Interview: Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne has gone through a few changes since she released her last CD three years ago.
The 21-year-old Lavigne is now married (to fellow Canadian rocker Deryck Whibley of Sum 41). She's also a certified actress, having made her film debut in last year's flicks "Fast Food Nation" and the animated "Over the Hedge." And she's gone glam, ditching her tomboy duds for gowns and heels in high-profile modeling gigs.
But anyone concerned that the pop-punk princess had lost her edge will find reassurance in the title of her latest album: "The Best Damn Thing." And there's more attitude throughout the CD - the first single, "Girlfriend," is about taking someone else's guy.
It was Lavigne's edgy, tough-girl persona (along with the rock ditties she co-wrote) that helped to set her apart from the rest of pop's divas when she made her debut at 16 with her first album, 2002's "Let Go." It sold millions, as did her follow-up, 2004's "Under My Skin."
Now, with her third disc, Lavigne is picking up where she left off.
Q: It's been awhile since your last album. Why the break?

Avril Lavigne - Girlfrriend

Avril Lavigne Interview

why is she famous? After her first single, "Complicated," hit the airwaves, it was only a matter of time before teenage girls worldwide would start wearing neckties and wristbands. And after the release of her first album, Let Go, it seems the world couldn't get enough of this Canadian-born singer. Now, with the release of her second musical effort, Under My Skin, there's no doubt that Avril has proven that she's on the path to musical longevity.  quick bio Avril Lavigne was born in Napanee, Ontario, on September 27, 1984. By age 10, she was singing country music in competitions. Three years later, Avril began making her impact outside of Napanee, as her vocal skill won her a trip to Ottawa, to perform a duet with country music star Shania Twain.  By the time Avril reached high school, she began sending videotapes of her stage performances to labels and management companies throughout North America. Her talent eventually caught the eyes (or ears) of Nettwerk Management, an organization that fostered other such Canadian acts as Sarah McLachlan, Sum 41 and Barenaked Ladies.  Lucky for Avril, an Arista Records rep visited her at her studio and later returned with Arista CEO Antonio "LA" Reid and immediately signed the then 16-year-old to a contract.  Avril's first single, "Complicated," was released in the early spring of 2002, and began scaling the charts across the continent. The popularity of "Complicated" paved the way for the success of Avril's first full-length CD, Let Go, which debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard charts in June 2002.  Avril boasts a staggering fan base, and the media interest surrounding this young singer seems far from receding. And although Avril just recently released her second album,Under My Skin, she took time out of her busy schedule to sit down and talk with us. If you want to check out more of Avril, check out Avril-Lavigne.com.

Q: Your second album is out; tell us about how this album is different from your initial release.

I think the lyrics have more to them. It's just deeper. I'm more or less a singer/songwriter. It's more emotional and I think that it's because I'm older and can express myself better.

Avril Lavigne - What The Hell

Avril Lavigne

Biography

Avril Lavigne was born in Canada on September 27th, 1984. She spent the majority of her life growing up in the small town of Napanee, Ontario, Canada. Avril started off singing country songs for amateur producers in her home town.

At the age of 15 (1998), Avril won the chance to sing with award winning singer, Shania Twain, in front of 20,000 people. Shortly after Avril realised she wanted to follow her passion for music, and dropped out of school to move to New York. There she sang for L.A. Reid once word got around that a small town girl from Canada had moved to the city in search of a music career. Once Avril demonstrated her then raw musical skills and vocals, she was instantly signed.