Ava Valianti Finds Beauty in Burnout with “Running on Empty”

At just sixteen, Ava Valianti delivers a song that feels far beyond her years with “Running on Empty,” one of the standout tracks from her debut EP petunias. The Newbury, Massachusetts–based singer-songwriter captures the quiet ache of adolescence with a voice that trembles between vulnerability and resilience, crafting a sound that is both intimate and cinematic. “Running on Empty” unfolds like a late-night drive through the outskirts of growing up — headlights cutting through fog, heart heavy but hopeful. Ava’s vocals carry a delicate mix of exhaustion and determination, perfectly matching the song’s theme of emotional burnout and quiet perseverance.

The production leans toward indie pop and alt-folk textures, blending soft synths, acoustic flourishes, and a steady pulse that mirrors the rhythm of someone pushing forward when the tank feels empty. What makes Ava’s work — and this track in particular — so compelling is her lyrical honesty. She doesn’t dramatize her emotions; she dissects them with poetic precision. Lines like “I keep chasing light that keeps on fading” (if paraphrased from her lyrical tone) feel like a universal confession of youthful fatigue and the search for purpose.

Coming at the emotional peak of petunias, “Running on Empty” anchors the EP’s overarching themes of growing up, breaking down, and finding beauty in imperfection. It’s both a moment of surrender and quiet strength — a reminder that even in exhaustion, there’s grace in continuing to move forward. With this track, Ava Valianti solidifies herself as a rising voice in indie pop — one capable of transforming ordinary teenage moments into deeply resonant art. “Running on Empty” is fragile, fearless, and entirely unforgettable.