With his EP “Innocence” released last Friday, we put Avision to task on our quick-fire QnA including his favourite advice: “leave the gun, take the cannoli”.
Why music?
Growing up I was taught how to play drums at a young age, and my father is a musician. It’s in my blood.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Something to do with baseball, or a Neapolitan-style pizzeria owner.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Leave the gun, take the cannoli”. Seriously though: staying true to yourself and always be humble.
What inspires you?
Good music and other artists.
What’s the next big thing?
Avision: Techno World Domination. Coming to a theatre near you.
Best club experience?
Space in Miami, or Stereo in Montreal. Can’t pick between the two of them.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
When I was 17. I worked at Five Guys burgers. I lasted 12 hours.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
When it takes me less than a week.
What was your last day job and when did you realize you could give it up?
I’m a partner in a sound and production company in NY/NJ. I haven’t given it up, as I’m lucky to have business partners and staff.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
“Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder. A masterpiece.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
Sleep with the promoter.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
Anthony Cardinale “Yu Dig It. It was all a learning process though, so I don’t hate that I made it.
Recommend us a film.
Godfather parts 1 & 2.
Recommend us a book.
50 Shades of Grey….lol
What or who is underrated?
Teddy Pendergrass.
What or who is overrated?
Chicago Pizza. F*ck that sh*t lol.
What are you addicted to?
Pizza and Logic Pro X.
What do you lust over?
Pizza and analogue synthesizers.
What is your greatest regret?
No ragrets (not trying harder in English class)
What one thing would most improve your life?
A diet and a #1 hit.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
An after-hours in New York where there were casino tables, a back room that no one can go in, a few guys in sweatsuits, and myself….!
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
It depends on who you work with.
What’s the secret to a great mix?
Picking something you don’t always get to play, and being creative.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Kelis “Milkshake”. Allen Stone “Figure it Out”.
How do you relax?
I make music.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
Korg Minilogue. It’s great to use for my creative process.
Art or money?
Art.
Ronaldo or Messi?
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
In an Uber.
Must-read blogs/forums?
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
That talent alone isn’t always the key to success, and that you have to play the game.
What’s your favourite label? Why?
Hardgroove & Beardman are two of my favourites. Always proper tunes for the club.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
That sometimes people don’t understand where you’re coming from if you try something new.
What’s your motto?
“How you doin’?”
Name something timeless.
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Being simplistic, yet different is most important while writing music. Less is always more.
Complete this sentence: At heart, I’m just a frustrated …
Pizza eating, Yankee hat-wearing, DJ/producer who’s trying to show the world his music.
Can music change the world?
Sure, if it’s powerful.
What are you listening to right now?
The new Allen Stone album.
What should you do before you die?
I don’t really think about that. But hopefully, be the man I strive to be, and put out music that could live on.
Avision’s next EP ‘Innocence’ makes his debut on Maceo Plex’s Ellum on the 14th Feb. Pre-order: https://www.beatport.com/release/innocence-ep/2833249