01Profile
A Ava Zarate Photo
Ava Zarate
Musician — London
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
I’m Ava and I’m from Ladbroke Grove.
Describe your style in three words?
Uniqlo Men’s Section.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Yellow Days at The Jazz Cafe. I feel like I haven’t been to that many gigs but that show made up for all the years I should have been. He’s exceptional. It was such a moving and beautiful performance. On top of that, the light design of that night was insane. They made that show a visual experience. It was like a hallucination. Maybe that was just my brain but I was sober.
If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
BADBADNOTGOOD because... well that’s the dream. And The Kinks. They make me feel alive and their energy is unmatched. I need some of that around me.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
'60/'70s Brazil. Bossanova has been a massive influence. Sad, reflective lyrics masked by beautiful summery sounds. It’s all about love, longing and nature.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Jeff Buckley. Just want to speak to him. Understand him.
Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
I didn’t know how to get any gigs so I decided to make my own. I set up my own little events company called LATES and we did a few shows. My favourite was at Laylow. So intimate there. Disco DJ. Just happy times.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
My dad. He has taught me everything I know. Very lucky to have him. It’s inspiring to watch someone who never wants to stop learning. Always wants to develop, hear new things and create non-stop! I would say that I’m like that too. To be honest, that endless curiosity comes from my grandma. So actually, she is the hero.
Ava Zarate released her new EP 'What I Think Of You' on 5th February 2021. Listen, purchase or stream it via smarturl.it/whatithinkofyou.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'The Only Exception' by Paramore. I want to have something more profound but I have to be honest with myself.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Passionfruit' by Drake. Sure it’s a soundtrack to a lot of people’s lives.
One record you would keep forever?
'ANTI' by Rihanna.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Though she needs you more than she loves you"
From 'I Know It’s Over' by The Smiths.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Oh Honey' by Delegation. Oooooft.
A song you wished you had written?
'Vienna' by Billy Joel.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Westside' by Flipp Dinero.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'The Name Of The Game' by ABBA. That’s a hard question. I wouldn’t want people to think I don’t love ABBA but I’ve been told I don’t look like an ABBA kinda girl. That hurts me because I am. Die-hard fan.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'Heaven Up There' by Palace. A depressing/reflective way to end the night.
Any new music you are listening to right now?
'Real Games' by Lucky Daye.
Moving On by Aquilo.
'What A Fool Believes' by The Doobie Brothers.
'Honey' by Dom Porter, Violet Jones.
'Call Me Up' by HOMESHAKE.
'Way Out' by Jack Harlow.
Not all of these are new artists but it’s all new to me.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
I’m Ava and I’m from Ladbroke Grove.
Describe your style in three words?
Uniqlo Men’s Section.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Yellow Days at The Jazz Cafe. I feel like I haven’t been to that many gigs but that show made up for all the years I should have been. He’s exceptional. It was such a moving and beautiful performance. On top of that, the light design of that night was insane. They made that show a visual experience. It was like a hallucination. Maybe that was just my brain but I was sober.
If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
BADBADNOTGOOD because... well that’s the dream. And The Kinks. They make me feel alive and their energy is unmatched. I need some of that around me.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
'60/'70s Brazil. Bossanova has been a massive influence. Sad, reflective lyrics masked by beautiful summery sounds. It’s all about love, longing and nature.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Jeff Buckley. Just want to speak to him. Understand him.
Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
I didn’t know how to get any gigs so I decided to make my own. I set up my own little events company called LATES and we did a few shows. My favourite was at Laylow. So intimate there. Disco DJ. Just happy times.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
My dad. He has taught me everything I know. Very lucky to have him. It’s inspiring to watch someone who never wants to stop learning. Always wants to develop, hear new things and create non-stop! I would say that I’m like that too. To be honest, that endless curiosity comes from my grandma. So actually, she is the hero.
Ava Zarate released her new EP 'What I Think Of You' on 5th February 2021. Listen, purchase or stream it via smarturl.it/whatithinkofyou.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'The Only Exception' by Paramore. I want to have something more profound but I have to be honest with myself.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Passionfruit' by Drake. Sure it’s a soundtrack to a lot of people’s lives.
One record you would keep forever?
'ANTI' by Rihanna.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Though she needs you more than she loves you"
From 'I Know It’s Over' by The Smiths.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Oh Honey' by Delegation. Oooooft.
A song you wished you had written?
'Vienna' by Billy Joel.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Westside' by Flipp Dinero.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'The Name Of The Game' by ABBA. That’s a hard question. I wouldn’t want people to think I don’t love ABBA but I’ve been told I don’t look like an ABBA kinda girl. That hurts me because I am. Die-hard fan.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'Heaven Up There' by Palace. A depressing/reflective way to end the night.
Any new music you are listening to right now?
'Real Games' by Lucky Daye.
Moving On by Aquilo.
'What A Fool Believes' by The Doobie Brothers.
'Honey' by Dom Porter, Violet Jones.
'Call Me Up' by HOMESHAKE.
'Way Out' by Jack Harlow.
Not all of these are new artists but it’s all new to me.