Lucy Fitzgerald 
“Running on Empty” by Ava Valianti captures a delicate kind of honesty that feels both personal and quietly powerful. At just 16, Ava already knows how to tap into nostalgia without getting lost in it. Her voice carries a softness that’s steady and real, letting each lyric land with meaning. She paints scenes like childhood sleepovers in purple pajamas and camping out in backyard tents, slowly moving into the bittersweet space of growing up and drifting apart.
The production doesn’t overcomplicate anything. There’s a gentle blend of guitar, atmospheric synths, and a calm rhythm that gives Ava’s vocals room to breathe. It all comes together in a way that feels warm and human, like a memory you didn’t realize you missed. Personally, I found the track quietly moving. It made me pause and reflect in a way that felt completely unforced. There’s a sincerity here that hits in a subtle but lasting way.
“Running on Empty” is the kind of song you’ll want to come back to, especially when the world feels a little too loud. It’s soft-spoken but never small, and it says everything it needs to without shouting. Ava Valianti has a clear sense of who she is, and it shows in the ease of her delivery and the care in her writing. Make sure to follow Ava Valianti, add “Running on Empty” to your favorite playlist, and keep an ear out for more. Her voice deserves space in your rotation, especially when you need a quiet moment to reconnect with your thoughts. Don’t let this one slip past you — give it a real listen and see where it takes you.
Listening to songs so you don’t have to! Just kidding :D, you totally should. Music blogger by day, nurse by night
