New school techno pioneer Avision will release his debut album ‘In My Mind’ on Ellum Audio this December. 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. In just a couple of years, the American has become an absolute mainstay on labels like Drumcode, Machine and We Are The Brave. His hard-hitting productions have found their way into the record bags of tastemakers like Adam Beyer, Maceo Plex and Chris Liebing. At the same time, he has been featured everywhere, from The Brooklyn Mirage and Time Warp in New York to festivals like Elrow, The BPM Festival, Electric Daisy Carnival and Dockyards. Now he offers up ‘In My Mind’, a widescreen artistic statement across 13 immersive tracks.
Says the artist, “I’m truly proud to share ‘In My Mind’ with the world, as I feel like this is another side of music that people haven’t heard from me. This album touches on a little bit of everything, and I wanted it to represent where I’m from. 90% of the album was written during the time we couldn’t be ourselves and do what we love, but I turned that frustration and disbelief into an album with emotion and meaning. I couldn’t be happier with the final outcome, and I hope everyone enjoys it.”
New York’s Avision has been rising through the ranks since arriving on the scene five years ago. Known primarily as a bastion of techno with releases on the likes of Ben Sim’s Hardgroove and Paco Osuna’s MIndshake Records, his latest endeavour sees the artist spreading his musical wings with a debut album on Maceo Plex’s label Ellum Audio. We caught up with Anthony Cardinale, the man behind the moniker to discuss the LP and more.
WWD: Hi Anthony, thanks for taking the time to talk with us – how are you?
Hey guys, of course, it’s my absolute pleasure! I’m doing great, it feels great to be back in the swing of things.
WWD: Although there has been a huge lull in touring over the last 18 months, is there anything you’ve done during that time that has been in some way comparable to the sense of thrill you get when playing live?
Not being able to tour these last 18 months has been extremely rough, but during that time I tried to stay positive and as musically active as possible. I planned my first album on Ellum called In My Mind, and it brought so much inspiration to me during a really hard time. I was able to really dig deep, and write a style of music I haven’t put out there yet. I remember writing the title track and getting that same feeling I get when I play live, it was a special moment for me.
WWD: Where do you see the techno scene moving to in the years ahead? And how has it changed since you first found yourself in the industry?
I think Techno is in a good place, although it’s a little tough to say. There are a few different styles of Techno out right now. I would love to see it go more towards the roots, but it’s only right for the genre to evolve over time. When I first started in the industry, Techno was more on the housier tip I would like to say, it was a little bit slower as well. I have a feeling Tribal Techno will be making a comeback.
WWD: How do you source new music, both as a DJ and as a music fan?
I always start off with my “go-to’s”: promo inbox, Beatport, Juno download, and Bandcamp. As a DJ, I think it’s important to know what you’re looking for when you’re sorting through music. I’m always looking for that special record, that record that will set off the room. It’s funny, I look for music as a fan once I sort my promos, and online sourced tracks. As a fan I shop for a lot of older music, tracks I missed because I wasn’t around. I think that one of my biggest enjoyments as a DJ is finding an old school record that crushes the dancefloor. I personally love digging for white label tracks, record shopping (when I have the time), and digging on the web.
WWD: You have your debut album release coming out with Ellum Audio, which has been described as ‘a widescreen artistic statement across 13 immersive tracks’. Tell us about this release and the journey you wish the audience to go on while listening.
My album is something I am really proud of, and to be able to put it out on Ellum means a lot to me – Maceo Plex has been a huge inspiration for me over the years, and is a producer’s producer. I really wanted to tell a story with my first album, I wanted it to reflect where I am from, and show that I have more to my music besides Techno. This album features more than one vocal record, which I felt is important for me, as NYC was huge on underground vocal records when I was growing up. A lot of the records on the album were written to make the listener feel like they are in an NYC club in the 90’s. That’s what I envisioned when I wrote it. I also wanted to express what I felt at the time, plus all of the emotions of being an artist throughout the years. The album features 2 collaborations – one being the house legend Robert Owens on “Cut The Rope”, which is an amazing feeling having him on a record that fits him perfectly. The other collaboration is with Xander, a super-talented NY artist who you may have not heard just yet, but I think once you hear this collab you will definitely want more. It touches every side of what New York techno means to me.
WWD: Has this LP encouraged you to experiment more with your productions and play with genres in a more adventurous way?
My LP changed the game for me as a producer; I feel like my sound has matured a little more, and I’ve been able to challenge myself musically. I am absolutely being more adventurous with different genres; one genre I’ve been really vibing with is Breaks. There’s also a record called “In Your World” that starts off as a downtempo melodic record that breaks into groovy house. This type of record made me reach towards areas I haven’t gone before. I remember being with Maceo at Timewarp US in 2019, and this was the very beginning of me writing my album. He challenged me, and said “I want to hear a different side of you”. After hearing him say that, I approached my music differently and became a little more musical, which I always love.
WWD: On a studio day, do you have a routine to get yourself in the zone?
I usually look my myself in the mirror and tell myself “I’m the man” LOL.. god could you imagine. In all seriousness, the routine I have is a clear mind, espresso, some nice cold water, and some food here and there. I don’t really go in with any intentions other than just doing my thing.
WWD: Have you anything else exciting you wish to share with us?
Other than touring (which I am insanely happy about), and the album, there will also be more music dropping on some amazing labels in 2022. I am also getting married to my fiancé next year, which I am also extremely excited about. I am super blessed as this year is shaping up to be really amazing.
Release Date: December 9th, 2021. Buy Here