Ava Valianti’s “Distant” — Smiling Through the Sadness

Distant

With her new single “Distant,” rising indie-pop songwriter Ava Valianti once again proves that emotional maturity and sonic brilliance can co-exist—even flourish—within a young artist still carving her path. Hailing from Newbury, Massachusetts, Ava has spent the last two years quietly but confidently building a name for herself through soul-baring songs like “Middle Ground” and “Wishing Well.” Now, with “Distant,” she delivers a coming-of-age anthem that feels deeply personal and instantly relatable—a bittersweet soundtrack for every friendship that faded without drama, just distance.

Released on May 23rd, “Distant” glows with indie-pop vitality: shimmering guitars, snappy percussion, and a buoyant melodic line that feels made for sun-drenched drives or breezy summer evenings. But beneath the upbeat exterior lies a lyricism charged with nostalgia and quiet grief. Ava captures the ache of outgrowing childhood friendships with lines that don’t shout, but sigh. “It’s about the silent sadness,” she says, “of losing someone without a fight.” That tension between effervescent sound and heavy emotion is where “Distant” truly shines. You’re dancing, but your heart’s catching in your throat.

Ava’s vocal delivery is honest, neither polished to sterility nor overly stylised. Instead, she sings like someone narrating their story, inviting us in without pretence. There’s a rawness to her tone, a subtle crack in the voice that makes the emotions feel lived-in rather than performed. This quality, emotional transparency, has garnered her national airplay, New England Music Award nods, and a runner-up honour at the International Acoustic Music Awards—all before the release of her debut EP, due this fall.

What sets Ava apart is her songwriting talent and ability to translate small moments into something universal. In “Distant,” she doesn’t dramatise the pain of losing touch with old friends. Instead, she lets it unfold gently, like flipping through a photo album of summers past. It’s a song about how growing up reshapes connection, not with betrayal or resentment, but with time, space, and quiet acceptance. That maturity, paired with a hook you can’t stop humming, makes this track a standout in the indie pop landscape.

As Ava Valianti gears up for her debut EP, “Distant” is a pivotal moment in her artistic evolution. It’s a track that cements her as one of the most emotionally resonant young voices in indie-pop, capable of making you feel everything, even when you're smiling. With live performances lined up and momentum building, Ava is more than a rising star, and she’s already in orbit. Keep her on your radar; this is an artist you’ll want to grow up with.

For more information, follow Ava Valianti on Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube and Bandcamp.

Ava Valianti