Q&A: AVA FRANKS ON LOVE, RISK AND THE BEAUTY OF “GOOD SCAR”
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY VICTORIA POLSELY ☆
Photo by Karson Eaton
NEW YORK-BASED RISING INDIE POP ARTIST AVA FRANKS—is carving out a space for herself. With dreamy soundscapes and deeply personal storytelling, she captures the emotional complexity of early adulthood. Ava Franks draws inspiration from artists like Sarah McLachlan and Lorde, blending introspective lyricism with shimmering, atmospheric production and infectious sing-a-long worthy melodies. Since releasing her debut single “3 Pines” in 2021, she has steadily built momentum, while continuing to refine her signature indie pop sound.
Her latest single, “Good Scar,” marks a compelling new chapter for the riser. Featuring sparkling synths, driving bass lines and ethereal vocals, the track captures the exhilarating vulnerability of falling in love despite the risk of heartbreak. Created in collaboration with acclaimed multi-platinum producers Shep Goodman and Aaron Accetta (known for their collaborations with American Authors, Jonas Brothers and more), “Good Scar” feels like the soundtrack to the opening scenes of a romance, hopeful, cinematic and emotionally charged. At its core, the song reflects the songwriter's ongoing exploration of coming of age, connection and self-discovery.
In conversation with The Luna Collective, Ava Franks opens up about the personal experiences that inspired “Good Scar,” how her artistry has evolved and what she hopes listeners take away from her music as she continues navigating life, and love, in her early twenties.
Photo by Karson Eaton
LUNA: Your new single “Good Scar” explores the idea of being brave in the face of new love. What inspired you to write this song, and was it drawn from personal experience?
FRANKS: I wrote it at the start of a relationship, when I knew there was nothing I could do to stop myself from falling in love. In the back of my mind, I assumed there’d be heartbreak somewhere in the story but, to me, it seemed really worth it for what I was feeling at the moment.
LUNA: In “Good Scar,” you talk about knowing someone might break your heart but wanting “everything with them, the good and the bad.” Why do you think that feeling is such a powerful part of being in your early twenties?
FRANKS: I think everyone is trying to understand themselves and understand how they fit into the world. It’s special to find someone who makes you feel seen. It’s so validating. A feeling like that is powerful, and worth the potential pain that’d come from losing it.
LUNA: How has your sound and songwriting evolved since you first shared music in 2021?
FRANKS: Since 2021 I’ve realized that I really like writing indie pop/pop songs, so I’m hoping that I continue to evolve in that direction!
LUNA: Your music often reflects on coming of age and figuring life out in your early twenties. Why is that theme so important for you to explore in your songwriting?
FRANKS: My songwriting is an extension of myself and of how I see the world, and I am in my early twenties and trying to figure it all out! So themes unique to this chapter in my life end up showing up in my songs, usually without me even knowing it.
LUNA: Who is currently on your favorite playlist?
FRANKS: Holly Humberstone, Erin LeCount, Tkandz, Olivia Dean, sombr, SZA, Nelly Furtado, Taylor Swift!!!
LUNA: What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
FRANKS: I hope my music makes them feel seen, understood, inspired and empowered!
LUNA: What's on the horizon for Ava Franks?
FRANKS: I’m planning on releasing one song at a time for a while, but would love to work on a longer project as well!
