Off The Record with Dolly Ave

There are some artists you discover and immediately feel like you were supposed to find them. Dolly Ave is one of those people.

A Vietnamese-American singer-songwriter originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Dolly has spent the last few years quietly and deliberately building something undeniable.

Now, Dolly is back with her sophomore era, and she arrived louder. Bad Brain, her first single off the upcoming album, is a 90s-tinged, indie-rock gut punch about frustration, self-doubt, and ultimately, acceptance. It’s the kind of song that makes you feel less alone in your own head. The full album follows a journey from anxiety and grief to self-discovery and self-love, touching on mental health, her relationship to music, her sexuality, and what it means to want everything and nothing all at once.

She’s also one of the very few Asian women carving out space in rock and alt right now. And she’s not just making music in this community, she’s building infrastructure for it.

We got the chance to connect with Dolly and dig a little deeper.

Early Life and Finding the Lens

You grew up Vietnamese-American in Missouri as one of the only Asian kids in school. When you think back on that version of yourself, what did she want that she didn’t have words for yet?

She wanted to belong. I tried to blend in as much as possible and had a hard time adjusting as a child. Eventually I learned the importance of individuality and now am confident in my skin.

Before you were a recording artist, you were a live music photographer, shooting Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, Migos. What did being on the other side of the lens teach you about the kind of artist you wanted to become?

Being behind the lens unintentionally prepared me for my journey as a musician. Knowing how production is run, the power of branding, and being able to utilize these skills into my artistry has been helpful.

The Sophomore Era and “Bad Brain”

Your sophomore album is described as “a bold statement of resilience”. How does it feel different from Sleep, sonically, emotionally, creatively?

I was still a baby when I put together my first EP. I’m so glad I get to revisit that time when I press play. That project was an unfiltered version of myself. I would record in a closet, work with anyone around, and put the first take out. My sophomore album is everything I’ve learned over the years to get to where I am now. It’s a mature, more refined version of myself. I explored R&B and pop and found I truly fit right at home in the indie world.

“Bad Brain” opens with this tension of complaining that life won’t go your way while also knowing everybody wants what you bring. Where did that push-and-pull come from?

When I started out, I was only responsible for myself. Now there are a lot of moving parts and people who put their trust in me to perform, provide answers, and create results. That added pressure was hard to manage at the time. I’ve learned that while I want to be everywhere all at once it’s an impossible task. Making my health (mental and physical) a priority allows me to be a better leader and creates a positive chain reaction for my team to be at their best too.

You wrote “it’s like a part of me died, but I’m along for the ride”. That’s such a specific kind of grief, not dramatic, just existing through it. What were you sitting with when that line came out?

This line is about acceptance of the uncertainty of my future. I can’t explain why I am drawn to this path so I’ll blame it on it being chemical. I have a bad brain and that’s all there is to it.

Taking Up Space

You’re one of the very few Asian women making noise in rock and alt spaces right now. You’ve described choosing to make loud, emotionally raw, edgy music as a radical act within your community. With “Bad Brain” finally out in the world and the album dropping very soon, does that feel like a weight you’re carrying, or has it become something freeing?

It’s freeing to let what is close to your heart out into the open for others to hold onto and make it their own. The only way to connect with others is to share your world with them. That’s the beauty of music.

You produced an AAPI Women in Music summit with Converse, Donner Music, and The Broad Museum. What does it mean to you to be building infrastructure for this community, not just making music in it?

Community is the heart of everything. It’s easy to feel that you may not have all the tools or a wide enough audience to make any sort of impact, but you have everything you need. We all crave a sense of belonging. I have a platform, why not use it?

You’re performing at Anime Expo, embarking on your first headlining tour this July, and releasing new music throughout the rest of this year. What does it feel like to be in this chapter, with this much momentum, after years of quietly building the record?

It feels right, honestly. Everyone’s goals are different but for me taking time away is necessary. Most importantly, I was able to experience life. I spent those years (yes, improving on my craft) but I was making memories, reading, and connecting with people. I am able to write songs because I am able to draw from real life experiences. What am I going to write about if I’m in the studio every day? Maybe I’m selfish, but I want it all. I want friends, family, a love life, travel, cooking, art, rest, and a fulfilling career. I’m all about balance and I can proudly say I am happy.

Looking Ahead to the “Don’t Wanna Turn Back” Tour

Dolly Ave is proof that the best things take time, intention, and the courage to take up space. The rest of 2026 is only getting bigger for her, and trust us, there is a lot more coming.

She’ll be hitting the road for her first headlining tour, “Don’t Wanna Turn Back” this summer with West Coast dates in July then East Coast dates in August.

Follow Dolly at @dollyave and stream Bad Brain out now on all streaming platforms.