New York is a city built on culture and diversity. The influences of its many inhabitants have lead to a myriad of clubs supporting a thriving exploratory electronic scene. Avision is an artist, fortunate to grow up around the rich club culture on offer with his sonic fingerprint influenced by the sounds around him. Now having honed his skills, he finds himself helping usher in a new wave of techno.
Avision started the turntables at age 12. His preference for a more mature sound lead to his first residency in New Jersey aged 15. However, since then his rise to the top has been nothing short of meteoric. Gigs at The Brooklyn Mirage, Output, Flash Factory, Schimanski and the Mixmag Lab in NYC. As well as Stereo in Montreal, Nest in Toronto, Space & Heart in Miami & festivals like ADE, Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas and Electric Zoo have made him a force to be reckoned with.
In order to understand this astounding rise to the top, we decided to pin the NY DJ down to discuss his formula for success.
You are a product of NYC. How does the US scene and in particular NYC compare to European cities?
I think New York is pretty comparable to European cities, although the scene is a bit larger in Europe. I would say New York has scaled down a bit with clubs but there is still a lot going on with some pretty amazing events all year round. The city (Manhattan) itself doesn’t have anything really going on in the underground world. I truly miss going into the city as things have shifted more to Brooklyn. I hope the city gets back to having something, New York could really use it.
NYC has been home to several iconic dance institutions over the years; Studio 54, Limelight and Output, which recently shut its doors. These venues have been instrumental in creating generations of dancers. Do you think venues and the wider culture of underground music should get more protection from the government?
I highly believe the underground music scene should get more protection from the government. The underground is where everyone is allowed to be themselves, to let themselves go, to enjoy the culture, and more importantly the music. The underground is what inspires the mainstream, and without that protection, it limits the next generation. It’s crazy how things have changed around here within the last 6 years. I do feel like things need time to breathe and it will come back stronger.
Last week saw the release of your latest EP on Alan Fitzpatrick’s, ‘We Are The Brave’. Can you give us your 3 golden tips to producing & signing a track or EP?
Of course.
First Create Your Own Sound – Creating your own unique sound is important when signing a track/EP. It is a different ball game when you create a sound that different labels want and being different/having your own sound is what will separate you from the rest of the artists.
Second, Patience – having patience with your music is probably the biggest thing. You shouldn’t settle for an okay label, you should want the best to be a part of your name/brand. It’s important to know when your sound is ready to be heard for the masses and having patience with the shopping process is important. Some labels answer in a day, and most answer within the month. It’s important you build a connection with the label boss or A&R.
Finally, Promotion- I think this is one of the most important pieces of releasing a record. After all is done, and you signed your project, it’s important to see what the label is offering. As well as knowing what you have to put into promo on your own. Backing yourself up with your own marketing/promo is what will push your release to the next level, and it is needed to stay relevant in today’s world!
We have seen you will be at attendance at this year’s ADE event as part of the ADE panels as well as DJing at Dockyard Festival. Is ADE an essential date for anyone looking to pursue a career in dance music & what does it mean to be asked to be involved?
Yes, I am super excited for ADE this year! ADE is without a doubt an essential date for anyone trying to pursue a career in dance music. Everyone in the industry is there, and it is important to map out what you want to do for the week. It means a lot to me to be a part of such a massive event and I really can’t wait to experience it again! Last year was my first year going and it showed me how much it can change someone trying to get into the industry. There is so much to do in a week span, and all of the panels are super helpful for anyone looking to learn. I highly recommend it!
The life of a DJ is not always as glamorous as it appears, like any job it can have it’s up’s and downs. Is there a moment or story in your career that stands out for one reason or another?
Of course, anytime I’ve been delayed or canceled in the airport, and there’s been a couple of times unfortunately where I’ve missed a gig because of it. There is nothing more frustrating than that moment where you don’t have control over the situation, and I don’t wish it on anyone. At the end of the day I signed up for this, and I truly love what I do. There can be a lot of worse situations in the world, and I try to see the good in everything.
You have just completed a gruelling summer tour playing with heavyweight names likes of Paco Osuna. During these periods away how do you keep yourself mentally and physically fit?
Yes, I had an amazing summer! I think what keeps me grounded is everyone at home, my girlfriend, family, and friends help with keeping me mentally fit. I think it can be hard at times being on the road, but when you get on that stage there is no better feeling. After the gig is where it can get lonely sometimes, and I can see how some guys get a little crazy on the road. Physically, I think it’s important to not become the party. I love to have fun and get into my set especially when I’m with friends but I never overdo it. I think not partying hard is what makes my travel a bit easier, because there is nothing worse than being on a plane hungover.
If you were programming your ultimate festival line up and you could pick 5 artists to play who would they be and why?
If I could program my ultimate festival line-up and I could pick any 5 artists to play it would be:
- Larry Levan – Larry was a major influence in the early NYC dance club scene (70’s – 80’s) his production credits along with being the resident of the infamous Paradise Garage are enough to say why he is one of my favorites. He is also responsible for inspiring most if not all of the major NYC dj’s.
- Junior Vasquez (Soundfactory Set) – The name speaks for itself, to say he is a legend is an understatement. I picked Junior specifically to play a set he would play at the original Soundfactory. From what I heard his sets were unreal, and timeless. I only wish I was able to see this at the time, but that is the reason why I would love to see it on a big stage at my ultimate festival lol.
- Danny Tenaglia (Club Vinyl Set) – If there is one thing to know about Danny Tenaglia it was his sets at “Vinyl”. I unfortunately was too young to experience this, but from what I’ve heard and listened to that era was all about Danny. Those years are what created the legend he is today.
- Victor Calderone (Crobar Set)- Having the opportunity to have Vic as my mentor has been nothing but amazing. If there is one club he has always talked about it has been Crobar (NYC). From what I’ve heard, these early morning to late night sets were off the charts and a perfect balance from techno, tribal, and house. I wish I was old enough to experience these legendary nights that really made Victor shine through as a New York legend.
- Carl Cox- This name speaks for itself. He is probably one of the most iconic figures in the DJ world. I’ve had the pleasure of being on Carl’s label as well as playing with him and I can’t ask for much more. He is a true pioneer for this industry.
