to self-discovery and exploration. Title tracks such as “This Is Our Time” are what makes Dolly’s music boldly unique, indulging a composition merging that of an upbeat tempo with profound, thought-provoking themes. Touching upon subjects such as the loss of her mother, identity, and childhood, Ave’s vision for the album, whether that be sonically, visually, or lyrically, is intimately laced within every aspect of her artistry.

Inspired by the likes of Coldplay and Tamp Impala, Ave showcases an album with music that evokes a sense of collectiveness for herself and her listeners alike. In this sense, her music is a refuge in which our vulnerability, our identity, and our loneliness is nurtured and celebrated, unapologetically and with a desire to find strength within these moments of dark and unnerving self-reflection that we find within ourselves and the events of our lives which we must conquer.

Focusing on the title track of the album, “This Is Our Time,” Luna sat down with Dolly Ave to chat about the events surrounding the release of the single. Read below to learn more about the inspiration behind This Is Our Time and Dolly Ave’s upcoming projects for the year ahead.

LUNA: How does it feel to finally have it all out in the open for your listeners?

DOLLY: I am in between relieved and anxious — which makes sense. This is the first project where I felt more intentional with the creative process. Putting your all into something can feel overwhelming, especially when it's been just you and your team for a good two years. Choosing a single is tricky as well. I have to consider what represents the album, my new sound, and of course welcome listeners into this new world of mine. “This Is Our Time” was the perfect combination for me. The title spoke for itself.

LUNA: You touched upon how “This Is Our Time” is cathartic for you. What kind of events or emotions were involved in creating this prevalent sense of catharsis within the song, and how has this piece of artistry helped you deal with certain events within your life?

DOLLY: When I started writing this album, I knew I wanted a track that was upbeat in tempo. I had written a few songs already but was still searching for this new energy I hadn't quite explored in earlier music. My life at the time was uncertain. I had to discover myself after the loss of my mother, which included diving deep into my childhood, my identity, and my heritage. While writing this song, I thought of my mother mostly. When she was diagnosed with cancer, everything in life was second to her health. Her needs came first for the first time in a long time. This song is to put “perfect timing” to rest. The time is now.

LUNA: Are there any songs from artists or art in general that has had a similar effect on you and that also inspired the production of “This is Our Time”?

DOLLY: I have a fascination with indie bands that have cultivated mainstream appeal. There is still this rawness that lingers with their tracks. Bands like Arcade Fire, Coldplay, The Strokes, The Killers, [and] Tame Impala inspired the production. I wanted a festival band sound — songs that I can really play up live.

LUNA: I love how “This Is Our Time” embodies themes of collectiveness and solidarity, not just within the title but within the powerful melodies laced within the song and the album. Why do you think it is important for music such as your own to evoke this sense of connectivity for yourself and listeners alike?

DOLLY: I found that the more specific and detailed I became with songwriting, the closer people felt to me. I used to be vague when articulating my experiences for fear of being vulnerable, but that is the best solution towards connection. The more you give, the more you receive.

LUNA: “This Is Our Time” seems to exemplify your vocal harmonies in such a mesmerizing yet powerful way. Touching more upon the sonic elements of “This Is Our Time,” what inspired the instrumentals behind the track?

DOLLY: I always loved vocal harmonies because that's how I learned how to sing. I would sing along to my favorite songs and notice harmonies behind the melody, and I thought everyone recognized them. Choir was a big influence on me during high school. I loved how the same song could have its own unique language based on how you sang it — I wanted those elements in this track. It gives it a little more character even though it has commercial appeal.

LUNA: What does this creative process look like for you?

DOLLY: It is different every time honestly, but usually it starts with the lyrics. I write a word I really connect to on the given day and then the story and feelings follow.

LUNA: How does “This Is Our Time” compare to other songs on the album?

DOLLY: I believe this song is the heart of the album. The other tracks all point back to the main message, which is to not be scared of change and uncertainty.

LUNA: Are there any core themes that run throughout other projects you are yet to release that are also prevalent within this album?

DOLLY: Great question. I feel my music tends to be driven from a space of uplifting listeners, which so far has been consistent. I just want to make music that makes you feel a little less lonely.

LUNA: On that note, are there any other upcoming projects you would like to talk about?

DOLLY: I am excited for shows, new visuals, and of course I'm always prepared for the next thing. Thanks for following along — the best is yet to come.

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We couldn’t be more stoked to have Suriel Hess as our new headliner for our upcoming LA show 🤩 🫶 Not gonna lie, us & Notorious Noise kinda went OFF with this line up & you’re not gonna wanna miss it - ticket link in bio 🎫