
Call Her Daddy
"I think that some people may not know. Like I love that you said, like when you walked into those meetings, people were like, how is like a 15, 16 year old girl trying to write? Like here, let us give you writers and like just go sing, sweetie." — Alex Cooper
"I think my whole life is like weird because of it. Like, everything I do, you're in public, so you just like do weird things. Like, there's people walking, so you just kind of turn, or like, you're not just gonna stand there, you know?" — Avril Lavigne
"I think the shows are gonna be super fun. I'm stoked to be going back out on tour. My seventh world tour and I'm like, so grateful to like, be from a tiny little town, you know, playing hockey, skateboarding and to have been able to like, write music and to have it be successful internationally and to have like, to still be doing my thing today." — Avril Lavigne
The episode features an in-depth conversation between host Alex Cooper and pop-rock artist Avril Lavigne. Lavigne reflects on her extensive career, spanning over 20 years, and attributes her longevity to an unwavering commitment to authenticity in her music and personal style. She recounts her upbringing in a small Canadian town, her early passion for music, and the challenges of navigating the industry as a young songwriter, particularly when faced with pressure to conform to more polished or manufactured sounds. Lavigne emphasizes that her angsty and emotionally resonant early work, while sometimes perceived as purely sad or angry, was a genuine reflection of her teenage experiences and resonated with an audience seeking music that mirrored their own complex emotions.
The discussion delves into Lavigne's evolution as an artist and person, touching upon her iconic fashion choices, her approach to songwriting, and her openness about personal experiences, including difficult periods and relationships. She addresses the "Melissa" conspiracy theory with humor and grace, dismissing it as a product of internet speculation. Lavigne also shares insights into her current creative endeavors, including an upcoming greatest hits album and tour, and her aspirations to explore other creative fields like film. Throughout the conversation, there's a strong theme of self-acceptance and the power of staying true to oneself, even in the face of industry pressures.
The interview highlights Lavigne's artistic process, from writing hit songs like "Complicated" and "I'm With You" to her early days of experimenting with guitar and writing her own lyrics. She expresses gratitude for her fans and the journey her music has taken them on, viewing her songs as time capsules that evoke memories and emotions. The conversation concludes with Lavigne's excitement for her upcoming tour and her desire to continue creating music that connects with people on an emotional level, while also looking forward to exploring new creative horizons.