Avalon Stone Releases “Cliffhanger”
What was the creative process like for this particular single?
“Cliffhanger” was written in the mountains of Spain, and the process was truly unique. I was collaborating with two amazing songwriters that I had just met, and we were inspired by the title “Cliffhanger.” We only had a few hours to craft it and it was one of those moments where the music and lyrics flowed naturally. I was dealing with a lot of personal uncertainty at the time, and that feeling of being on the edge really resonated with me. It’s also the first track we’ve recorded with our drummer, Tyler Shea, which brought a fresh energy to the song.
Could you discuss the lyrical themes or messages conveyed in "Cliffhanger?"
“Cliffhanger” is all about that intense moment of indecision in a relationship where you’re torn between holding on and letting go. It’s based on the same relationship I described in “Shaking Me Up,” but now it’s about facing the choice to leave or stay. It explores the fear of falling and the desperation to hold onto the vision of what could be, even when you know it’s not healthy. It’s that point where you’re clinging to the wall, knowing you can’t stay there forever, but also not ready to make the jump. It’s about being stuck and scared but also hopeful for change.
What impact do you hope this song will have on your audience?
I hope “Cliffhanger” resonates with anyone who has felt that push and pull of a difficult relationship or situation. It’s a vulnerable place to be, feeling like you’re on the edge and unsure of what to do next. I want this song to be a companion for those moments of uncertainty, to let people know that they’re not alone in feeling stuck. I hope it empowers listeners to confront those difficult choices and find the strength to make the leap when they’re ready.
How do you continuously grow and evolve as an artist?
I’m constantly challenging myself to step outside my comfort zone, whether that’s experimenting with new sounds, collaborating with different musicians, or exploring new themes in my writing. I try to stay curious and open to learning, and I’m not afraid to confront my own fears and insecurities through my music. I think personal growth and artistic growth go hand in hand, so as I work on my own mental health and explore new experiences, it naturally feeds into my evolution as an artist. I’m always pushing to be more honest and authentic in what I create.
Do you have any memorable on-stage moments or performances that stand out to you?
There are so many, but one that has stuck with me the most was when I played a sold out show in Toronto after being awake for 25 hours and jet lagged from my same-day travel from Spain. I was so nauseous that I threw up before going on, and played my guitar so hard that I bled all over it. There was so much amazing intense energy in the room and it really proved to me that I am more than willing, even eager, to literally bleed for this.
