Ava Camille is currently a college student with a big dream. She’s pursuing her education but she hopes to pursue her music dreams one day.
Ava is one of our favorite aspiring artists to follow on Instagram. She has a unique sound and diverse interests in music. She covers everything from Chance the Rapper to Lorde to James Arthur to Norah Jones. The college student is talented — to say the least.
Nashville Noise: How did you first get into singing?
Ava Camille: I’ve been involved with music since I was a little girl. When I was younger I would just sing around the house and then, in second grade, I sang publicly for the first time at my school talent show. I was, and still am, obsessed with the Dixie Chicks, so naturally, I wanted to sing their No. 1 hit “Travelin’ Soldier.”
On your Instagram you cover songs but you also write your own. Where do you find your inspiration?
I started writing my own songs around the same time as my public debut at the second-grade talent show. My first songs were about a cute boy I saw in the farmer’s market, love on the playground and the “heartbreak” I experienced when my crush didn’t like me back.
Thankfully, over the years, my writing has matured! For me, writing songs is my therapy. It’s where I can freely express my emotions to a non-judgmental piece of paper. I am a very emotional person, so when I feel something strongly — which is often — I resort to writing. I am mainly inspired by my own life, which is characterized by personal insecurities, guys, love and the experiences of a college student. I want to write music that resonates with people and I think that writing my own vulnerable, authentic experiences is the best way to do so.
Definitely. It’s great you’ve found that so young. How do you describe your sound?
I think I’ve only recently “found” my sound, which I know is always subject to change. But at the moment, the best way to describe my music is bluesy-pop. I like to think I’m a bit of a fusion between Adele and Alicia Keys, but I also recognize that this description sets the standards quite high. I personally connect with tunes that make me think a little deeper, feel a little more, and open up my feelings — whether they be happy or sad ones. So aside from simply sound, that’s the direction I want my music to take.
Over the summer, you came to Nashville to perform. What did you learn while you were here?
I learned so, so much. When I arrived in Nashville, I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t have a job. I ended up picking up two jobs so I worked during the day and sang at night — just like the average musician. In that sense, I got a taste of reality. It was hard and exhausting, but also gratifying and fun.
Being surrounded by other artists made me learn to embrace and love the process because the process is everything. After going through a moment of self-doubt during the first few weeks, I actually ended up gaining more confidence at the end of my experience. I realized that I needed to breathe a little more and not compare myself to other artists. It’s a practice easier said than done, but once I reminded myself that I came to Nashville to grow and do what I love… everything else fell into place. I could speak forever on what I learned, but all in all, it was a hard yet highly rewarding summer.
You’re finishing college now but what’s after that?
Being a successful singer-songwriter is my long-term goal and dream, but after graduation, I want to take some time and travel. I’m not sure where I will end up after that and I have a feeling I won’t know for a bit. I’m just going where the wind takes me!
Ava Camille told us she hopes to release a song on Spotify this fall. For now, you can follow her on Instagram to hear more.
