“So this summer, I went to camp and there was this girl in camp with me who was a really good singer.”

And with this unconventional introduction, the music of Evanson singer/songwriter, Ava Suppelsa, was brought to my attention.

Suppelsa, a self taught guitarist, began performing live at the age of 13 and has gone on to receive national recognition for her songwriting. It was clear from an early age that she saw her future in music and at the young age of 16 she decided to move to Michigan to enroll in the in the esteemed Interlochen Arts Academy Singer/Songwriter program.

2014 saw the talented guitarist selected as one of the Young Arts Finalists, a national competition that would provide her with the opportunities to perform with Josh Groban, Desmond Child, among others. Further honours followed and she would go on to be lauded by the Great American Songwriting Contest and the International Songwriting Contest.

Suppelsa was also accepted into the esteemed music college of Berkelee College of Music and spent two years studying as double major in songwriting and music business. While living in Boston she began to develop a reputation by gigging in the locality and she eventually began to become known as one of the leading up-and-coming artists in the New England area.

Last year, Suppelsa decided to take another step on her musical journey, and at the age of 19 she decided to move to Nashville to work as a full time musician.

2017 also saw the release of her debut eponymous EP. A collection of four wonderfully crafted folk songs that expertly demonstrate the ability of the songwriter.

He Told Me

This remains my favourite song by the artist. A gritty and attitude-filled song about taunting your ex’s new lover. There is a darkness and a confidence to the writing on this song that remind me of something that Laura Marling would produce, and that is one of the highest compliments I can pay.

A Lot Like Me

It’s very difficult to listen to the second song on this EP and not relate to it. A Lot Like Me investigates the passage of time and how nostalgia can be triggered by the smallest little things as you get older. Through the lyrics, Suppelsa takes you on a detailed walk through her house as she reveals every memory from her childhood home. Excellent.

This Time

The third track on the album is another heartfelt depiction of the effects that a failing relationship can have on a person. That feeling where you have done your best for someone and yet they choose to leave and not return, despite the promises. There’s a beautiful fragility to Suppelsa‘s vocals and lyrics on this song, making every word out of the singer/songwriters mouth utterly believable.

Finish Line

Finish Line is the definitive Ava Suppelsa song. An honest and revealing exploration into the struggle of alcoholism and the affects that it can have on a family make this song a captivating listen from the beginning.

It is clear from this offering that Suppelsa has the requisite talent to forge a successful career in music, and I for one look forward to hearing more from her. If the tracks that have been appearing on her personal Soundcloud account in the last while are anything to go by, the new stuff will be well worth the wait.

MK