“LAUGH TRACK” By Ava Valianti

Even at age 15, Ava Valianti has made a name for herself in the indie pop scene, with depth and maturity exceeding her age. Her latest single, “Laugh Track,” released on April 4th, 2025, is available on all major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Amazon Music. This song made the global audience appreciate Valianti’s sharp lyrical wit and haunting melodies, further proving she’s a genuine storyteller, not just another voice in the crowd.

The track is a beautifully crafted meditation on identity, performance, and the blurred lines between oneself and a spectacle, underpinned by the stunning instrumentals and emotionally hoisted vocals. Drawing on the self-aware sadness of Lana Del Rey while incorporating the confessional storytelling style of Olivia Rodrigo, “Ava” crafted a timeless piece that evokes current feelings, a poignant anthem for anyone who has ever felt like the punchline of their own life story.

As a stand-up comedian, Ava uniquely ponders if the laughter she hears is “with her or at her”. That rationale is striking, original, and effective at the same time. The Truman Show and How I Met Your Mother’s Ted Mosby references are a striking pop-culture touch that enhances the ease of her introspection. “Am I in control of my own story, or am I just playing a part?” is a striking reminder of one anxiety, one in the spotlight, a severe concern, especially with social media being a common platform for teenagers. Even more impressive is how Ava curbs this heaviness of being in a modern crisis and retains the playfulness, balancing these conflicting dynamics throughout the song.

Ava combines dreamy synths and soft guitar riffs with rhythmic, moving percussion in “Laugh Track” while maintaining emotional accuracy and vulnerability. Here, the most compelling instrument is Ava’s voice, which stands out through its texture and dynamics. With just a breath, she can comfortably shift between vulnerability and quiet strength. Her unforced authenticity makes every lyric feel like a reality. Each line strikes like an arrow for the listeners. There’s beauty in not overdramatizing lyrics through powerful singing, letting emotions flow gently is what draws focus in her performance.

This new release is another achievement in Ava’s career, which seems to escalate by the day. Ever since her debut of “bubble wrap” in 2023, she has been on a rollercoaster of success with tracks like “January”, “Middle Ground”, and “Wishing Well” paving the way to her much-awaited debut EP. Her singles have made it to over 130 radio stations all over the country, and have earned her two New England Music Awards nominations and a runner-up title in the 21st International Acoustic Music Awards, which is astounding for someone trying to balance high school life with the ups and downs of being an artist. Her show at Charlie’s Kitchen in Harvard Square on April 5th is just one of the many performances that hint towards Ava being an artist to keep on your radar. Check out this amazing video of her angelic voice. I see Ava's voice as the next legendary Celine Dion and Adele shortly. If only she continues with this hard work and dedication, then we are all going to support her to the fullest.

There is a lot of pop music by teens that tends to get ignored, overhyped, or poorly produced. Most teenage pop stars tend to get categorized under one of these labels, and Ava Valianti breaks these norms by being unapologetically herself. Ava tackles teenage emotions through her storytelling and vivid dream-like production on her tracks. “Laugh Track,” for instance, is not only an amazing indie-pop track, but a reflective anthem for people caged with the anxiety of never being seen or understood. With every release, it becomes increasingly evident that Ava is not just performing her life, she’s taking back control of her narrative, lyric by lyric.

If this track is anything to go by, her journey is just starting, so keep your eyes and ears on Ava Valianti. Don’t forget to stream “Laugh Track” on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon Music and everywhere else you listen to music.