Flowers, not showers for Avril
Avril Lavigne has gone through a few changes since she released her last CD three years ago.
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 “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 21-year-old pop-punk princess had lost her edge will find reassurance in the title of new album – “The Best Damn Thing” – and its first single, “Girlfriend,” about taking someone else’s guy.
Q: How has getting married changed you?
A: I don’t feel like marriage has really changed me that much; just personally, in my personal life, I’m really happy.
Q: You’re new album is very upbeat – does that reflect your mood?
A: My vision was to make a fun record all the way tough, energetic, poppy and catchy but still a rock record, so that’s what I did. So I went in the studio and had a really good time, and the songs are so me, and it’s fun, it’s like a party CD … it’s like a summer CD, that’s what it’s like to me..
Q: Your husband worked with you on two songs. Had you two always planned to work together?
A: No, I didn’t plan on working with Deryck. … He was producing his record, so he was already in the studio. I’m glad he got to be a part of it. We have very similar styles and we like a lot of the same music, and he’s really good.
Q: You’ve actually done high-fashion modeling spreads – a big change from your tomboy image. How are you evolving fashion-wise?
A: As I’ve gotten older, I appreciate fashion a bit more and experiment a bit more. Now I am at the age where I will wear a dress. Before I didn’t want to. … I have done a few fashion spreads in “Harper’s Bazaar,” “W,’ and all that stuff just to try it out, but I don’t actually dress like that. Once in a while I’ll put on a dress maybe if I am going to a premiere or something.
Q: People kind of have an image of you as a very spunky, in-your-face kind of girl. Have you mellowed at all?
A: I’ve changed a ton, I’ve grown up, I’m wiser. I’m still the same girl. I’m just an older version. I’ve always been honest, and I’ve always totally been me. … I’m true to myself, and I think that is what a lot of the fans liked about me.
The birthday bunch
Actor Lee Majors (“Six Million Dollar Man”) is 68. Actress Blair Brown is 59. Actress Joyce DeWitt (“Three’s Company”) is 58. Director Michael Moore is 53. Actress Valerie Bertinelli is 47. Comedian George Lopez is 46. Actress Melina Kanakaredes (“Providence”) is 40. Actor Scott Bairstow (“Party of Five”) is 37.