AVA VALIANTI TALKS PETUNIAS

Behind the Coastline

You are reading an independently published interview-series published and carefully curated by Swedish pop-culture journalist Daniel John. Ever since its start in 2015, the core curiosity remains the same, surfing the creative currents of music, film, fashion and everything else on the pop-radar, catching the waves of culture as creative

Culture Coast TalksDaniel John

What about the petunia made it the flower to embody the narrative of your new EP?

The petunia has always been a beautiful flower to me, and since I was a kid they’ve stood out to me. However, they feel overlooked and are not always taken seriously. I wanted to put the idea of a petunia at the forefront of my EP so that they could shine brightly, and because I love petunias I think they reflect the feeling I want to evoke through my music, the feeling of delicate but vibrant.

What can you see as the first seed, the first day of spring, if you will, that everything grew from before reaching its full bloom?

For me, I think it had to be the creation of the first song made for the EP, 'Laugh Track'. Making that song took a long time, as we struggled to find the right musical direction to take it in. But once we found what sounded best, the whole concept for the EP really clicked into place and set the rest in motion.

Now that you can hold up your own record are you all satisfied, happy, with it?

I am so proud of this record, and unbelievably happy that it’s out and in the world for everyone to listen to! It was a labor of love and I’m so happy that it’s had success so far! I can’t wait to create another collection of songs, and appreciate all the support I had for 'Petunias'!

Any petals that fell from the flower?

Not for this EP! Every song produced made it onto 'Petunias', and I think that each song had a special place on the record that helped make everything flow naturally. I loved creating this EP, and am really thankful that everything fit where it was supposed to!

Being vulnerable with our imperfections and uncertainties can feel daunting at any stage of life, but perhaps especially where you stand now. What is it like for you to put that into your songwriting?

It’s definitely a little terrifying, to be honest, because being vulnerable in music can feel like revealing the deepest and most sensitive parts of yourself and putting them on display. But I honestly love to do it and will continue to be vulnerable in my music because if people connect to my songs and experiences, then it’s completely worth it to me.

It is just amazing to think about the mark you have already made, but with how much further you no doubt will go, you are still at a beginning. But how long had you really already been set on music when you recorded your first single at twelve?

I had been singing for years prior but when I found songwriting, when I wrote my first songs at the age of nine, I started to fall in love with music more than ever before, that's when I started to believe that it was the only path for me! I love it so much and I'm super grateful that I started writing so young!

You’re spending a lot of time on stage now. How are you looking to bring this year to a close when you eventually step off for a bit. Do you hope to wind-down a little after this busy period or do you just feel inspired to get straight back into writing new songs?

I’m really inspired to keep going with new music, and have a new single coming out in January of 2026! I’m just so excited to keep creating and can’t wait for everyone to hear what I am working on next!