Avril Lavigne has earned her rockstar crown for a number of reasons: she can sing, she’s Canadian and she gives back to her fans. This fall, she also launched a project through the Avril Lavigne Foundation in support of Women’s College Hospital, a leading downtown Toronto facility that specializes in women’s care.
The Raise Your Voice campaign set up sound booths various locations around the world, allowing fans to record their own version of a verse from “Keep Holding On.” Every recording was featured on a remixed version of the song, now available oniTunes via Sony Music Canada.
The Magazine sat down to chat with Avril about the campaign, her recent album and more. Check out the full interview below!
1. What sparked your decision to start the Raise Your Voice project?
Making sure my fans are happy, healthy and giving back to their community is very important to me. So, when I heard about this special opportunity to combine my passion for music and giving back to support Women’s College Hospital, I was so excited to take part. I am also excited to be working on supporting women and children in Canada, where I am from.
2. What makes “Keep Holding On” the ideal song for this project?
Keep Holding on is a song that is very important to me. I wrote it to inspire others, to be strong and keep going, no matter challenges they might face. That theme is part of my foundation’s mission: to provide Respect, Opportunity, Choices, Knowledge and Strength to children and youth living with serious illnesses or disabilities, no matter what their circumstances. I think the song’s inspiring message of staying strong together is perfect for Raise Your Voice.
3. Having your own foundation must be incredibly rewarding. Why is it important to you to make time for charity?
My schedule is always busy with travelling, performing, interviews and lots of other stuff; but it’s the time I spend with my fans and the kids the foundation that helps remind me what it’s all about! For example, last summer I was able to go visit a summer camp the foundation supports for people with disabilities and I had so much fun getting to know them and learning about how important being able to go to camp was to them. It was what inspired the Avril Lavigne Foundation’s Camp S.T.A.R.S. (Summer Time Avril Rockstars) program, which sent 50 kids to camp this summer in the U.S. and Canada. I also loved visiting the Women’s College Hospital Foundation sound booth when I was in Toronto in August, where I got to see first-hand fans raising their voice to support the cause!
4. What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
My advice would be to be stay true to yourself and write music from your own experiences. Work hard and stay focused on your goals.
5. How would you describe your new album?
It’s a very diverse record, with so many different styles and sounds. There’s no one way to sum it up, but it’s very me, which is why it is self-titled. The record has rock songs, ballads, stripped down musical stuff, pop songs and even some electronic experimentation.
6. It is your fifth studio album. How has your musical style evolved since your debut?
This time the album is not just all songs about relationships, it covers a range of topics lyrically in addition to the diverse music styles. I really tried to express myself and go deeper.
8. Why should people get out there and support this project?
I know my fans are some of the most passionate people out there and I want them to show their support for this campaign! They have always been great about supporting my foundation’s work and giving back in their own community, which I am so thankful for. I love the idea of bringing our voices together to support Women’s College Hospital and the work that they do.
Thank you, Avril!
You can listen to the final remixed version on iTunes! All proceeds from the sales go to Women’s College Hospital.