Apple Music appoints AViVA as latest Up Next Australian artist

Apple Music has announced Australian alternative breakout AViVA as the next artist to be featured in its local Up Next program.

AViVA, who first gained exposure with the release of her 2017 single ‘GRRRLS’, recently made her debut on Island Records Australia with new track ‘Melancholy’, a suitably morose cut that showcases her songwriting smarts and edgy alt-pop demeanour.

As part of her inclusion in the program, the Sydney-born artist will be spotlighted on Apple Music’s Australian Up Next playlist, a genre-agnostic selection of tracks compiled by the streaming service’s global editors.

‘Melancholy’ has also received editorial playlisting in Best New Songs, while her other tracks have been featured across Apple playlists such as A-List Pop, NMD, ALT CTRL, Future Hits, Alt Pop and Breaking Pop.

Reflecting on the new release, AViVA said that ‘Melancholy’ was an empowering track and highlighted the poignance of the song’s lyrics.

“‘Melancholy’ sounds different from the outset because it’s about being in that moment of sadness, which is different from the usual mood of my songs. That being said, it doesn’t change the intent. The line ‘things will never be the same’ stands out to me because I see it as a moment of empowerment,” AViVA said.

“No matter what has happened, what you or I may have experienced we’ll never be the same because we’re growing, and learning, and becoming stronger for it. Things will never be the same, and that’s a good thing.”

Last month, Apple Music announced that Sycco and MAY-A would join its Up Next program for August, providing both artists with editorial and marketing support across the streaming service.

Other local acts to be inducted into the program include Budjerah, KYE, Kedus, Peach PRC and Amy Shark, while past international acts to be featured include Juice WRLD, Clairo, Billie Eilish, Megan Thee Stallion and 6LACK.