Who Is: Quadruple threat Ava Gold
Ava Gold is no stranger if you have young children or perhaps have a love for the police dramas. We’ve enjoyed her as the character “Kiki” on the children’s show “The Fresh Beat Band”, which aired its final episode in 2013, and as “Gina” on the mind bending television series “Criminal Minds” which still airs. Touted as a quadruple threat in the industry, this powerhouse entertainer is a singer, songwriter, musician, as well as delivering on the small screen.
Background
Since her first violin lesson at age three, this creative soul has been immersed in a musically diverse world that established her early on as a multi-faceted artist who is comfortable in any genre. Ava has already performed with some of the industry’s biggest names including Jason Mraz, Ne-Yo, Wyclef Jean, Gloria Estefan, Engelbert Humperdinck, All-4-One and Justin Bieber among others. She writes and sings with a soulful integrity and possesses a versatility and emotion well beyond her years. In 2013, she was signed to BMG Publishing (Topline) by the multiplatinum hit songwriter/executive/producer Billy Mann (P!nk, Kelly Rowland, One Direction, David Guetta, Teddy Geiger) and she is currently in the studio finishing up her self-titled EP, which is to be released later this year.
Ava recently released the very personal “Havana,” which touches upon immigration. “I wrote Havana about my parents coming to the States from Cuba and the song is so full of hope. It speaks of the sacrifices you have to make sometimes for a better life but still never forgetting who you are or where you come from.” “Havana,” is a good example of her approach (which is also multi-hyphenate), soulful, hooky, melodic and urban with some Latin elements thrown in the mix. Rejecting category as just another barrier to personal freedom, she continues to push the stylistic envelope. “Havana,” which she co-wrote/produced starts with an authentic Cuban ensemble and transports the listener instantaneously. Her voice is unique, soulful and full of personality. She sings us this story as the music voyages seamlessly onto more modern soundscapes. However, it is when the track is at its most stripped-down, and you hear her playing a solo violin that she has forever stolen your heart. “I wanted to take all these elements that are part of my musical makeup and just let them co-exist.” Colliding cultures in a way that hasn’t quite been done before, her unabashed and unapologetic approach is modern, fresh and somehow finds a way to remain timeless.
Aside from music, Gold is also passionate about giving back. She is an advocate for Global Green, Voto Latino, Global Campaign for Education and is a Champion for the Alzheimer’s Association. She is also heavily involved with Rock N’ Roll Camp for Girls (LA), Empowering Girls Through Music Education. In 2014, she founded Creative Minds Care, a non-profit organization whose vision is to see a world without Alzheimer’s Disease, and whose first undertaking is creating an annual benefit concert to raise money for Alzheimer’s research.
We got Ava to answer a few questions during spare moments in her increasingly demanding schedule:
What brought you to the entertainment industry and music specifically?
I fell in love with music as a little girl. I started learning to play violin when I was three years old and was writing songs, singing and performing for as long as I can remember. Music was always an outlet for me to express myself, and something I didn’t have to think about doing. It was almost 2nd nature, like breathing. I’ve been a creative my whole life so for me, becoming a part of the entertainment industry was really just continuing to be able to follow my passion and do what I love.
Coming from The Fresh Beat Band series, was it a natural cross over into music as an additional career direction?
I would say it was the other way around. Doing that show seemed like a natural fit for me because I have done music my whole life.
What and/or who influenced the sound you bring today?
We are all influenced by our environment and by our upbringing and the constant influx of new stimuli. My sound is definitely a culmination of all that. I grew up listening to all kinds of music, from what was on the radio to the The Roots, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Celia Cruz, The Isley Brothers, and the list goes on. I loved listening to the great soul singers growing up (Etta, Aretha, Prince) and even though the music I’m making now is definitely a combination of musical styles, there is always an element of soul to it.
What was the biggest obstacle in getting to your current career phase?
Sometimes when music is hard to categorize, or you can do too much, people don’t know what to do with you. But I’m so grateful for music and for all the opportunities that I can’t really complain.
What do you want people to get from your music?
I want to lift people up and I want people to experience a sense of freedom.
Tell us about your current project?
My current project is soulful with some Spanish influence and some urban elements thrown in the mix. EP comes out in the fall. I just released the first song from this project called “Havana” and the video is out now. I’m really enjoying exploring this sound and so excited to be able to share it with everyone.
What do you feel has been your greatest life achievement so far?
Being able to connect with so many kids and inspire and be inspired by them.
If you could collaborate with one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
That’s always such a hard question because there are so many artists I would love to work with. But I think what Pharrell is doing right now with his music and his message is really incredible. Yeah, he’s definitely at the top of the list.
If you had to pick one song of yours, that really explains YOU, what would it be?
I don’t know that I have one. All of my songs express a different feeling and part of me. I have a song called “Classy” whose sentiment I really love. It’s basically saying be who you are and if people don’t understand and want to hate, don’t let them bring you down. It’s fun and empowering. But we are constantly evolving, so that song that really explains you today may not be true tomorrow.
Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” moment…
Ha! I lived in NYC for a while, so it’s hard to shock me. However, the other day my friend told me that where he is from, they have a “take your tractor to school day.” Where they do that at?!
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TweetAbout the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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