At just 18, Ava Della Pietra has already accomplished what many artists dream of—performing on Broadway, writing over 150 original songs, and amassing millions of streams. With the recent release of her new single “Rearview Mirror” and as she enters her second year at Harvard/Berklee, Ava is taking her career to new heights.
In this exclusive Q&A with Music News, she opens up about how her academic journey is influencing her music, what fans can expect from her upcoming releases, and how touring is shaping her evolving sound.
You’ve already accomplished so much in your career at such a young age, from Broadway to songwriting and now touring. As you enter your second year in the Harvard/Berklee program, how do you feel your academic experience is shaping your approach to music? Studying at both Harvard and Berklee allows me to explore my passions for both biology and neuroscience as well as music and songwriting. Most of my song ideas come from new experiences, so I actively seek out things I've never done before. College has been a great way to dive into new situations and perspectives, and I always feel like there’s something around the corner that might inspire my next song!
You’ve recently been on the road more frequently, playing shows across the U.S. How has being out on tour influenced your songwriting or your performance style? Being on tour has made me realize how much fun upbeat music is to perform, so it inspired me to write more high-energy songs that I can dance to on stage. I’ve also loved interacting with the audience. Getting them to sing along to the hooks has become a big part of my shows. I think I’m more mindful of creating those moments in my songs now. Plus, it’s exciting to see which songs really connect with the crowd, and that feedback definitely shapes my approach!
Your sound has continuously evolved over the years, from the raw emotion in tracks like “talk it out” to the more upbeat, infectious pop of “happy for you.” Can you give us a glimpse into how your upcoming music will further develop your sound? My upcoming music will have a mix of "bad-girl" vibes with fun, witty lyrics—it almost feels like I’m tapping into an alter ego when I write! There’s also a nice balance with some heartfelt ballads. Overall, I’m focused on creating more variety, but always staying true to honest and personal lyrics. I’ve always prioritized writing songs that encourage people to embrace their emotions, and I think my new music will reflect that authenticity. As I grow as an artist, I want my listeners to feel seen and understood, but also have something they can dance to!
Working with producers like Jon Levine and Will Hicks has clearly been instrumental in refining your music. How have these collaborations influenced your sound, and do you have any other exciting collaborations lined up for the future? One time in the studio, I was experimenting with how I delivered certain lyrics, just to loosen up to figure out the vibe I was going for. I had moments where I was laughing at how these 'weird' ideas were actually improving the track. When I told my producer how much I was enjoying the process, he said, "You know, sometimes people forget music's supposed to be fun." That really stuck with me. It taught me that music isn't about perfection— it's about having a good time, embracing the unexpected, and letting the imperfections make the song special. As for future collaborations, I'm excited to be working on a duet! Nothing's been officially announced yet, but I’ll definitely keep you posted!
With over 16.9 million streams and a rapidly growing fanbase, you’ve been able to connect with a wide audience. How do you balance creating music that’s personal to you while also resonating with such a broad range of listeners? I’ve found that the songs people connect with the most are the ones that are most authentic to me. I think listeners are drawn to vulnerability and honesty. When I write from a place of personal experience, it almost always resonates with someone else who’s felt the same way. It kind of serves as a reminder that we’re all connected through these emotions, and that makes the process feel even more meaningful to me.
Touring is still somewhat new for you, and you’ve already played at iconic venues like The Bitter End. How do you see your live performances evolving in the future, and what can fans expect from your shows going forward? Fans can definitely expect to hear a lot of new material, as I have several songs in the pipeline! I’m also excited to introduce more variety in my performances, creating a sort of rollercoaster of energies—from upbeat, danceable tracks to more intimate moments.
You’ve mentioned that new music is on the way. Can you share anything about the themes or sounds we might hear in your upcoming releases, and how they reflect where you are in your life right now? My upcoming releases really capture the different sides of my life, which is reflected in the variety of the music. Some tracks are playful and fun, embracing a more lighthearted, even silly vibe, while others are more sentimental and introspective. I think this variety reflects where I am right now, trying out a lot of new things and learning different things about myself.
As someone who’s been a performer since childhood, from the national tour of Les Misérables to School of Rock on Broadway, what have been the biggest lessons you’ve learned that are helping you as you transition into this new chapter of your career? The most valuable lessons have been the importance of hard work, preparation, and dedication. I've also learned to truly enjoy the journey. I remember people at the stage door telling me how much they loved seeing me enjoy myself in the show, and I realized that energy is contagious. It enhances the entire performance for everyone.
You’ve written over 150 songs to date, touching on everything from personal experiences to broader social issues. Are there any topics or themes you’re particularly excited to explore in your future music? I’m really excited to start writing more about other people and their stories. Lately, I’ve been drawn to hearing and telling narrative-driven stories that reflect multiple perspectives at the same time. I’ve focused a lot on my own experiences up until now, so I think it’ll be interesting to explore other people's journeys and be more reflective of the world around me. It opens up a whole new creative space for me to experiment with.
Looking ahead, what are some of your goals for the next year—both personally and professionally? Is there anything in particular you’re eager to accomplish as your sound continues to evolve and your career grows? In the next year, I'm excited to keep pushing myself creatively, explore new genres, experiment with my sound, and work on collaborations! I'm also releasing a Holiday song on November 1st – more on that later!! I want to keep seeking out new experienc es that inspire my songwriting and help me grow.
