With “Hot Mess,” 16-year-old singer-songwriter Ava Valianti continues to prove that age has nothing to do with artistic depth. Featured on her debut EP petunias, the track stands out as one of her boldest, sharpest, and most self-aware moments yet—a punchy, chaotic, and unapologetically honest anthem for anyone who has ever felt like they’re simultaneously “too much and not enough.”

Ava describes “Hot Mess” as her celebration of imperfection, a way of embracing the parts of herself that are loud, messy, or unpolished. That sentiment alone gives the song a refreshing confidence, but what makes it truly resonate is the way she blends humour with vulnerability. She doesn’t run from emotional chaos—she names it, laughs at it, and turns it into something empowering. From the first line, listeners can feel that mix of chaos and clarity, wrapped in a tongue-in-cheek attitude that never hides its sincerity. It’s the kind of pop track that manages to feel both cathartic and fun.

Musically, “Hot Mess” leans into the indie-pop space Ava has been perfecting since her debut. Her voice—equal parts soft ache and indie edge—cuts cleanly through the song’s energetic production. It’s catchy without forcing itself to be, honest without drowning in heaviness. The track captures the feeling of late-night spirals, impulsive emotions, and the quiet acceptance that life doesn’t need to be perfect to be worthwhile.

“Hot Mess” also fits seamlessly into petunias, Ava’s coming-of-age collection that explores imperfection, resilience, growth, and emotional complexity. The EP’s concept—finding beauty in what feels ordinary or overlooked—mirrors the message at the heart of this track. Just like the petunia flower she references, Ava turns small, personal moments into something meaningful. On an EP filled with introspective highs and lows, “Hot Mess” becomes the defiant, relatable moment where she gives herself permission to be chaotic and still worthy of space.

Ava Valianti’s rise has been remarkable, especially for an artist still early in her career. Since her debut single bubble wrapin 2023, she has gained international attention, radio play on more than 300 stations, several award nominations—including the 2025 Boston Music Awards—and recognition as a 2025 American Songwriter Road to Ready Semi-Finalist. With singles like Middle Ground, Laugh Track, January, Distant, and Buttercups, she has built a signature sound rooted in emotional honesty and melodic storytelling.

Her lyrical ability stands out most. Ava writes with the voice of someone who sees the beauty in chaos and the complexity in everyday moments. “Hot Mess” is proof of that. It’s messy, heartfelt, and sharply self-aware—just like the experience of growing up. And at only 16, she’s already crafting songs that feel lived-in, universal, and impossible to ignore.

In a musical landscape often crowded with overly polished pop, Ava Valianti brings something real. “Hot Mess” is playful, raw, and intentionally imperfect—and that’s exactly why it hits so hard.

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