Courtesy photo

Few pop stars are as polarizing as Avril Lavigne. Lavigne, who rose to fame with hits like “Complicated,” “I'm With You” and “Girlfriend,” has been embraced by some for her rebellious, outspoken ways. Meanwhile, she is reviled by others for being combative, not to mention a mediocre — to put it kindly — songwriter. It's safe to say, those in the former category will flock to Verizon Wireless Amphitheater for Lavigne's show on Sunday, April 27, while the latter will likely scoff that people would pay money to see her. 210SA and a throng of media recently chatted with Lavigne before her tour officially kicked off.

What brought about more confidence for you onstage?

A lot of people don't know this about me, but I'm actually shy around people I don't know. The first tour, I didn't really talk on stage. I was just like, “thank you.” Now I kind of work a crowd. I've played so many shows now, and it's been five years, that I've kind of learned how to talk to an audience. The longer you do anything, the more you learn it and feel comfortable. I've always been comfortable singing, but being a performer is a totally different thing.

Sum 41 is playing some shows in your area during the tour. Is that a coincidence? (Lavigne's husband, Derrick Whibley, is the front man for Sum 41)

That would be a coincidence.

Do you worry about getting comparisons to Britney and Christina with dancing (in your live set)?

No, because my songs aren't bubble gum pop dance songs. I don't have background dancers, and I'm not wearing a microphone on my head. I'm playing guitar and piano.

How might you approach another record in terms of creative control and doing what you want to do and not having (record label) people bugging you anymore?

I don't have an A&R (Artists and Repertoire) guy. I A&R my own records, and I'm glad because I basically went in the studio (for her newest album, The Best Damn Thing) and I told my manager and my record company that nobody could hear anything until I was done. So I was literally in the studio racking up studio bills for six months and no one heard anything, which I'm sure made them very nervous. And finally, I was just like, “I don't want to play anything for anyone because I don't want to hear anyone's opinions or thoughts. I don't want it to mess up what I'm thinking,” and I wanted to be clear on what songs I thought were best and what I thought needed to make the record, and what I thought were the singles.

Do you keep in touch with your husband by phone or e-mail?

Yes, of course. E-mail, phone and, you know, a lot of airplane rides back-and-forth trying to visit each other. But what we love to do is music and tour, and we have a good, strong relationship.

CLINT HALE | 210SA contributor