CREDIT: Ava Charles
Ava Charles is emerging as a fresh voice in music with her debut single, “American Girl,” a synth-pop track that blends creativity and originality into a well-crafted sound.
In the music industry, a male-dominated sector, women producers are still a rare find. According to 2022 statistics, only 3.4% of music producers were women, a stark reminder of the challenges women face in this space. While there are certainly talented female producers, it’s still tough to find them in an industry where their contributions often go unnoticed.
A music producer does far more than just record sounds; they arrange the instruments, craft intricate countermelodies, and use a range of plugins to shape the final sound. It’s a highly technical and creative role, requiring a broad skill set. Ava Charles, a self-taught producer, has proven that she’s more than capable of handling this challenge. Producing isn’t an easy feat, but with her debut single “American Girl,” Ava has shown the world that she has the talent and drive to make her mark.
Singular Culture: Could you please introduce yourself and provide a brief overview of your musical background? How long have you been creating music, and what defining moments made you realize you wanted to pursue a career as a music artist?
Ava Charles: Hey! It’s Ava Charles, a 21-year-old musician from Los Angeles. I’ve been making music since I was 14; since my freshman year of high school, all I could think about was making music!
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they impacted your music style?
There are so many people I look up to. In terms of music production, I constantly turn to the work of A.G. Cook and George Daniel; I love how they meld acoustic and electronic sounds. For songwriting, I look to artists like Martha Wainwright, Charli XCX, and The Japanese House. I view songwriting as a way to keep journal entries of my life, and I find that their music feels so confessional in a way I admire.
Can you walk us through your writing process for “American Girl”? What’s the background story behind this track?
Making “American Girl” was the most exciting experience I’ve had writing a song. It felt as though the lyrics were already there, and I was simply uncovering them. I wrote “American Girl” the morning after a night out in London. I woke up and began writing from the perspective of how I felt others were seeing me. Most of the lyrics reference specific details from that night, like pub names and certain conversations.
Did you learn music production prior to this project?
I started teaching myself music production when I was 14!
Could you share one of your favorite production techniques?
Oh man, I’ve been experimenting with LFOs lately and really enjoying the dynamics they add to synths!
What memorable moments or challenges did you face while working on “American Girl”?
I really struggled with knowing when the song was finished. I experimented with so many versions of the ending, worried that nothing felt “perfect.” In the end, I had to learn to let go and simplify things. Adding the samples in the final section of the song was what ultimately solidified it for me.
How does it feel to have your first song out on a platform like Spotify? What has the reaction been so far?
It’s been really great! I’m so relieved to have the song out, and it’s been such an out-of-body experience to see so many people listening!
As a new artist, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the music industry?
I think many people still assume that most music producers and engineers are men, and I often find myself getting overlooked during conversations on production with my peers. That slight always hurts! It’s another reason I feel so grateful to have been able to produce my own music.
How do you view social media’s role in promoting your music as a new artist? Have you felt any pressure to maintain your online presence?
I’m not huge on social media. I post the most on my photography account (@avagoestoparties), but I don’t find myself turning much to social media to promote my music.
How do you plan to evolve as an artist in the coming years and what are your goals for your music career?
I have more music I’m working on to release before the end of the year! I’d love to write and produce for other artists in the future. Maybe play The Greek Theater someday!
“American Girl” is a synth-pop track featuring an iconic, ear-catching arpeggiated synth that runs throughout the song, powerful drums, and layered synths. Ava has also incorporated unique sound effects, enhancing the immersive listening experience. The vocal production is particularly striking, highlighting Ava’s meticulous craftsmanship in every detail. Give it a listen to fully experience the vibe and charm of this track.