Ava Max talks Sweet But Psycho and dream collaborations

Ava Max, an American pop singer, is taking over airwaves with her latest single ‘Sweet But Psycho’ in a way that redefines catchy. With over 7 million listeners on Spotify and an immense amount of followers on all other platforms, her fanbase is established and strong. This is definitely an artist to keep an eye on and discover before she completely takes over your radio. Max spoke to United by Pop about dream collaborations, ‘Sweet But Psycho’ and more.

Can you tell me about how your career first began and how you got into music?

The first time I started singing was when I was 8 years old and I started doing singing competitions. I was 14 when I first got into the music industry and it was nothing like I thought it would be. There were a lot of ups and downs, but I first got my break when I was around 20. I’ve been doing this for so long!

Your song ‘Sweet but Psycho’ is a huge success with over 20 million streams! What was the inspiration and process behind that song?

We wrote it with a Norwegian songwriter called Tigs. He sent us the front half, chorus and melody, no lyrics. We heard it on piano and we were like, that sounds pretty interesting so we got in the studio with Madison Love and started writing the lyrics. The inspiration behind the song is about a girl being misunderstood in a relationship and being called psycho and feeling like she’s out of her mind when really she’s being honest, open, upfront and outspoken and the guy in the relationship really loves all sides to her. He can’t help but love her at the end of the day.

What inspires your music and what artists inspire you?

A lot of new artists coming out right now which I love. I love that everyone is making way for new artists and it’s really exciting finding out about new artists, but older artists who inspire me are artists I grew up with Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, The Fugees, Billy Joel and Shania Twain. A lot of big vocalists.

What is your favorite part about creating music or performing?

Writing the song for sure. When you’re in the studio and you first have a breakthrough of a melody or a lyric and you’re like: ‘that is it!’ Everyone in the room just feels it and I love that.

Your song ‘Not Your Barbie Girl’ is a great tune about female empowerment! Is that a topic you want to focus on or portray through your music in the future as well?

I think my entire life I’ve been a strong person and I’ve always known what I’ve wanted to do so that shows through my music now; there’s no way of hiding it. That’s how I am. And I also want to help girls who may not have a strong role model in their life so when they hear my music they know that they don’t have to back down. They can be who they are and it’s ok to be who you are – I think it’s important for everyone to hear that.

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You have an incredible fanbase! What do you love most about them?

They’re incredible! They are so supportive and loving. They’re just the best. They make my day so happy all of the time. They make me feel uplifted.

What can your fans look forward to in the future? Is there an EP or full-length album in the works?

A full-length album is definitely in the works!

If you could tour with any artist or band, who would it be and why?

SZA, Cardi B, Ed Sheeran and Shawn Mendes. I love them all.

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What’s one song you wish you were featured on that’s out now?

‘I Like It’ by Cardi B. Every time that song comes on the radio, I instantly want to start dancing. Even if I’m in a bad mood, I’m not in a bad mood anymore when I hear that song. The vibe and the beat are so good.

What artists do you want to collaborate with in the future?

SZA, Ella Mai, Shawn Mendes, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran – he’s an incredible songwriter I just want to sit in the studio with him and learn from him. He seems so inspiring. I want to meet him

What are your goals for 2019?

To tour as much as I can, to meet as many fans as possible, to perform on a lot of stages and to share more of my story.

Ava Max is also featured on a new single with Vice and Jason Derulo called ‘Make Up’ out now.