We were lucky to catch up with Ava Symone recently and have shared our conversation below.

AVa, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Music has been a part of my life since I was 13, and my learning process has been a mix of experience, mentorship, and sheer determination. From getting signed to Flo Rida’s label at 16 to navigating the industry as an independent artist, every step has been a lesson. I’ve learned by writing, performing, and surrounding myself with talented musicians and industry professionals. Nashville’s music scene also played a huge role in shaping my understanding of songwriting, production, and the business side of things.
A lot of my learning also came from trial and error—whether it was dealing with industry setbacks, financial struggles, or even having to start over after being dropped by my label. Those experiences forced me to become more self-sufficient, trust my instincts, and refine my artistry.

Looking back, I would have focused more on business knowledge and legal awareness earlier on. The music industry isn’t just about talent—it’s about understanding contracts, royalties, and ownership. Had I been more informed, I could have avoided setbacks like poor legal representation and financial mismanagement.
I also would have leaned into networking with intention. I’ve met incredible people throughout my journey, but early on, I didn’t always recognize the importance of building relationships strategically. Now, I see how essential it is to connect with the right people—those who genuinely believe in my vision and can help push it forward.
Lastly, I would have trusted my voice sooner. There were times when I tried to fit into industry molds instead of embracing what makes me unique. Once I fully stepped into my artistry—blending my Bahamian roots with global influences—things started to align in a more authentic way.

Songwriting & Storytelling – My ability to write meaningful songs has opened doors, even when other opportunities felt closed. Songs like Side by Side reflect my personal journey and connect with listeners emotionally.
Resilience & Adaptability – The music industry is unpredictable. From losing a label deal to rebuilding my brand independently, resilience has been key.
Branding & Marketing – Understanding how to position myself online, communicate my story, and market my music has helped me grow despite limited resources.
Live Performance – Whether it’s Nashville stages or the Tiny Desk Contest I’m applying for, performing is where I shine. It’s the space where I connect with people in real-time and bring my songs to life.

Financial Barriers – Being an independent artist without major financial backing meant I had to be resourceful. There were times I couldn’t afford certain producers, marketing campaigns, or legal services that could have helped me move faster.
Industry Gatekeeping – The music industry can be hard to navigate, especially as a Black woman from the Bahamas trying to break into global markets. There were moments I felt overlooked because I didn’t have the same financial or industry connections as others.
Bad Industry Experiences – Having been signed young, I had to unlearn a lot of industry norms that weren’t in my best interest. Some business relationships didn’t pan out the way I hoped, which set me back at times.
Self-Doubt – There were moments when I questioned if my journey was worth it. But every time I considered walking away, my love for music pulled me back.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Ava Symone—a passionate, independent artist hailing from the Bahamas. My journey into music began when I was just 13 years old, and it has been a ride of both triumph and learning ever since. Early on, I was signed to Flo Rida’s label at 16, which set the stage for an unforgettable experience in the music industry. However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. After facing setbacks like being dropped from the label and struggling with financial barriers, I chose to take my career into my own hands.
I’ve spent the years since then reimagining what it means to be an artist in today’s world—blending my Bahamian roots with global influences to create a sound that’s all my own. As a songwriter and performer, I craft music that speaks to the heart. My latest single, “Side by Side,” explores themes of unconditional love, something I think the world could use more of. After navigating my fair share of heartbreak, this track became my way of sharing my belief that love should be steadfast and unwavering, no matter the obstacles we face.
In terms of what I provide, my music is the core of my work, but there’s so much more that I offer:
Authentic Music & Storytelling: Every song I release comes from a place of personal experience and reflection. Whether it’s an upbeat anthem or a soulful ballad, my music tells stories that resonate with others who have faced similar struggles and joys.
Live Performances & Engagement: As an artist, connecting with my audience through performance is incredibly important. It’s where I feel most alive, and it allows me to share my music in a raw, authentic way that can’t be replicated.
Brand Identity & Empowerment: I work to create a brand that empowers listeners to embrace their own unique journeys, whether through my music, visuals, or presence on social media.
The biggest problem I aim to solve with my work is helping people feel seen and heard. My music is a reflection of my own experiences in the industry and in relationships, and I want others to know they’re not alone. Whether it’s heartbreak, triumph, or self-discovery, I hope my music becomes the soundtrack to moments that matter in the lives of my fans.
What sets me apart is my authenticity and my unique blend of influences. Being from the Bahamas gives me a cultural perspective that isn’t commonly represented in mainstream music. I also believe my experiences as an independent artist—facing challenges like lack of funding, industry setbacks, and a desire to do things on my own terms—have given me a level of resilience and self-reliance that makes me stand out.
I’m most proud of my ability to keep going, even when things were hard. Whether it’s re-dedicating myself to songwriting after being dropped from a label, overcoming financial struggles with my team, or developing a sound that’s uniquely my own, I’ve never given up on my dream of making music that matters.
What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me is that I’m here to make a difference through music. My journey is just getting started, and I’m committed to creating work that resonates with people on a deep, emotional level. If you’re someone who values real stories, real struggles, and real joy, you’ll find a friend in my music.
I invite you to join me on this journey—whether through following my social media, listening to my music, or attending one of my live shows. Together, we’ll explore what it means to embrace love, resilience, and everything that makes us human.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of my journey as an artist is connecting with others through my music. Knowing that my songs resonate with people, whether they’re going through heartbreak, personal growth, or moments of triumph, is incredibly fulfilling. There’s nothing more powerful than seeing how my stories—my truth—can become a part of someone else’s life. It’s those connections that keep me going and remind me why I do what I do.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

A core mission driving my creative journey is advocating for peace through a fair justice system—a cause close to my heart due to my father’s unjust imprisonment. His experience sparked a passion for raising awareness about the systemic inequalities that affect the overlooked, including those who are disabled or marginalized. My music becomes a way to speak out for those who often have no voice, while also staying grounded in my faith, which is the anchor of my strength. Through my art, I hope to inspire change, healing, and justice for all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://avasymonemusic.com
• Instagram: @avasmusix
• Youtube: @officialava
• Other: TikTok: @avaxsymone

Image Credits

TC Bahamas
Chloe Ketron
Ashley Hylbet