Nastia‘s NECHTO records is putting on a fundraising party for Ukraine in NYC this summer. Taking place at the city’s Knockdown Center on July 1st, 2022, the rave marks the label’s first international event and features a raft of Ukrainian artists, including Nastya Muravyova, Noizar, Bejenec (live), Voin Oruwu (live), and Nastia herself.
Avision grew up around the rich club culture of New York City, and is now part of a new wave of artists defining the contemporary techno landscape.Ā He recently released his debut album In My Mind on Maceo Plexās Ellum Audio imprint, and now presents a documentary of the same name chronicling his background as an artist. Avision sat down with 6AM to discuss his new documentary celebrating the release of his debut album and New York City club culture.
You can win a vinyl copy of Avision’s debut album In My Mind by subscribing to his YouTube channel and signing-up for 6AM’s e-mail newsletter. Follow the giveaway instructions below to be entered for a chance to win.
Hey Avision! We canāt wait to learn more about you and your work as an artist. What first got you into electronic music, and at what moment did you decide you wanted to do this as a career?
Hey guys, thanks for having me! My whole life, Iāve always been surrounded by music. I grew up playing the drums and piano by ear, and I started getting into DJing around 12 years old. I was surrounded by electronic music since I was born, and my father who is a singer/musician was into disco and house, so it was inevitable for me to get into it. The minute I decided to start DJing in nightclubs as a teen was when I realized that this was going to be my life.
For you, what makes our dance music community so special?
For me, I always felt our music community is something you canāt explain unless youāve experienced it. Itās a really beautiful moment when you can bring people of all kinds together on a dance floor, and create memories for everyone.
Congratulations on your debut, In My Mind, on Maceo Plex’s Ellum label. Walk us through your inspiration behind the album. Ā
Thank you very much. In My Mind was written during the pandemic, so a lot of emotion was bottled up for me. A lot of the inspiration came from New York in the 90s, along with everything that surrounds me. It was super important to represent where Iām from and the sound Iāve established over the years. Working with Maceo Plex is something I’ve been wanting for a long time, and to be apart of his Ellum family means a lot to me. Being that Maceo gave me the green light to do whatever I wanted to do, I was really on a mission to put out a sound that you haven’t heard from me before – something that plays along with my past and also represents my future. Working with Ellum is a blessing, and I can’t wait to do more with them.Ā
Alongside the album, you were featured in your own documentary filmed and produced by Danny Drew. Thatās pretty sweet. What was the process like making the film? What sparked the idea?
The documentary was something I wanted to put out to show the process behind everything, give my followers the story of how it started for me. A lot of artists tend to just put out music without any background or story, and I felt since this was my album I needed to tell the story that led me to where I am at today. I wanted to show another side of myself. Starting it off in Staten Island where I was born and spent my childhood, was such an amazing moment for me. It made me feel like I went back in time, all of the childhood memories came back to me, and I felt like a little kid again. Those moments transpired to where I am today, especially the moments that I had at the two clubs (Deko, and Club Abyss) that started my career, going back to the rooms that started it all was such an amazing moment.
āThis documentary is all about showing how it started for me.Ā From my first club gigs, to the inspiration of the first track I wrote for my album, it captures the little details that played a huge part for me so far in my career.Ā I wanted to pay homage to my beginnings, and I wanted everyone to know who I am as an artist and a person.ā
In your opinion, why is it important to remember our roots?
Remembering our roots is so important as an artist. Itās a constant reminder to where it all started, why you are who you are. The beginnings of every journey play a part, and for me my childhood made me the man I am today.Ā
Tell us a little more about the new brand collective that youāve launched, Ground Rule.Ā
Ground Rule is a collective I started to be an outlet for clothing, music, art and my party brand as well. The collective features many key parts in my life – youāll see a lot of baseball influence, a lot of New York old school vibes with music, and clothing. My goal is to tie in the fashion, music, the branding and art to all work together but still be its own entity. I wanted an outlet to show whatās inspired me over the years, as well as an outlet to push quality over anything. I feel like this day and age everything is so disposable and I donāt want that with Ground Rule. It will take me time, and Iām going to start off at my own pace for now. There is a really big picture with this, and I plan to approach it differently then the average norm. We just had our first show in New York, and I couldn’t have been happier. Everything just felt right for me, and it makes me excited to start planning the next one!
I think the biggest lesson Iāve learned is thereās never going to be a moment where I feel like ‘I made it’, thereās always bigger, and better.
Stay hungry!
From when you first started to now, what has been one of your greatest lessons?Ā
I think the biggest lesson Iāve learned is thereās never going to be a moment where I feel like āI made itā, thereās always bigger, and better. My career has changed immensely over the last few years and if I told myself where I would be right now two years ago, I would have thought that was it – I finally did it. In all reality though, I donāt ever see myself saying that anymore because there is so much more to do, and so much more I want. At the end of the day itās about staying hungry.Ā
Any advice you have for aspiring DJs and producers?Ā
Stay humble, work your ass off, donāt let anyone ever tell you that you canāt do something. Push your talent, and back it with hard work. Lastly, care about your craft, and learn it to the best of your ability.Ā Do it properly!
