Ava Valianti – “Running on Empty”

Today, I want to share with you a song that really stood out to me on Ava Valianti’s debut EP petunias. The track titled “Running on Empty”, and it’s one of two brand-new originals on the record. Ava is a 16-year-old indie pop artist from Massachusetts who’s been building momentum with each release, and this one adds something different to her catalog. The track shows a quieter side of her writing, it comes across like a moment of late-night reflection, where things feel a little heavy but real. The tone is steady and thoughtful, and the way the song sits near the end of the EP gives it a sense of looking back and taking stock.

There’s something I really respect about the way Ava approaches her songwriting here. She’s not overcomplicating anything, and the song feels like it’s coming from an honest place, and that makes it easier to connect with. It doesn’t sound like it’s trying to push any kind of big message. It sounds like she’s simply letting us into her head for a few minutes.

The EP is about growing up, dealing with things falling apart sometimes, and still holding onto moments that feel grounding, it’s starts with a short childhood recording, which gives it a personal feel right from the beginning. By the time you reach “Running on Empty”, it feels like Ava is checking in with where she’s at now, which makes the song land in a more reflective way. If you’ve been meaning to dive into her music, this track is a solid place to start. I’d also suggest giving a listen to “Laugh Track” or “Buttercups” to hear some of the other sides of her sound.

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