Ava Valianti – Wishing Well (2024)
The saying goes that only two things in life are certain: death and taxes. Let me add something further to that adage – life changes. Whether you are a young adult about to enter the world of responsibility – also known as “adulting” – or a 40-something dealing with empty nest syndrome once the kids leave home. Change is inevitable, even if it is sometimes unwanted. Singer-songwriter Ava Valianti perfectly captures growing up during one’s teens in her single ‘Wishing Well’.
Following her well-received singles ‘Middle Ground’ and ‘January’, Ava Valianti explores the realm of a teenager’s journey through adolescence with all the complexities laid bare. From the 10-year-old who thought the opposite sex had “cooties” to a well of “warm fuzzies” and high school crushes; from the days of scraped knees to hair straighteners and make-up – it seems trivial, but these changes are significant for everyone involved. When speaking of ‘Wishing Well’, Valianti explains:
“’Wishing Well’ explores the struggle of growing up and confronting the inevitable changes that come with it. Inspired by the drastic transformations at some of my favourite childhood places, the song reflects on how seemingly small losses like these can deeply affect us. They symbolise the fading simplicity and joy of youth, replaced by the complexities and anxieties of growing up… ‘Wishing Well’ explores the pain of letting go, and the longing to return to the past, while still clinging to hope and the magic of believing.”
Lyrically, ‘Wishing Well’ brims with poignant profoundness executed in rich poetry; however, the melody is as weighty. Produced by Chris Plante, Valianti finds the line between simplistic tenderness and kaleidoscopic elegance. Leaning toward indie-folk sounds, the harmonic union of guitars, drums and piano are heart-warming, yet a heart-aching vulnerability remains in the tune.
For me, Valianti’s rich vocals up the ante in ‘Wishing Well’. A rollercoaster of sound and emotion, there is warmth in her voice but, as with the duality in the melody, she intricately combines delicate fragility with mature understanding. Haunting and confident; eerie and safe; ‘Wishing Well’ is a solace for people experiencing life changes.
In addition to the single, Ava Valianti released an official lyric video for ‘Wishing Well’. You can view the video below or on her YouTube channel.
Find out more about Ava Valianti on her official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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