SPOTLIGHT: Ava McCoy & Friends Celebrate ‘Dragonfly’
SPOTLIGHT
SPOTLIGHT
☆ WORDS AND PHOTOS BY ISABELLE FAMA ☆
On the heels of the release of her album Dragonfly, Ava McCoy brought friends and fans to Baby’s All Right to celebrate. Sharing the stage with mer marcum and After Ours, Ava shared the “patchwork quilt” of songs that has allowed her to step into who she is as an artist.
A manifest of the front row at Baby’s would read like a who’s who of the New York indie scene. As mer marcum said, “Being a fan of your friends is the most special feeling ever.”
According to Ava, Dragonfly was “a real labor of love,” involving her friends in as many aspects of its genesis as possible. From production, to mastering, to the cover art, Ava and her community gave this album the most personal touch. The cover art in particular is a true encapsulation of the album and the experiences that fuel it. Amelia McDonnell crafted each tile by hand, making Ava’s vision tangible.
One track from the album, “More Than A Friend,” is brought to life by a music video filmed in and around the Met. It showcases her in the neighborhood where she grew up, and depicts the sense of “feeling small in big spaces.” Despite this feeling, Ava doesn’t hold back from doing twirls in a room full of sculptures.
mer marcum
After Ours
Sharing the Baby’s stage with Ava was mer marcum and After Ours. Ava calls mer “a visionary,” noting how much she admires her artistry and her work ethic. Kayla of After Ours actually played her first-ever live show on a bill with Ava, so this night was a full circle moment for the two friends.
Ava McCoy’s Dragonfly illustrates the experiences of navigating life after college, leaving a long-term relationship, and spending time abroad on her own. Crafted over two and half years across three cities, it is a slow burn that shows the beauty in vulnerability.