What are you looking forward to most in the future? Any new music or other projects on the horizon?
Iām looking forward to so much this year. I have a bunch of shows lined up for March, including Chicago, Montreal, New York, Miami Music Week, and in Austin. Iām also headed to India for the first time in the beginning of April for two shows ā one in New Dehli, and the other in Goa.Ā Musically, I just dropped my single āParty Startedā feat Strafe, which is also a part of my EP coming out on March 25th. Iām also looking forward to heading over to Europe this summer, and dropping more music!
Anything else youād like to share?Ā Ā
Keep On Dancing, Keep On Smilinā.
Enter to win a pair of tickets to Time Warp US 2021. The two-day audiovisual immersion experience will take place on November 19 – 20 at a new location in Brooklyn. Read more
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Tuesday that all COVID-related restrictions will be immediately lifted statewide now that 70% of New Yorkers over the age of 18 have received at least 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. While on the opposite coast, California introduces a digital vaccination record. What does this mean for the events world?
Everything has a beginning, and house and techno culture is no exception. Learn about the key cities around the world that have helped make house and techno a global dancefloor phenomenon. From Los Angeles to New York and across the pond, the genres changed the music landscape and have helped create a global, interconnected community.Ā Every game has important players, so it’s time to get to know some of the key cities that have contributed to the strong presence of house and techno music around the world.
For New York-based artist Ant LaRock Ā BK BrooklynĀ introduces a different essence of house music, an “at-home house” type of grooves. In the present socially isolated day, the album brings the unique Brooklyn color and hustle to everyone at home. This is truly an album of the new decade.
New York house music legend Harry Romero shows no sign of ever stopping, and how could he when his love for the genre will never die?
Harry Romeroās latest release comes in the form of a remix of the Martin Landsky classic “1000 Miles,” letting his skills shine through while paying respect to the original’s classic status. In typical Harry Romero fashion, the producer and DJ got his hands on the original and twisted it into a slice of streamlined, pumping house music. The occasion for the remix? Poker Flat’s 20 year celebration as a cutting-edge house music imprint.
One of the biggest success stories this year has come from one of the latest techno duo to emerge out of Europe: Joyhauser. Already well respected in their home country of Belgium, the two were able to gain international notoriety after a line of releases charting and being played around the world.
Joyhauser fell on 6AM’s radar after their release TribunalĀ withĀ Phobiq back in 2017. Ever since then, they have made Terminal M’s best of 2018 with their breakthrough EP C166W, a single at the beginning of 2019 called “Killer Bee,” and a spectacular remix to Amelie Lens‘ “Hypnotized” a few months later. Thanks to their work in the studio, they have gained the support from Adam Beyer, Marco Bailey, and Kevin De Vries.Ā
There’s no other artist able to distinguish themselves quite like Ellen Allien has. No one else has been able to obtain such notoriety with the unique style that she brings. Ellen has been able to differentiate herself from the rest, making her a legend in the techno community. Ellen is your favorite DJ’s favorite DJ; the influence to many artists that we look up to today. Ellen has not only started one label, but two. Besides her widely successful label Bpitch, Ellen also launched her new label UFO. Inc. last January. From having residencies across the world to being one of Berlins biggest acts, she was able to cement her presence in the techno realm.Ā Ā
That unique style mentioned is blatantly intentional in order to make sure she distinguishes herself from the rest of the herd. She has mentioned that she wouldn’t play songs that are popular. She likes to play music that no one else is, make music no one else is, and cultivates projects that no one else is doing. She’s personally involved with everything she does, there’s nothing industry about her. From her own tracks, to the festival stages she curates, Ellen has full creative involvement. Obviously, she’s had help, but she only works with close friends that understand who she is. For example, the graphic designer for Bpitch has been the same since the beginning.Ā
If you have had a chance to listen to Ellen’s sets, either live or on YouTube, you are able to tell how innovative she can be. The way she chooses her music is interesting, because she’s enthralled by weird unpredictable music. She doesn’t focus on the high points or the popularity of a track, which is common among DJs. Instead, she likes music that’s more about intensity. As long as a track is intense, obscure, and unpredictable, it’s one for the collection. Her style of innovation has led her to a very successful career that has no signs of slowing down.Ā Ā
There are a lot of interesting things about Ellen that go beyond her music. Playing around the world, Ellen shared some of her interesting experiences as well as perspectives being one of the most respected names in the techno world. Thereās plenty to talk about, and what really captures people’s attention are Ellenās roots in Germany.
In our interview, we take a deep dive to discuss her music, her culture, and her legacy. Ā Ā Ā Ā Read more
There’s two things you will need to know about Danny Tenaglia: He’s a living legend of the New York scene, and he will be the nicest person you will ever talk to.
