The early 2000s brought us low-rise jeans, studded belts, and anthems like Sk8er Boi and Complicated. At the center of it all was Avril Lavigne, the Canadian teenager who turned the music world upside down with her rebellious lyrics and skater-girl image.
Two decades later, Avril’s fingerprints are still all over today’s charts. With the revival of Y2K aesthetics and the resurgence of pop-punk, a new generation of artists are openly embracing her influence—proving that her music was never just a phase.
Much like Courtney Love and Gwen Stefani before her, Avril redefined what it meant to be a woman in a male-dominated rock and pop scene. Today, artists like Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo carry her legacy forward, blending her authenticity and edge with their own unique sounds.
Let’s take a closer look at five contemporary musicians who proudly carry Avril Lavigne’s torch into the 2020s.
1. Pale Waves – Reviving the Pop-Punk Formula
The UK-based band Pale Waves has been hailed as one of the most obvious heirs to Avril’s throne. Frontwoman Heather Baron-Gracie often cites Avril as her childhood idol, and the band’s albums Who Am I? (2021) and Unwanted (2022) contain unapologetically Lavigne-inspired tracks like Without You and Reasons to Live.
Heather even admitted: “Avril is a massive inspiration. There’s no denying she was my childhood hero.”
Their music captures the emotional intensity and catchy hooks Avril pioneered, making them one of the most direct continuations of her style.
2. Olivia Rodrigo – Pop’s New Rebel Queen
When Olivia Rodrigo burst onto the scene with Sour in 2021, critics immediately pointed out the similarities to Avril’s raw teenage energy. From good 4 u to brutal, Olivia’s sound channels early-2000s pop-punk angst while bringing a Gen Z twist.
The admiration between the two artists is mutual. In 2021, Avril presented Olivia with an award at Variety’s Hitmakers Brunch, where Rodrigo said: “I am such a massive fan of you. I look up to you so much.”
Their bond symbolizes the passing of the pop-punk crown from one generation to the next.
3. Billie Eilish – Carrying the Spirit of Rebellion
Though sonically different, Billie Eilish embodies Avril’s spirit of defiance and authenticity. Like Avril, Billie became a global superstar in her teens, unafraid to challenge stereotypes or the pressures of fame.
In 2019, Billie posted a picture with Avril on Instagram with the caption: “THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME WHAT I AM.”
That confession shows just how deeply Avril’s authenticity influenced Billie’s artistry, even as she pushes into darker, more experimental territory.
4. Ashnikko – Breaking Boundaries with a Sk8er Boi Twist
Ashnikko, known for genre-blending hits and bold visuals, openly celebrates Avril’s legacy. On their mixtape Demidevil (2021), they sampled Sk8er Boi for the track L8r Boi, reinventing it for a new generation of listeners.
Ashnikko once said: “When I was younger, I thought Avril Lavigne was a bad bitch.”
By reworking Avril’s classics and fusing them with hip-hop and electronic sounds, Ashnikko proves that Avril’s rebellious DNA adapts to every new wave of music.
5. Rina Sawayama – From Fan to Superstar
Japanese-British artist Rina Sawayama blends pop, rock, and experimental sounds in ways that echo Avril’s early work. In fact, Rina once revealed her music career began after seeing Avril on TV at age 12, which inspired her to learn guitar.
Her impromptu 2021 cover of I’m With You further highlighted just how much Avril shaped her musical identity. Today, Rina’s fusion of nostalgic pop-punk with futuristic electropop feels like a natural evolution of Avril’s influence.
Why Avril Lavigne’s Influence Endures
So why does Avril still matter?
- Nostalgia Meets Authenticity: Her music captures the angst of youth but remains timeless.
- A Gateway Artist: Avril introduced millions to punk, emo, and alternative rock.
- Cultural Icon: From fashion to attitude, she shaped the Y2K aesthetic now making a massive comeback.
Her legacy continues not just through her own new music but through the fresh voices of today’s stars. As pop-punk enjoys its renaissance, Avril’s presence is louder than ever—reminding us that rebellion never goes out of style.
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