Music: Dolly Ave Releases Sophomore Album “Bad Brain”
Black and White (Photographer Joey Abreu)
Color (Photographer Bryan Allen Lamb)
Cover Art by Denvy Sunga
Words by Anthony Vu Cao
With a fearless sound, undeniable energy, and a growing presence across the music landscape, Dolly Ave is stepping into her next chapter with purpose. Fresh off her “DON’T WANNA TURN BACK” headlining tour powered by CONVERSE, the singer-songwriter is preparing to release her highly anticipated sophomore album on September 25—a project that captures an artist continuing to evolve while staying true to her unapologetic creative identity.
Drawing comparisons to pop-rock icons such as Hayley Williams and Avril Lavigne, Dolly blends infectious melodies with raw emotion and a distinctly modern edge. Her rising career has already earned recognition from Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Harper’s Bazaar, alongside editorial playlist placements across Spotify, YouTube, Vevo, and Amazon Music. In 2024, she was also selected for the Recording Academy’s prestigious NEXT Class.
From major festival stages to her own headline shows, Dolly has built a connection with audiences that extends far beyond the music itself. Now, as she enters this new era, she’s embracing bigger ambitions, deeper creative exploration, and the limitless possibilities ahead. We sat down with Dolly to talk about her sophomore album, the inspiration behind her music, her creative role models, life on the road, and the future she’s building for herself.
You're set to release your sophomore album on September 25. What can you tell us about this new chapter of your music, and how does this album reflect who you are as an artist today?
This album took time and love to complete. I wanted to highlight the frustrations of adulthood and explore feelings of angst and power through my vocals and instrumentation. I am more confident than I have ever been about my sound, image, and life as a musician; in the past I was a bit on the shyer side about pursuing music. That all comes with age and being unashamed to be in this space.
Your sound has been compared to artists like Hayley Williams and Avril Lavigne. What artists, genres, or sounds have influenced the music you're creating for this new album?
I listen to a variety of genres. I grew up listening to r&b, folk, jazz, musical theater, etc. I'd say this album does have some shoegaze and indie elements just because of my background. Throughout some songs, there are elements from my time in choir, such as vocal layering and harmonies. Most importantly, I wanted to create a full band sound in the production and focused on that throughout which translates perfectly live as well!
Was there a particular moment, experience, or emotion that became the catalyst for this album? What inspired you most while writing and recording it?
The first song I wrote for the album was "Bad Brain." That song became the center of everything. I actually listen back to that track often when I experience doubts in my life. It carries themes I continue to learn as I experience life: the balance between acceptance and discomfort.
Your debut album introduced your music to a growing audience, while your new work represents another step forward. What do you feel you've learned about yourself as a songwriter and performer since your first album?
I hate to sound like a broken record from past interviews, but I learned to trust my instincts! I had to learn by making mistakes on the last record and through that, I found confidence as a songwriter and a performer by exercising the beauty of the word "no."
You recently completed your "DON'T WANNA TURN BACK" headlining tour powered by CONVERSE. What was the experience of taking your music on the road and connecting with fans night after night like for you?
I can't truly describe how full my heart was every night. I am so grateful that people spent their time with us at these shows. We have so much fun with every performance and that energy and love is reciprocated.
What was one unforgettable moment from the tour that you'll carry with you as you move into this next era?
There are too many to count! I'd say it was as simple as having an audience sing along with me. When I began it was my friends and family who came out to support me. This time around it was a room full of strangers. I genuinely still can't believe they knew my words and knew my music!
You've performed at major festivals, received recognition from Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Harper's Bazaar, and were named to the Recording Academy's NEXT Class in 2024. How do you process these milestones while continuing to focus on the artist you want to become?
The milestones are just fuel to keep putting one foot after the other and that's how I focus on becoming the artist I want to be. I don't ever take these wins for granted. I celebrate them but I don't expect them.
Who are some of your biggest musical or creative role models, and what qualities do you admire most about them? Have any of them influenced the way you approach your own career?
I would have to say learning on tour with Miyavi made me the performer I am today. He is a disciplined artist. He wasn't afraid to self-critique and share notes so we could all collectively improve. We would rehearse for hours and each show had a different setlist so we never got comfortable. Most importantly before we began the tour, he gave me the opportunity with a simple task: audition and learn these Japanese songs in two weeks. I took on that challenge which taught me the value of preparation meeting opportunity. Through that challenge I was taken all over the world: Tokyo, Saudi Arabia, across the country. I'll cherish those moments with me forever.
“The milestones are just fuel to keep putting one foot after the other and that’s how I focus on becoming the artist I want to be.”
What do you hope listeners take away from your new album? Is there a particular feeling, message, or experience you want the audience to have when they hear it from beginning to end?
I hope every listener can find a song that resonates with them at every stage of their life.
Beyond music, what inspires you creatively? Are there elements of fashion, visual art, film, culture, or your personal experiences that find their way into your artistic identity?
If I wasn't a musician I'd still be actively creating. I love the art of filmmaking, fashion, cooking a meal, acting, and movement—I'm in love with it all.
When you imagine Dolly Ave five years from now, what does that version of yourself look like? What are some of the dreams and ambitions you're working toward today?
I imagine myself continuing to create and improve whether as a musician or in another discipline. I don't see myself stopping anytime soon. Whatever life has for me will present itself ☺️
Finally, as you enter this new era with your sophomore album, what is something you're determined to do that you haven't done before?
Get your girl on a lineup. More festivals please! I do have some bucket list goals, but I'll share them when they come to life ;) GR8T
