We first wrote about Montana-born, Nashville-based songwriter Ava Swan back in 2023 with EP Good Music. “Swan combines pop and country sensibilities into something capable of elucidating personal feelings while capturing the alarming state of the world,” we wrote, as single ‘Oh My’ focused “on a more hopeful side of this style, exploring how good things can and do happen no matter how bleak the wider picture.” Fast forward a couple of years and Swan is now preparing to release her debut full-length album, Sun Safari.
In preparation, Ava Swan has been releasing a steady drip of singles in recent months. Featuring fellow Nashville artist Noah Luna, ‘Cassie’ takes inspiration from drag icon RuPaul and their concept of the ‘Inner Saboteur’—that voice inside each of us which seems intent on undermining our confidence. Swan names her inner critic, the titular Cassie, a decision which helps separate it from herself and better examine its effect. “I gave everything to Cassie / But she always brought me down,” as the opening lines go. “Said I never give her nothing / But the sweat upon her brow / She grew up to be fantastic / Never had the chance to doubt / That she ever would be packing / But she’s gotta leave now.” Watch the video, directed by Em Lasater and edited by Aaron Lasater, below:
As its title suggests, ‘I Really Hurt Myself’ follows a similar theme, confronting self-sabotage in its various forms, especially those insidious coping mechanisms which feel like quick fixes but ultimately worsen the situation. “When I stay in bed all day / When I drink so much I sway / When I push away the ones who try to help / I really hurt myself,” Swan sings in the opening verse, and the track uses this awareness to push towards a better way of living. As though confessing bad habits might be the key to warding them off. Watch the video, again by Em and Aaron Lasater, below:
Sun Safari will be released in August and you can pre-save it now.