The Motto
by Tiesto (featuring Ava Max)

Album: Drive (2021)
Charted: 12 42
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Over Tiesto's bouncing, thumping production, Ava Max sings of splashing out the cash and knocking back the drinks in the club.

    That's the motto
    Drop a few bills and pop a few champagne bottles
    Throwin' that money like you just won the lotto


    Tiesto and Ava Max are intent on staving off sleep as long as they can.

    Believe it, we ain't got no plans to leave here
    Tell all of your friends to be here
    We ain't gonna sleep all weekend
  • When Tiesto shared the song with Ava Max, the American pop star immediately knew she wanted to jump on it. "'The Motto' is empowering," she said. "It's about not caring, doing you, having a good time, and letting the world know!"
  • Tiesto and Ava Max wrote the song with:

    Guernsey-born singer-songwriter Claudia Valentina.

    Producer Peter "Lostboy" Rycroft (Tom Grennan's "Little Bit Of Love," Griff's "Black Hole," Becky Hill's "Last Time").

    Pablo Bowman and Sarah Blanchard of the Manchester writing and production collective The Six (Louis Tomlinson's "Back to You," Marshmello & Anne-Marie's "Friends").

    Tiesto and Lostboy produced the track.
  • Claudia Valentina recorded the original version. Her unreleased demo, which leaked online on November 14, 2021, is more sweary. Tiësto reworked the track and showcased it live during his concert at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 23, 2021.
  • Christian Breslauer directed the video, which depicts Tiësto and Max traveling back in time to a 1920s-era hotel. The Florida video director's other credits include Doja Cat's "Streets," Tiesto's "The Business" and Lil Nas X's "Industry Baby."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Howard Jones

Howard JonesSongwriter Interviews

Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"They're Playing My Song

The Prince-penned "Manic Monday" was the first song The Bangles heard coming from a car radio, but "Eternal Flame" is closest to Susanna's heart, perhaps because she sang it in "various states of undress."

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Meshell Ndegeocello

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."