We had the opportunity to have a lengthy conversation with the artist as he prepares to headline the Montreal’s AIM Electronic Music Festival July 12-14th. A 3-day festival that takes place on campgrounds that will have some of the best techno and house acts in circulations.
Accompanying Danny this year will be the likes of ANNA, John Digweed, Pig&Dan, and the Desert Hearts Crew. Danny is scheduled to close out Saturday with a 4-hour house set on the main stage.
Danny Tenaglia is a walking encyclopedia with the entire history of the New York Club scene inside of it. Starting in the early ’80s at the age of 16, Danny’s trajectory of success is in large part due to not only his love of music, but of the scene overall too.
When we were speaking to him, we got a glimpse of how passionate he was about his roots as well as his ambitions. Multiple times, the interview would just steer off into a deeper conversation about music. It felt less of an interview and more of an enjoyable conversation. Here are some of the things we were able to talk about.
You are an award-winning producer, Grammy nominated, and a profoundly respected artist, at what point in your career did your success start to shock you?
What were your first few steps in your DJing career?
You’ve been back and forth between Miami and New York multiple times in your career.
I still have a place out there. I got a condo back in 2004 and I use it as my winter escape. New York is and will always be home base for me. Miami is the getaway. Although, I am considering selling and finding a nice home in NJ, but I will always be a true snowbird and head south every winter to escape the frigid temps, even if I have to Air BnB.Ā Winters are feeling longer and colder each year.
Whatās something that Danny Tenaglia would like to see more of in the industry? Is there something he feels like thereās lacking of?
New York music scene has grown out of Manhattan and devoured Brooklyn. As a Staple in New York, how do you feel about the change?
Do you have any advice for producers/artists starting in New York?
The number one thing I tell people, is how important it is to make music. That’s your business card. That’s what’s going to get you attention. That’s what’s going to get your name around the world once it gets on a record label and Beatport, or Itunes, whatever it maybe.
That’s when an agency is going to find interest in you. Any DJ can go to an agency say “can you get me bookings?” and they’ll say “Well what do you have?” You can’t just put a mix on Soundcloud, you can’t hand out flash drive keys with your latest set. You have to make music. Luckily, it’s more affordable than ever to make own little home studio. It’s easier than ever to make your own track with all the plug-ins that basically throw all the familiar sounds out to you.
My other advice is: Put the phone down. Enough with the social media. FOCUS. Make some music, pay attention. If you party, separate that. Those are the things that will set you back. There are now thousands and thousands of other DJs that are now doing that. Time to prove yourself!
Whatās the best thing about the music scene like out in Montreal?
I’ve always said this, itās my favorite place to play. Especially the club Stereo. The people who come to Stereo seem to equally love what I might play at the beginning of the night, Techno middle of the night, Tribal, closing with classics. You don’t get that love everywhere; that appreciation. It’s really rare you play from the heart and it’s open-minded to it all.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I pray. Plain and simple. I’ve always had my moments and I’m giving thanks. It’s a very personal thing for me.
Youāre going to be Headlining the AIM Festival on Saturday at the Monolithes stage with a 4-hour house set. What is the significance of house music when it comes to Danny Tenaglia?
It’s more of soulful feeling, more of a swinging house groove, more to be present. As opposed to the techno stuff, [like I won’t be sounding like] I’m going to pull out my Len Faki records and go that route. Probably be a lot of classics, personal edits, mashups and versions thatĀ Iāve done that are exclusive to myself. Not go back to a disco era, but definitely a house vibe.
Youāve been expressing this phrase āBe yourselfā for quite some time now. Although the message is obvious, why are you so adamant about getting it out to the rave community?
The song was originally written by Celeda who sings it. She was always a big fan of Sylvester (American Singer known for his hit disco singles in the late 1970s and 1980s) and I was a big fan of Sylvester from day one too. I totally understood where she was coming from with that “Be Yourself”, whether it’s gay, straight, transgender and just accept one another.
I have to be careful with my answers because “Be Yourself” doesn’t mean that you can also be an asshole. But accept one another, by hair color, by tattoos, by ear piercings because we can get over opinionated sometimes. I’m just as guilty as that as well. When it comes to the dance floor, there’s this certainty that you can dance like no one’s watching, and you can “Be Yourself.ā
We’re looking forward to your new release “Don’t Turn Your Back” can you tell us anything about it?
I started that song roughly about 6 years ago. I slowly kept developing it but never feeling like it was finished. Maybe because the first 3 years I didn’t even have vocals on it. Then I was in a studio one night and I decided to say “Don’t turn your back” and I did. That gave the song a whole new direction.
I started playing it out and it started getting a lot of attention. Social media hype and people asking “What song is that?” and “When is this coming out?” I finally approached Jamie Jones who asked me to be part of paradise and he said āYes! I’d love to sign that track!” We were able to get remixes coming out from Carl Cox, Harry Romero, Mendo and I’m a huge fan of all three of them.
It was an absolute pleasure to speak to Danny Tenaglia. C
lick here If you want to see him at the Montreal AIM Electronic Music Festival
