Nashville's next generation of singer-songwriters has found a compelling new voice in Ava Claire. With the release of her debut EP, Honestly, the Belmont University student delivers a deeply personal five-song collection that showcases the kind of introspective songwriting that has become a hallmark of Music City's finest storytellers.
Written entirely by Ava Claire and produced by Eric Arjes, Honestly captures the uncertainty, guilt, and emotional complexity of growing up and navigating relationships. The project's centerpiece, the title track, offers an unfiltered look at the intrusive thoughts that come with knowing a relationship may be destined to end. "'Honestly' is what it sounds like: honest," Ava shares. "It's an amalgamation of the intrusive thoughts you feel when you know you will end up breaking someone's heart. It's raw honesty."
The EP pairs that vulnerability with polished, genre-blurring production across five tracks, including previously released songs "Salt Mine," "The Sound," and "New York," while introducing the poignant new track, "The Cliff." Together, they create a cohesive introduction to an artist whose strength lies in transforming life's quiet moments into vivid, relatable stories.
Ava's journey as a songwriter began remarkably early. She started writing songs at just eight years old, turning childhood poetry into lyrics before teaching herself guitar through YouTube. By age 11, she was already performing at Nashville institution Bobby's Idle Hour, signaling the arrival of a young artist with an uncommon dedication to her craft.
Drawing inspiration from acclaimed storytellers like Jason Isbell and Phoebe Bridgers, while embracing the melodic instincts of Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, Ava has developed a songwriting style that balances lyrical precision with emotional authenticity.
Her talent has already earned significant recognition. She advanced to Hollywood Week on American Idol after receiving unanimous approval from the judges and was selected as one of just 11 students nationwide for the prestigious GRAMMY Camp Songwriter Track.
Now continuing her musical journey at Belmont University, Ava regularly performs at some of Nashville's most respected songwriter venues, including The Bluebird Cafe and The Listening Room Cafe—stages that have launched countless careers built on exceptional songwriting.
With Honestly, Ava Claire isn't chasing trends; she's introducing herself through sincerity. It's a confident debut that positions the emerging artist as one to watch in Nashville's thriving singer-songwriter community, proving that sometimes the strongest first impression is simply telling the truth.