AVRIL LAVIGNE
RELEASES FIRST NEW MUSIC IN FIVE YEARS
“HEAD ABOVE WATER”
(Toronto, September 19, 2018) – With more than 40 million albums sold, eight Grammy nominations, and 6 JUNO Award wins, global recording superstar Avril Lavigne released her first new music in five years today. Preceded by a heartfelt letter to her fans on social media last week, “Head Above Water” details the personal side of Avril’s journey through her widely reported ongoing battle with Lyme Disease. The singer co-wrote the song, which hinges on stark piano chords and her powerhouse vocals, sharing the most intimate look at her experience and how she has emerged stronger than ever. Released by BMG, the song is available to stream and download now HERE.
“One night, I thought I was dying, and I had accepted that I was going to die. My mom laid with me in bed and held me. I felt like I was drowning. Under my breath, I prayed, ‘God, please help to keep my head above the water.’ In that moment, the song writing of this album began. It was like I tapped into something. It was a very spiritual experience. Lyrics flooded through me from that point on,” said Avril.
Healthline reports that Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria and can cause several serious symptoms including fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, Bell’s palsy, numbness in the extremities, meningitis, and even heart problems.
Lavigne says that although the moment was terrifying, it helped her create the emotional music in her new album. “In that moment, the songwriting of this album began. It was like I tapped into something. It was a very spiritual experience. Lyrics flooded through me from that point on.”
The lyrics are very emotional and inspiring. “God, keep my head above water. Don’t let me drown, it gets harder. I’ll meet you there at the altar. As I fall down to my knees.”
In April this year, Lavigne made her first red carpet appearance in over two years. At that time she told ET, “I have my life back, which is amazing. It’s something that I continue to work at every day.” At that time she also talked about how her experience on the board of directors for the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis inspired her to start her own foundation, The Avril Lavigne Foundation, which helps people with serious illnesses and special needs. But her illness had prevented her from doing as much as she wanted. “So, it’s been years. Since then, I’ve actually got Lyme disease, so it’s actually been a few years since I’ve been able to make it to the gala. So tonight, I’m here and I’m feeling much better. All around, it’s more meaningful for me to be here.”
Coinciding with the music release, Avril continues to bring forth the strong message of Head Above Water through The Avril Lavigne Foundation. The Foundation recently launched a charitable t-shirt campaign that will raise funds to directly impact individuals affected by Lyme that wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford treatment. Feeling the need to bring awareness to the severity of Lyme Disease, Avril and her Foundation have made the EXCLUSIVE #HeadAboveWater charitable t-shirt available below or by visiting http://www.TheAvrilLavigneFoundation.org.
The Avril Lavigne Foundation supports people with Lyme Disease, serious illness or disabilities. Through programs and grants, it provides funding, education and encouragement for its beneficiaries.
Avril Lavigne open's up about her struggle with Lyme Disease with an ABC exclusive