Melodies echoed through galaxies since the dawn of time. Always watching beyond the chiming winds, the rush of seas, within memories and the nature surrounding us. It seems unthinkable to compartmentalise something intangible into tangible digestible concepts without blurring boundaries. Yet through the evolution of time, we collectively divided and trapped music into boxes labelled as genres. However, where does one genre end and another begin? How does one begin attempting to define the boundaries and concepts of music? It’s simple, AVA simply does not, as music is a universal language bound by no rules nor concepts.

“We don’t go into it thinking we want it to be this genre, for us it’s what we think on the spot rather than trying to emulate what others sound like,” – Nimue.

AVA, a band known for their distinct style of sound, was born in 2022. Their name draws inspiration from the show Avatar, with each member’s zodiac signs representing the four different elements: fire, water, air and earth. Their origin story began with three friends, Nimue, Omar and Marsya jamming together years before they were ever AVA, a budding band in search for a vocalist. When Kyra came into the picture, a young girl looking for a band for prom, the pieces finally clicked together. Two sides that needed each other equally and ultimately drawn together, one might say it was fate.

In an industry oversaturated with trends, repetition and commercialisation, AVA stands in a unique space where music is simply shared for the joy of creation and to inspire young souls. When asked about their genre, there were many conflicting opinions amongst listeners from dream pop to indie rock to shoe gaze, there seems to be no specific genre that successfully encapsulates all that AVA is. The core of their identity begins with the creative differences between members, with members wholeheartedly supporting each other’s musical creation regardless of individual tastes. Their approach towards music is unconventional, unlike piecing and analysing melodies through the glass of music theory, it is ensuring that everyone is content with how the music sounds. 

“We don’t necessarily need to have one genre, and we like the fact that we try to do a lot more than just indie rock or dream pop or shoe gaze and whatnot. We love blending things together like a big nasi kandar’, said Omar.

Although receiving feedback pointed towards their lack of a defined aesthetic and sound, AVA doesn’t let such ideas tie them down as they simply love sending their sound the way it is without restriction. While rocky and unsure at first, the band has solidified their novel sound within the industry, which they lovingly dubbed as bubble indie rock. A blending of two contrasting moods of cute, dreamy and bubbly with the touch of roughness and rock, and throughout the years their collective sound remains unwavering.

“Now we’re better than when we’ve started, we have a proper dynamic now, fully sending what we sound like, unafraid since we’re confident now,” Omar expressed.

With a plethora of emerging talents, AVA doesn’t necessarily see themselves as different from others in the scene, it’s just that as a whole they bring on a unique vibe. Their desire to sound authentic and true to themselves are acutely reflected in their performances. Unlike the sparkling stages, blaring sounds, dazzling light and dramatic designs, they carry an awkward energy, bringing a more personal and intimate touch where they are simply one with the crowd.

“Its not like we lock into an alter ego when we’re on stage or anything. We’re still the same awkward people in the jamming studio,” Nimue explained. Although wanting to improve their confidence in front of the lens, they enjoy showcasing their confidence in being awkward, and in a way this charm draws listeners in with its relatability, as if everyone was part of a big group of friends simply enjoying music and vibing together.

As listeners, most might agree that AVA’s breakthrough was primarily rooted in their original music, Ribs and Silver Catfish. Where they were able to capture and redefine the pain of heartbreak, twisting it into hauntingly beautiful melodies to lighten the burden, a step towards expressing oneself and healing. In the process of creating, the ideas flow naturally like water, unrestricted by the boundaries of what music should sound like, as if a language spoken instinctively amongst members.

Ribs was an original song written within two days specifically for a competition, with each member adding their signature touch to the song, truly capturing their cohesiveness as one. With tight competition and even tighter deadlines, none expected Ribs to blow up the way it did. Peaking at approximately 22,000 spotify streams, their first original release paved the road towards opening their first festival and plenty more opportunities down the road. With Ribs, came Silver Catfish, a shift in tone towards a more dance style with guitar riffs. Using catchy melodies, Silver Catfish embraces the concept of knowing a love doesn’t suit you, and that it might be a little toxic and lasts too long. A song that captures the feeling of loving and losing at a young age.

As for future plans, the band’s primary focus was to release more original songs, currently all perfectly incomplete and sitting idly in folders, waiting to be heard by the world. If given the pleasure, they expressed enthusiasm in collaborating with local artists such as Lunadira, Alien Lipstick Fire and more, excitedly dreaming to experiment what their shared music could sound like. Although currently producing music as a band is not a permanent fixture and the roads ahead are unknown, there remains room to grow into and doors yet to be opened. And one day, may the band achieve their dream of making this their full time gig where their passion, dedication and love can be shared to all.

Watch the full interview on our YouTube Channel:

Written by Jia Wei

Interviewed by Yashven and Jason

Photos by Bong

Video by Aaron Teh

Crew: Crystal and Zhi Ching