The Motto

"The Motto" is a song by Dutch DJ and producer Tiësto and American singer and songwriter Ava Max from the former's seventh studio album, Drive (2023). The song was written by the artists, Claudia Valentina, Pablo Bowman, Sarah Blanchard, and Lostboy, who produced it with the DJ. It was released as the third single from the album for digital download and streaming in various countries by Atlantic and Musical Freedom on 4 November 2021. "The Motto" is a fusion of dance, EDM, and pop, showcasing empowering lyrics that emphasize "doing you, having a good time and letting the world know". Upon its release, the release of the song was well received by music critics, who praised the music and production of the song, the collaborative effort between the artists, and the vocal delivery of Max. At the 2022 MTV Europe Music Awards, the song received a nomination in the category for the Best Collaboration.
"The Motto" achieved commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including in Belgium, Canada, Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland. The song also reached number one on the US Billboard Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart and number two on the Dance/Electronic Songs ranking. It was certified gold in four countries as well as platinum in seven countries, including in Brazil, Portugal and the United States. The song also received double platinum certifications from Music Canada in Canada and the Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry (ZPAV) in Poland. Two official music videos for the song premiered on Tiësto's YouTube channel on 4 November 2021 and 11 March 2022, respectively. The first video depicts Tiësto and Max time traveling and partying in the 1920s, with the end being inspired by the 1980 psychological horror film The Shining.