A spotlight interview with Ava Adonia ahead of her appearance at LOUD WOMEN Fest Berlin on 22 February.
What’s the story behind your artist name?
The name “Ava Adonia” is 50/50 real name and artist name. Ava is my real first name, and for the longest time I was looking for a surname to add as an artist name. I was racking my brain trying to come up with one that I’ll still identify with in 20 years from now. I saw lots of people using their middle name, but I don’t have one, which made it difficult. So one night I was hanging with my friends, and one of them joked about the ridiculous name their parents would have given them if their were born a boy. I got intrigued and asked my mom which one she would have given me and she said “Adonia”. I laughed and turned to walk away and then it hit me. “Ava Adonia” is absolutely perfect and this way I can still say it’s the name my mother gave me.
Where do you call home?
Physically I’m in Berlin but I’ve always been an LA girl in spirit (though I’ve never been I just know I belong there)
Describe your sound in three words.
Dark electronic pop
If you could rip up the rulebook of the music industry, what’s the first thing you’d rewrite?
German artists can and should be singing in English if they want to!
What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened at one of your gigs?
One time an ex showed up with their friends to make fun of me, but got really drunk and admitted that it was a really good show after. Even bought me and my dad a shot haha!
What’s the proudest moment you’ve had so far as a band/artist?
Every single time someone tells me what a song of mine means to them. It’s the best feeling knowing someone has a special memory attached to my art.
Dream lineup: you + three other acts. Who’s on the bill?
me, Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish & Lorde
What’s next for you?
I have lots of new releases planned this year, with my next song “i don’t wanna get older” coming out on January 30th. Though it’s a more delicate song, the message is loud. STOP TIME!!
