Intro:
In today’s Spotlight article, we’ll be covering the talented Ava Valianti & her new single “acupuncture” below. At just 17 years old, Ava Valianti is quickly establishing herself as one of independent music’s most promising young singer-songwriters. Combining emotionally honest songwriting with an evolving musical identity, she has a willingness to explore different sounds while maintaining focus on the complicated realities of growing up. Her latest single, “acupuncture,” continues that journey, offering a playful yet relatable perspective on unrequited love. Before reading our full article below, you should listen to more of Ava Valianti down below.
Summary:
Released on October 9, “acupuncture” explores the experience of falling for someone who might not be the right person to pursue romantically. The song captures the uncertainty of navigating a relationship that exists somewhere between friendship and romance, where seemingly insignificant gestures can inspire unrealistic expectations. A lingering touch or an ambiguous interaction becomes enough to keep someone hopeful, even when the other person’s intentions remain unclear.
Ava finds humor in the experience instead of approaching unrequited love exclusively through heartbreak. Her songwriting acknowledges the ridiculousness of interpreting every mixed signal as a potential sign of mutual attraction while recognizing how difficult it can be to abandon those feelings. This combination of vulnerability and self-awareness gives the track an appealing balance of emotional sincerity and playful flirtation. The title is particularly fitting, as it reflects how secret love can simultaneously deliver exhilarating highs and painful emotional stings.
The single serves as the second release from kismet, Ava’s third EP, which represents another step forward in her artistic development. Following the introspective indie-pop sound of her debut EP, petunias, and the louder, guitar-driven pop-rock direction of Sophomore Slump, her latest project incorporates more prominent jazz and R&B influences. Its first single, “celebrity,” examined the tendency to place someone we love on a pedestal, presenting an ordinary person as the star of our personal universe. “acupuncture” continues the project’s exploration of romantic idealization through a more lighthearted lens.
This willingness to experiment without abandoning her signature storytelling reflects Ava’s broader creative philosophy. Instead of confining herself to one genre, she follows her songwriting wherever it leads her. As a result, each release captures a different aspect of her personality and experiences.
Her artistic growth has also translated into impressive independent momentum. Ava has accumulated more than 680,000 streams and received airplay on over 300 radio stations worldwide. Her accomplishments include recognition from the Boston Music Awards, New England Music Awards, International Acoustic Music Awards, and Unsigned Only Music Awards. She was also named first runner-up in American Songwriter’s Road Ready Talent Contest, performing in the finals at Nashville’s Basement East. Additional performances across New England, New York City, Nashville and Los Angeles, including an appearance at the GRAMMY Museum, have helped establish her as an engaging live performer.
With kismet, Ava Valianti embraces a warmer, jazzier and more adventurous sound while retaining the emotional honesty that defines her music. “acupuncture” demonstrates her ability to turn an awkward, sometimes painful romantic experience into something entertaining, insightful and universally relatable.
