The Avener's upcoming project has been the subject of much attention ever since he released "Fade Out Lines," an addicting track that spun an older classic into a dance-infused modern day hit. His upcoming album is in the works, but today we managed to ask him a few questions and snag an exclusive mix as well. Check out the mix below, and then head down below for the interview!
TRACKLIST :
01. Dilby – Tears
02. Henry Saiz – Haunted Girl Canyon (Fatboy Slim – Right Here Right Now Acapella)
03. Zoo Brazil – Fabel (Hanne & Lore Remix)
04. The Avener – Fade Out Lines
05. David Jach – Attention (Mad 8 – Work This Pussy Acapella)
06. Uone – Horsing Around
07. Gene Farris Move you body – Oliver $ Remixe
08. Weiss – Believe
09. Kyrill & Redford – Dadance
10. Beatkind – Bangin Sesam (Vanilla Ace Remix)
11. Oliver $ & Jimi Jules – Pushing On (Kid Kudi – Day & Night Acapella)
12. Beatamines & David Jach – How Never
13. Sabb ft Rafa Barrios – Illusiones
14. Fabio Ricciuti – Guilty
15. The Avener – Fade Out Lines (Alle Farben Remix)
EARMILK: Hey there, thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us! First things first, how did you get started in the DJ-ing world?
The Avener: When I was 16, I wanted out of the classical music training I had been in since my early age; I discovered electronic music and asked my parents for turntables and a mixer. I trained for hours in front of the wall, until I felt good enough to approach a club owner and ask to play, which I did when I was 17 and got gigs ending parties; Not long after that I was given my own residency, in my hometown of Nice, in the south of France.
EM: What was the motivation to start moving past ghost producing and crafting your own name? When did you realize it was time to be an artist for yourself?
TA: While ghost producing, I was also producing for myself, under my own name. The EDM scene becoming too hardcore for my taste in 2013, I decided to take a 6 months break and travel. When I came back, produced "Fade out Lines." I decided to change my name since the syle of music was so different. I think coming back to basics and producing what I like was a good move after all.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqwU7nv3hTM[/youtube]
EM: For those of us not in France, what can we expect from your album? I understand it’s an album taking classics and bringing a modern twist to them?
TA: Yes, during the rise of "Fade Out Lines" throughout Europe in the spring of 2014, I decided to rework/reproduce classic tracks that I loved, blues, soul, pop, folk… but couldn’t play on the dancefloor. Approaching the original writers and singers was probably the hardest part, but they were all very happy to have their tracks ‘rejuvenated’ like this ;) There are two original tracks in the album too.
EM: Your album takes older classics, but do you have any favourite artists of this current generation? Who are you playing in your DJ sets?
TA: I listen to so much music in so many genres from all periods… but in my DJ sets I’m always on the lookout for new music. Right now, I’m playing tracks by (or remixed by) Dennis Ferrer, David Jach, Uone, Weiss, Dilby, and so many more…
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EM: What are your absolute essentials in the studio?
TA: This is what I working with right now: Logic on the Mac SSD thunderbolt computer, an M-Audio Axiom 61 keyboard, Akai APC40 MK2 touchpad, Apollo 16 soundcard with thunderbolt kit, Dynaudio BM10 Acoustic monitors and Beyer Dynamics DT770 pro headphones.
EM: … and to follow, what words of advice would you give to anyone getting into the production game?
TA: Produce what your heart feels. Never give up, or give in (to producing what you don’t like, just for commercial success).
Then, the most important and probably hardest thing is to have patience.
EM: We’ve got a special mix to go along with this interview today. What can listeners expect and is this a mix that could be parallel to the type of sets you play?
TA: Yes it’s typically what you would hear when you come see me play, although my sets change all the time, depending on the mood of the place and the dancefloor.
EM: Finally, what can fans expect coming up after the album is released internationally?
TA: I’m working on a DJ show for festivals this summer, and a live show with musicians and singers for the end of the year / beginning 2016.
Thanks The Avener, can't wait for the international release of your album. For now, purchase "Fade Out Lines" here, and purchase the remix album here.
