Friday, May 2, 2025

Ava Max announces third album, "Don't Press Play"

Pop artist Ava Max announced her third studio album, "Don't Click Play," available for streaming on Aug. 22. The singer made the announcement via her Instagram. 

The album, originally titled "Made From Scratch," marks Max's first full-length release since her 2023 album "Diamonds & Dancefloors." 

The singer announced the project through a mysterious website that allowed fans to preview snippets of upcoming music after signing a digital petition. Here fans can also preview, "Lovin' Myself", which is expected to be the second single of the album. 

Max's third album was initially scheduled for late 2024 but was delayed to 2025. According to the singer, the postponement allowed her to create a more cohesive project that better reflects her artistic vision. 

Max told Energy News Berlin, "I've personally been through so much again this year [and] it's been an even bigger emotional ride than last year. This year was one of the best and one of the worst years of my life. I went through something that I'm talking about on the third album."

Max rose to international fame with her 2018 hit "Sweet but Psycho," which topped charts in 22 countries. Her previous albums include "Heaven & Hell" (2020) and "Diamonds & Dancefloors" (2023).

Chatting with celebrity stylist, Parker Blaine

Parker Blaine courtesy of Parker Blaine


Parker Blaine Noreiga, better known as Parker Blaine, is a celebrity stylist and influencer based in Los Angeles. She began her styling business in 2016, and her clients include pop stars like Ava Max, Leah Kate and Ariana Grande.

How do you establish a unique style for each client while still keeping them on-trend?

I love this question! I would say it's about finding that sweet spot between the client's personal aesthetic and current trends. I spend a lot of time getting to know my client's aesthetic by listening to their music, looking at their socials, just getting to know their general vibe.

Then, I see what event I am styling for. A music video shoot might have a different feel than an awards show. And of course, I always have tons of options for my clients to choose from.

Would you say social media has changed the way you approach styling? 

Kind of. In this business, it's important to think of how these looks will translate on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. It's kind of like added pressure. But also, it gives me a chance to see feedback on my looks. I can see what looks the fans really respond to, and which looks they might not love as much.

 How do you source pieces for major events like award shows?

Leah Kate courtesy of Parker Blaine
For big events, we're usually working 2-3 months in advance, reaching out to designers or working on custom pieces.

I prepare for award season all year honestly. I see something at fashion week, and I'm like, oh that would be perfect for so and so, and I keep it saved in an album on my phone.

What about creating looks for artists on tour? Is it a similar process? 

Yes and no. Yes, in the sense that I still plan months in advance and try to capture the client's aesthetic. But, tour looks are much more involved. With a onetime event, it's a little easier to get away with uncomfortable or even impractical fashion, if that makes sense.

With a tour, I have to make sure the wardrobe can function consistently for months, and most importantly, the client feels comfortable moving around. 

Plus, I'm generally working with more people than just the client, people like creative directors, choreographers, set design. We all work together to execute the client's vision for their tour.

Currently, what look are you obsessed with?

Hmm. Right now, I'm obsessed with the look I created for Ava Max recently. It's very bold; leather, boots, fire, all of it. It's for her album "Don't Click Play" which is out in August.


Ava Max announces third album, "Don't Press Play"

Pop artist Ava Max announced her third studio album, "Don't Click Play," available for streaming on Aug. 22. The singer made t...