Fortunate to grow up around the rich club culture of NYC, and influenced by the sounds around him, Avision now finds himself helping to usher in a new wave of techno for the New York scene. Over the last year, he’s had releases on a range of influential labels like Mark Broom’s Beardman Records, Carl Cox’s Intec, Victor Calderone’s Matter+, Carlo Lio’s On Edge Society, and Inmotion LTD. Support for his productions has been coming in strong from techno tastemakers like Carl Cox, Nicole Moudaber, Chris Liebing, Pan Pot, Paco Osuna, Joseph Capriati and more.

He is playing this weekend at infamous Stereo in Montreal where we have our head office, so we had the chance to have a quick little chat with him. Enjoy while listening to his most recent set.

WWD: Welcome back to Montreal this weekend Anthony! Stereo has bought some amazing talent to the city  – what are you looking forward to the most?

Thank you, Montreal is one of my favorite cities to play! I’m looking forward to the amazing crowd, and sound system Stereo has.  I think what makes Stereo so special is the journey the crowd lets you take, and as a DJ it’s a privilege to give them just that! For the last two years I have played as a supporting act at Stereo, and this time around I am headlining, so this night will be extremely special for me.

WWD: Being from NY, how do you find the vibe here in Canada compared to the US? Would you say we know our stuff when it comes to dance music? Have you played any other venues in Canada?

Canada is definitely a party crowd, and always fun to play. I think Montreal specifically is always proper. I have played in Toronto a few times at Nest, and I always have an amazing time.  I think Canada is very involved in the dance scene, and it is very comparable to the States, if not better in certain areas.

WWD: We hear after this show you are off on your first Spanish tour this year, with 6 dates in total playing shows with Paco Osuna. Quite a huge achievement! What do you expect? Have you been to Spain before?

Yes! I’m really excited for this as it has been a dream to start branching out to Europe. I haven’t been to Spain yet, and my expectations are very high as I have only heard amazing things. I’m really blessed for this opportunity, and beyond thrilled to start this journey.

WWD: Have you a good relationship with the Paco Osuna that your playing with? Can we expect any releases on his label in the near future?

Having a relationship with Paco has been impactful for me. He is a huge reason why I am breaking over seas, and I am really blessed for his friendship. I just released an EP on his label ‘Mindshake’  and it went really well. I’m looking forward to the future with Paco, I have the upmost respect for him as he is the realest they come.

WWD: It links nicely to your next release which is a Suara EP, a Barcelona based label run by Coyu. Can you give us an insight on the making of these tracks?

This EP came about earlier in the year. Coyu asked me to do something for the label, and at first I was extremely caught up, and then I finally was able to get him some solid tunes. The tracks are raw, groovy, and true to my sound! I think it will do well this summer as the EP has 4 big Techno tracks, and no fillers ;). I’m happy to do this EP with them, I played in Miami with the Suara crew back in March for WMC so I finally met Coyu in person and it was a pleasure. Be sure to check the EP out when it drops in July!

WWD: A lot of people say you have a trademark chunky sound, which derives from your NY influences and East Coast background. Do you agree? And what do you think sets your tracks apart?

Ah well that is flattering! I do agree I like to keep it groovy, and fun. Being from NY, It has inspired me, and influenced me to have more of an upbeat techno sound, but I also like to keep it dark and edgy sometimes too. That’s what makes NY so special, they go crazy for the “hands up” sound, and they also like the darker/edgy sound. All in all I make what I feel and that’s what means the most to me as a producer. I think what has set me apart is keeping true to my sound, and not following all the trends that go on in the techno world.

WWD: We hear you have a lot more music in the making after the EP – can you tell us a bit more?

For sure,  I have a full release schedule up in until October. I can’t name just everything yet but expect another We Are The Brave EP in August, along with a few remixes, VA tracks, and another EP later on in October for Teksupport.

WWD: Your back to the US in July and August playing all night long at Bijou in Boston, and a warehouse in LA – do you have a hit list of venues you’d love to play in the US which you haven’t yet?

Yes, I’m really excited to back in the states. I’m super excited for Bijou as this will be my second time back, this room has such an amazing vibe, I love it! I’m also excited for LA as it will be my first time paying in LA, and it also is my birthday the next day! All in all I have played most of the venues I really wanted to hit especially on the east coast. A few on my bucket list would be Exchange or Factory 93 in LA, FLASH in D.C,  Smart Bar in Chicago, and Stereo Live in TX.

WWD: Finally, can you give all us all one track you feel is going to be a summer belter?

Either Avision – Simple Things (Suara) or Avision – This Way (We Are The Brave)

sorry I couldn’t pick one 😉

Stereo Event here