What is  your name? 
Ava Claire

What is your style and genre of music?
My style is evolving in terms of genre. I think my music is a lot like Nashville, Americana roots with indie pop flair. I appreciate all kinds of music and try to incorporate those influences into my sound. My style is lyrical driven old soul songwriting.

Give us a little bio about you.
I am a Nashville based singer songwriter. I started writing poems at 8, put them to music by 9 and taught myself guitar until I got a proper teacher at age 10. I played my first real gig on music row at Bobby’s Idle Hour at 11. Since then I have evolved as an artist and a songwriter. I have had great opportunities like being selected as one of 14 for Grammy Camp for Songwriting at 15, then American Idol at 16. I love this city and I love to share my passion for music with others. I have spent the last 5 years serving on the Board of a non profit that provides musical instruments and music education to underserved areas of Nashville. I want to do more of that.

What made you go into music?
Music kinda fell into my lap on accident. I have always loved songwriting, but I had numerous other career opportunities. For example, I wanted to be a professional golfer for the longest time. At one point, I was a gymnast, another a dancer. However, once I started performing, I couldn’t stop. 

Who are your influences?
Some of my influences include Jason Isbell, Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers, and Medium Build. 

Are you a signed?
Signed with 3686Records. More about our story below; I met Levi and Marcus Hummon at a charity event actually. My dads coworker “won” a performance by them at an auction and asked me to open (I am forever indebted to her). Afterwards we went to get coffee and I talked about my musical aspirations and he agreed to help me along, telling about this label he wanted to start with his friend (and now label co-president) Eric Arjes. The rest is history!

You released your new song ‘Salt Mine’, tell us more about the song and the meaning behind it. 
Salt mine is a song that I wrote when I was sixteen about learning to love someone at a young age.

Describe the track in two words.
Soul Searching

What was the writing and recording process like?
The writing process of this song took twenty minutes if Im being completely honest. It flowed out of me, like something I needed to write. The recording process was similar; it was quick and easy since I had been sitting on it for so long. 

Who did you work with on the song?
I wrote the song 100% and Eric Arjes produced it and mixed/mastered it.

Will we see a music video for ‘Salt Mine’ and if so can you tell us about the creative process. 
I am not sure about that. We have a visualizer out now and started with a very firm Story board and Penny Kapa really worked to make it shine on film. 
Will we see a new EP or Album and if so what can we expect from the creative process. Hmmmm I am not sure if I am supposed to share exactly. But what I can say- STAY TUNED.

Will we see  any live shows or a tour coming up or in planning, if so what can you tell us about it?
Nothing firm to announce as far as a tour,  however I am playing a show in South Bend/Notre Dame at the end of April and really excited to meet a new audience for sure. You will see me here in Nashville over the summer-follow my socials for details.

What else can we expect in 2026?
We are just getting started. More music, more visuals, and more of the audience getting to know me, my music and personality. Hopefully getting some sort of nonprofit dedicated to helping kids gain access to music education and instruments?

Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
My absolute dream is to open up for Jason Isbell at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, so that’s hopefully where I’ll be!

What quote or saying do you always stick by?
If you aren’t nervous it means you don’t care – Georgia English (my old guitar teacher)

When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget? 
Picks, strap, capo, HOT TEA!!!, guitar batteries

Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you? 
Yes, I am @avaclairemusic on all platforms.