Drowning in Culture is the debut EP from confessional bed-room pop artist AVIV.
Overflowing with introspective musings, the eight track project captures what it’s like growing up as a teenager during the pandemic. From naivety to heartbreak, she puts into words the most vulnerable of emotions and the moments we’ll never forget.
Fresh off her first ever tour with Imagine Dragons, the Canadian artist chatted with ECHO about the EP, tour, and more!
Congrats on the release of your new EP, Drowning In The Culture. The title is so intriguing. What inspired the title track?
Thank you!! The title emerged on a long red eye to Los Angeles. I was a week into writing songs, which of them, I liked none… I think this was because I was going through a bit of an identity crisis through my music. I didn’t know what I wanted to be making, but I had to be creating. I was torn, fixating on guidelines of what I believed society would gravitate towards. But in doing this, I lost myself. I wrote the lyrics for Drowning In The Culture on this flight and then finished the song the next day. I loved it, and it guided the rest of my writing for this EP.
What was it like writing these songs during the pandemic?
It was very helpful. Music became an outlet and best friend at a time when there was much darkness. I had a lot on my mind and directing these thoughts through sound was extremely helpful for me mentally.
How has music helped you work through emotions and cope with difficult things?
As previously stated, music forces you to think internally about your feelings in ways you wouldn’t on your own. This taught me a lot about myself and was my reflex when I was feeling something new.
You worked on the album with your big brother’s friend Jackson Follmer. Did you find it easier to write about your life with someone you knew?
I would say it was easier because he knew me very well and what I liked to listen to, so we jumped the “trial” stages.
Do you have a favorite song off the EP, and if so, why is it your favorite?
It’s really hard to pick a favorite… But I will choose one of them, and that’s “Celebrate.” “Celebrate” is about being the one in the wrong. There aren’t many songs for the break upper, as they are mostly for the ones who got broken up with. Therefore, celebrating was comforting to me when I needed it.
How do you hope people feel after listening to the album?
After hearing the album, I hope it brings some sense and understanding to people. It helped me clarify situations in my life, and I hope it can have that effect on those who listen.
If you could set fans up in the perfect environment to listen to the EP, what do you imagine it looking like?
Honestly, how I wrote most of it, is when you are bored in your room and your mind is wandering off.
You just finished touring with Imagine Dragons for your first tour ever! What was that experience like?
It has been amazing! They are so great and their fan base is supportive and just so kind.
If you could write an album or a song about your tour experiences, what would you title it?
haha, maybe “running in place”
What can fans look forward to next?
Lots of new music is being created as well as live shows! Can’t wait to share.
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
I always valued being told to surround yourself with people who do you good. I know that’s a little cringe to say but I truly learned that those around me had a big effect on me.