Ava Max

Full Name: Amanda Ava Koci

Born: February 16, 1994

Birthplace: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.

Record Label: Atlantic Records

Known For: Hit singles “Sweet but Psycho,” “Kings & Queens,” “My Head & My Heart”

Early Life and Background

Ava Max, born Amanda Ava Koci, comes from a family with Albanian roots. Her parents are immigrants from Albania, who escaped the country’s communist regime in the early 1990s and eventually settled in the United States. Ava has often discussed how her parents' difficult journey and sacrifices shaped her resilient and determined spirit. Raised in Virginia after her family moved from Milwaukee, she grew up surrounded by music and began singing at a very young age. She has cited her mother, who is an opera singer, as one of her earliest musical influences.

Ava Max started performing publicly as early as 10 years old and quickly realized she wanted a career in music. In her early teens, she and her mother moved to Los Angeles to pursue her musical dreams, but it wasn’t an easy road. She faced numerous rejections and struggles to find her voice and style in the competitive L.A. music scene.

Her distinctive appearance—most notably her asymmetrical haircut, which she refers to as the “Max Cut”—became a visual trademark as she rose to prominence. It symbolizes her message of individuality and self-empowerment, themes that resonate throughout her music.

Career Beginnings

Ava Max’s early years in the music industry were filled with trials and errors. She collaborated with various producers and released songs under different monikers before eventually adopting the name "Ava Max." Her first major break came in 2016 when she caught the attention of Canadian record producer Cirkut (Henry Walter), known for working with artists like The Weeknd and Katy Perry. Cirkut recognized Ava’s potential and helped her craft a sound that would later define her career. Together, they began working on what would become her debut album.

Breakthrough with "Sweet but Psycho"

Ava Max’s breakout single, “Sweet but Psycho,” was released in August 2018. The song quickly became a global phenomenon, reaching No. 1 in over 20 countries, including the UK, Germany, Sweden, and Norway. The song’s infectious, upbeat production combined with its dark lyrical theme about a complex and intense romantic relationship resonated with audiences worldwide. It also topped the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in the U.S., further solidifying Ava Max’s place in the pop scene.

The success of “Sweet but Psycho” propelled Ava to international fame, earning her comparisons to pop icons like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Critics praised her bold, empowering messages and her ability to create anthemic, catchy pop songs. The song was eventually certified multi-Platinum in multiple territories, including the U.S. (2x Platinum), Australia, and the UK.

Key Achievements for “Sweet but Psycho”

• Certifications: Multi-Platinum in several countries, including 2x Platinum in the U.S.
• Chart Positions: No. 1 in over 20 countries, including the UK and Germany.
• YouTube Views: Over 1.1 billion views as of 2024.
• Spotify Streams: Over 1 billion streams.

Debut Album: Heaven & Hell (2020)

Ava Max released her highly anticipated debut album, Heaven & Hell, on September 18, 2020. The album is conceptually divided into two parts: “Heaven” and “Hell,” reflecting contrasting emotional experiences and themes, such as empowerment and vulnerability. Heaven & Hell was well received by critics and commercial audiences alike, praised for its polished production and dance-pop sound. It also spawned several hit singles.

Notable Tracks:

1. "Kings & Queens" – Released as a single in March 2020, “Kings & Queens” became another massive hit for Ava Max. It celebrates female empowerment, with lyrics that emphasize the strength and importance of women in society. The song peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Platinum in the U.S.
2. "Who's Laughing Now" – Another single from the album that highlights overcoming hardships and rising above detractors.
3. "My Head & My Heart" – A reissue of Heaven & Hell included this track, which interpolates the dance classic “Around the World” by ATC. It became one of Ava’s most streamed songs, peaking at No. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning her more global recognition.

Commercial Performance:

• Heaven & Hell debuted at No. 27 on the Billboard 200 and charted in multiple countries.
• Certified Gold in the U.S. and UK, and Platinum in countries such as Norway and Poland.
• The album solidified her reputation as a pop artist with a knack for crafting anthemic, feel-good tracks with a slight dark edge.

Sophomore Album: Diamonds & Dancefloors (2023)

On January 27, 2023, Ava Max returned with her second studio album, Diamonds & Dancefloors. The album continued in the dance-pop and electropop vein of her debut but explored more personal themes, such as heartbreak, love, and resilience. It reflects a more mature Ava Max, both in terms of songwriting and production, as she delves into deeper emotions and life experiences.

Notable Tracks:

1. "Maybe You’re The Problem" – The lead single from the album, it explores the theme of toxic relationships and self-empowerment, a recurring topic in Ava’s music.
2. "Dancing’s Done" – A darker, moodier track with a pulsating beat that touches on themes of desire and vulnerability.
3. "Ghost" – One of the standout tracks from the album, where Ava sings about the lingering effects of a past relationship.

Commercial Performance:

• Diamonds & Dancefloors was praised for its cohesiveness and blend of personal lyrics with high-energy dance beats.
• It charted in the top 10 in countries like the UK, Ireland, and Finland and solidified Ava’s standing in the pop world.

Musical Style and Influences

Ava Max’s music is characterized by its infectious pop melodies, danceable beats, and empowering lyrics. She has been influenced by a variety of artists, most notably Lady Gaga, with whom she shares a flair for the theatrical and the dramatic. Ava has also mentioned Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, and Gwen Stefani as key inspirations for her vocal style and performance approach.

Her music often explores themes of empowerment, independence, and self-confidence, though she isn’t afraid to touch on more emotional or vulnerable topics, as seen in songs like “So Am I” and “EveryTime I Cry.”

In interviews, Ava has emphasized her desire to create music that makes people feel good and empowered, a mission that has remained consistent throughout her career. She also aims to strike a balance between vulnerability and strength, ensuring that her songs resonate on a personal level while still being fun and accessible.

Recent Singles and Third Album

"My Oh My" (April 4, 2024)

Released on April 4, 2024, "My Oh My" is the lead single from Ava Max's upcoming third album. The disco-infused track was produced by Inverness and marked a bold new direction in her musical evolution. The song received critical acclaim for its upbeat tempo and vibrant music video, which showcased Ava’s high-energy choreography.

Thematically, the song celebrates dancing through heartbreak and embracing life’s highs and lows. Ava has described "My Oh My" as a reflection of her journey and resilience after enduring personal hardships, including two significant breakups. The song became a commercial success, reaching the top 20 in multiple countries and amassing millions of streams.

"Spot A Fake" (September 20, 2024)

Ava Max’s newest single, "Spot A Fake," drops on September 20, 2024.

Awards and Nominations

Ava Max has received numerous accolades throughout her career, solidifying her status as a global pop sensation. Some of her most notable awards and nominations include:

• MTV Europe Music Awards: Best Push Act (2019) – Nominated
• Billboard Music Awards: Top New Artist (2020) – Nominated
• iHeartRadio Music Awards: Best New Pop Artist (2021) – Won
• Global Awards: Best Pop (2021) – Nominated
• BMI Pop Awards: Song of the Year for “Sweet but Psycho” (2020) – Won

Discography

Studio Albums:

1. Heaven & Hell (2020)
2. Diamonds & Dancefloors (2023)

Selected Singles:

• “Sweet but Psycho” (2018)
• “Kings & Queens” (2020)
• “So Am I” (2019)
• “Torn” (2019)
• “My Head & My Heart” (2020)
• “Maybe You’re The Problem” (2022)
• “My Oh My” (2024)
• “Spot A Fake” (2024)