At just 18 years old, Ava Rivello is rapidly defining what it means to be a modern multi-hyphenate. While many first discovered her through modeling or her massive social media presence across TikTok and Instagram, Rivello’s true north has always been music. As a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and pop-rock artist, she channels her lived experiences into emotionally honest anthems that tackle anxiety, heartbreak, and self-doubt.
By seamlessly blending fashion, visual storytelling, and genuine musical depth, Rivello has built a rapidly growing community rooted in transparency rather than digital perfection. In this exclusive interview with About Insider, she opens up about her songwriting process, the importance of prioritizing mental health, and why staying true to herself matters far more than any social media metric.
Welcome to About Insider, Ava. You’ve already built an impressive presence across music, fashion, and digital media at just 18, how would you introduce yourself to someone discovering your journey for the very first time?
I’m a pop-rock artist, songwriter, and creator who’s passionate about telling honest stories through music. While a lot of people may have first discovered me through social media or modeling, music has always been the biggest part of who I am. I write from personal experiences and hope my songs help people feel understood, especially those who may be struggling with things like self-doubt, anxiety, heartbreak, or finding their place in the world. At the end of the day, I want people to connect with my music because it’s real.
You’re a rare artist who combines strong visual storytelling with genuine musical depth. When did you first realize that music was more than just a passion for you?
At a very young age. I remember watching Frozen when I was around six years old and becoming completely obsessed with the music. I would go on walks with my family and just start singing nonstop. A few years later, I picked up guitar and began teaching myself piano by ear, and from that point on music became more than a hobby, it became a way to express myself. The older I got, the more I realized that songwriting gave me a voice for things I didn’t always know how to say out loud.
As a multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, drums, and piano, how does being hands-on with your music shape your creative identity?
Being involved in the creative process makes the music feel much more personal. When I sit down with an instrument and start building a song from an idea or emotion, I feel connected to every part of it. There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating something from scratch. It allows me to tell my story in a way that feels authentic to who I am as an artist.
Your songs feel emotionally honest and deeply personal. How important is vulnerability in your songwriting process?
It’s everything. If a song doesn’t come from a real place, it’s hard for me to connect with it. The songs I write are often based on experiences I’ve lived through or emotions I’ve had to work through. Vulnerability can be uncomfortable, but I think that’s where the strongest connections happen. If someone hears one of my songs and feels a little less alone because of it, then sharing those experiences is worth it.
Today’s generation values authenticity more than perfection. How do you stay real and transparent while living such a public digital life?
Honestly, I think it’s because social media isn’t my entire life. Social media is part of my career, but it’s not my identity. When I’m not creating content or working on music, I’m spending time with family and friends, writing, or just being an 18-year-old. I never want to create a version of myself for the internet that isn’t real. The things I share are genuine, and I think people can tell the difference between authenticity and something that’s being forced for attention. I just try to live my life for me, not social media.
You’ve successfully merged the worlds of fashion, music, and influence. Do you believe modern artists now need to think beyond just music to build a lasting brand?
I do. Music is still the heart of everything, but artists today have more opportunities than ever to connect with people. Whether it’s through fashion, social media, live performances, or storytelling, every experience adds another layer to who you are as an artist. I also think living a full life and exploring different creative outlets gives you more stories to tell, and ultimately that makes the music stronger.
Your audience continues to grow rapidly across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. What has been the most rewarding part of building such a strong connection with your community online?
The most rewarding part has been turning followers into real people and real connections. I’ve had conversations with girls my age who have gone through similar experiences and connected with my music or my story. Moments like that remind me that there’s an actual person on the other side of the screen. Building a supportive community means much more to me than simply growing numbers.
About Insider celebrates leaders, innovators, and inspirers. What kind of impact do you hope your music and journey leave on young people who look up to you?
I hope people learn that they don’t have to change who they are to fit someone else’s expectations. I want young people to know that it’s okay to be different, it’s okay to struggle, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Mental health is something that affects so many people, and I want my music to be a reminder that no one has to face those challenges alone. If my journey helps even one person feel seen, understood, or hopeful, then that means everything to me.
With new music and projects on the horizon, what excites you most about this next chapter of your career?
What excites me most is building a genuine community around the music. I’m less focused on numbers and more focused on finding people who truly connect with what I’m creating. My goal is to build a fan base where people feel understood, supported, and inspired. I’m also excited to continue growing as both an artist and a songwriter, releasing new music, performing live, and hopefully collaborating with artists I’ve looked up to for years. This feels like the beginning of something really special, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.
You can connect with Ava Rivello through Instagram @ava_rivello_official, YouTube @avarivello, and TikTok @ava_rivello_official
