Ava Valianti Unveils Debut EP "petunias"

At just 16, Massachusetts singer-songwriter Ava Valianti delivers a remarkably assured debut with, "petunias", a seven-track EP that captures the delicate balance between youth and self-discovery. It’s an honest exploration of growth, imperfection, and emotional resilience — a project that feels personal yet universally resonant. The title, "petunias", reflects Ava’s creative lens. Like the humble flower often overlooked, her songs reveal unexpected color and depth when you take the time to really listen. The EP serves as an invitation to notice life’s quieter details — those fleeting, in-between moments that often hold the most meaning.

Ava’s songwriting thrives on subtlety and sincerity. Rather than relying on elaborate production, she builds her sound around melodic clarity and emotional precision. Blending Pop and Indie influences, her music combines shimmering guitars, soft synths, and a voice that conveys both vulnerability and conviction. It’s a sound that feels intimate and immediate, capturing the turbulence and tenderness of adolescence without sentimentality.

The project opens with, "First Day of Spring," a brief interlude that sets the tone for the journey ahead. Featuring a childhood audio clip of Ava describing her love for spring — and petunias — it anchors the album in innocence and curiosity. From there, "petunias", unfolds with quiet confidence. "Laugh Track”, and, “Distant”, highlight how humor and silence can conceal longing, while, “Buttercups”, and, “Clean My Room”, bring out the beauty and melancholy in everyday experiences.

Each track stands on its own yet contributes to a cohesive emotional narrative. Ava’s ability to turn small observations into larger reflections gives the project its staying power. Her lyrics feel conversational but layered, offering insight without pretense. There’s a subtle sophistication to her writing that reveals more with every listen. “Hot Mess”, marks a shift toward self-acceptance, embracing imperfection with unapologetic honesty. It’s a standout moment that reclaims the chaos of growing up as something valuable rather than shameful. The song’s understated defiance provides balance to the EP’s softer introspection, reinforcing the idea that imperfection is where real growth begins.

The lead single, “Running on Empty,” serves as the project’s emotional centerpiece. Written late at night after her first run of live shows in New York, it captures the slow erosion of connection — how people sometimes fade away gradually rather than disappear all at once. Sparse production and haunting melodies leave room for Ava’s voice to carry the emotion, making it one of her most affecting performances to date. It’s a striking example of her ability to communicate complex feelings through minimalism.

What sets, "petunias", apart is its authenticity. There’s a lived-in quality to every lyric and melody — a sense that Ava isn’t crafting an image, but simply sharing what’s true to her. That openness creates an instant connection with listeners. Her songs don’t try to offer answers; they sit with uncertainty, finding beauty in the process of figuring things out.

Beyond the music, "petunias", represents an important chapter in Ava’s artistic journey. Since her 2023 debut, “bubble wrap”, she’s steadily built momentum through singles like, “January”, “Middle Ground”, and, “Distant". Along the way, she’s earned radio play, award nominations, and growing recognition within the indie pop landscape. Yet this EP feels like her most cohesive work — a reflection of who she is now and the artist she’s becoming.

In a time when music often chases trends, Ava Valianti stands out for her restraint. "petunias", doesn’t shout to be heard; it draws listeners in with its honesty and emotional clarity. The record feels both intimate and expansive — a small collection of songs that leaves a lasting impression.

With, "petunias", Ava captures the essence of adolescence: fragile but unbreakable, uncertain yet hopeful. Each song feels like a petal in bloom, delicate but full of life. It’s a stunning debut project from an artist who understands that sometimes the most meaningful stories are the ones that whisper rather than shout — and that real beauty often lies in what others overlook.