You may recognize Ava Kolker from starring in hit TV shows like Sydney to the Max and Girl Meets World, but the young actress has recently been growing her presence in the music industry, as well.
After releasing hit songs like “Ahead of Me” and “Who Do You Think You Are,” Kolker’s sixth official single “All to Myself” is officially out on all music streaming platforms today (November 4th), and its SO 👏 GOOD 👏! Containing a lot of 1980s aspects, “All to Myself” is much more fun and lighthearted track in comparison her previously released singles, and it takes on more of a short-film approach.
With over ten songs already in the works, we can expect even more new music from Kolker very soon, and potentially even an EP!
Kolker didn’t shy away from her acting career either, as she will be starring in the film Manifest West alongside her sister Lexy Kolker, premiering on November 11th.
The film tells the story of a family that dreams of escaping the pressures of modern society, so they move to the untamed North American wilderness only to have chaos ensue. Lexy Kolker plays the strong lead of the film, Riley Hayes, and Ava Kolker plays Lana Danik, a young girl who forms a close bond with Riley. This adds an interesting angle to the film, since their characters are incredibly close, but even closer in real life!
Read our full Q&A with the rising superstar below where we talk all things music, acting and more:
Celeb Secrets: For people who may only know you from starring in Sydney to the Max, can you explain your musical style and a little bit about who you are as an artist?
Ava Kolker: “Yes, I would say I am definitely a pop artist so far, but I have written some ballads as well as getting into R&B. I am really trying some different genres and even rapped in one of my songs, so I like to keep it fresh and different.”
CS: How does working in the music industry compare to working in the movie/TV industry?
AK: “It’s so different. I feel like in acting, you have so little control about what you get to work on. You audition for the roles you are interested in, and the rest is out of your hands. Once you get on a show or book a movie, it’s amazing and you get to ride that wave for a while, and then you start over auditioning. With music, you get to be active in the business all the time, in the studio as often as you want to be, creating, writing, recording and telling the stories you’re interested in telling, so in many ways you are in control a lot more than in acting.”
CS: Your new single “All to Myself” comes out tomorrow, November 4th. Can you tell us a little bit about the story behind the track?
AK: “Sure! It’s about the relationship between an artist and a fan but from the fan’s perspective. I wanted to turn it around and show how impacted a fan can be by an artist’s words and lyrics and how that can in some cases be so powerful. The music video is really fun too, and tells a story like a movie so you will have to check that out.”
CS: “All to Myself” is said to be inspired by popular 80s shows. What is the meaning behind that?
AK: “We wanted to do something a little retro, like referring to a rockstar as the artist, and rotary phones and retro sets. I feel like from what I’ve seen in the 80s, with no social media, artists were less approachable, and therefore more elusive, so I thought it would be fun to lean on that a bit.”
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CS: The music video for “All to Myself” is said to have more of a short-film approach. Can you explain this interesting angle?
AK: “Of course! Some of my songs have had a lot of performance in the music video. This one tells a story from beginning to end, like a short film, so people can follow along the story while watching the video.”
CS: What does the process look like when you create a song? Are there any quirks to your method?
AK: “I am not sure there are quirks. I have a great team I work with, and I usually come up with a concept and choose an initial track to start from, and then start adding lyrics and rifts and adding to the melody and just brainstorming on the story I want to tell or emotions I want to describe.”
CS: Who/What are some of your musical inspirations either artist-wise or in your personal life?
AK: “I love Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, and Queen, and some of the older artists like Whitney Houston, etc.”
CS: Who is your dream collaboration?
AK: “I would have to say Lady Gaga. That would be so crazy.”
CS: You’ve described your music as very personal and authentic. How do you get the courage to put yourself out there and be vulnerable?
AK: “I think my music is my way to express myself and what I am going through. Some of my songs are more personal than others. But I feel like in some cases, especially when I am hurting, music is a great outlet to help heal and I hope that people can relate to some of the messages I relay in my songs. In some ways, it’s like my digital diary.”
CS: You started creating music at such a young age. Do you have any advice for young women wanting to dive into the music industry, but too afraid to take that leap?
AK: “I think you just have to play with an idea, with no judgment of yourself, and see where it takes you. Initially, you can write for yourself, and as you feel more confident, start sharing your songs. The more you write and record, the more you improve, just like anything else. You just have to get started.”
CS: Can we expect an album soon? I am seeing an EP in 2023.
AK: “That will be the first step! Then maybe an album after that. We’ll see…”
CS: What’s next for you not only singing-wise, but acting-wise, as well?
AK: “I will definitely continue to release music and am looking for my next project, and I’m hoping for it to be on the more serious side even though I love comedy. I was on Disney for a while, and I would love to do projects now to show my more dramatic side and to grow as a dramatic actress. I have always loved that challenge.”
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CS: I know you will be starring in Manifest West alongside your sister. What was it like filming with her?
AK: “We had the best time. It was funny because in real life I try to be a role model to her, but in this film I am actually the bad influence friend, so that was definitely acting. There was even one scene where we ran around and caused trouble and sprayed each other with coke bottles, and I think we both forgot we were on camera and just had a blast laughing and being sisters.”
CS: Manifest West comes out on November 11th. Can you tell us a little bit about the film?
AK: “Yes, It’s available to pre-order now on Apple TV, but the film is about the story of a family told through the eyes of their 10-year-old daughter, Riley Hayes, played by Lexy. They move up the mountain to escape the pressures of city life as the mother starts to struggle with mental illness. Unfortunately, things start to spiral out of control until a very unexpected ending. It’s really good, and it’s a film we’re very proud to be a part of.”
CS: Can you tell us more about your character Lana, and what it was like playing this role?
AK: “It was great, because I got to be the bad girl. Lana is a little broken and tries to be cool, and she gets herself in trouble doing things she shouldn’t be doing, and takes Riley with her, but she also has a great heart under her tough exterior and is really there for her friend when it matters most.”
CS: Do you have any goals for yourself in 2023 career-wise?
AK: “Yes, I would love to release an EP, and land a great acting job on another popular show! Thank you for letting me put it in the universe!”
Let us know your thoughts on Ava Kolker by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.
Pre-save Kolker’s new single “All to Myself,” as well as her upcoming film Manifest West, and give her a follow on Instagram @avakolker and TikTok @avakolker to stay tuned on any upcoming projects.
