South-German AVAION is determined to keep the dancefloor firmly in motion with his versatile blend of electronic sounds, fully on display in the remix of latest single “Keep On Dancing”, out today. Given a new lease of life from fellow German producer yuma, the reimagination marks another team-up for the pair, after their joint efforts on “Sleepless” earlier this year.
“The summer last year was one of the hardest in my life,” he tells us below. “But this year is one of the best, so “Keep On Dancing” kind of just refers to keeping going and that good times are ahead.” And, the platinum-selling “Pieces” hitmaker is no stranger to keeping large crowds on the dancefloor with the debut single accumulating over 100 million streams and infiltrating charts around the world.
With a widescreen musical gaze, AVAION’s dance music palette takes in everything from ambient, dubstep, drum & bass, and electronica, forming an idiosyncratic sound that soothes and invigorates listeners in equal measure.
We chat all about “Keep On Dancing”, growing up in a dance music epicentre, and his dream producer supergroup.
Hey AVAION! How has this past year been for you?
It was a very exciting year. Even if the atmosphere in the world was very depressed by the virus, it was a very successful year for me, which has brought me much further in my journey as an artist. I was able to use the time at home and make a lot of music that I’m now releasing piece by piece. I have tried to make the best of a bad situation.
How did you first get into music? Was it something you always wanted to pursue?
I showed great interest in music as a child. I think that was inherited in genetics from my father because he has also been a musician all his life. I always noticed that I was different from the other children when it came to music. I’ve always had a very close relationship with music and knew that I felt music more than other people in my surroundings. My parents recognised this interest and so I started to learn instruments piece by piece. First, I had piano lessons, then later I switched to organ and finally to guitar, but I never had full satisfaction when I played an instrument. I wanted more. I wanted to create whole songs and not just contribute a part to them. So, I started composing my own piano pieces and later producing whole songs and singing on my songs myself.
And how did you discover your sound? Were you always drawn to the electronic/drum and bass genre?
Electronic sounds have impressed and hypnotised me since day one. I always knew I wanted to do something like that, whilst not forgetting my acoustic elements. So, I combined both and created my own musical style.
Would you say growing up in Germany has shaped you as an artist? And if so, how?
Growing up in Germany was of course conducive to the style I’m doing now, as Germany is one of the birth countries of electronic music. But I also got a lot of inspiration from international artists.
Congratulations on the release of “Keep On Dancing”! Let’s start with the title — where did that sentiment come from?
I liked the fact that everybody has their own experiences with the summertime. For me, the summer last year was one of the hardest in my life, but this year is one of the best. So ‘’Keep On Dancing’’ kinda means keep going. Good times are ahead.
Talk to us about the making of the track, what came first? The melody or the meaning?
I always start with the melodies of my songs and then see where it goes. Of course, it depends on what mood I’m in but mostly all the lyrics and meanings come step by step in the flow of the process.
Do you remember who you played “Keep On Dancing” to first once it was completed? What was their reaction like?
I played it to my best friends in my studio. I told them to come into my studio and just listen and tell me what they think about it. And they absolutely loved it, screamed and told me that it was one of a kind. So, I knew this song was going to be something special.
And the track follows the release of “Sleepless”! What was it like creating a collaborative effort?
I absolutely loved it. We made “Sleepless” in a session in Berlin together with the boys. The whole vibe of the session was just amazing. I already knew at the beginning of the session that something magical was going to happen, and it did, and “Sleepless” was born.
Is there anyone, in particular, you would love to collaborate with in future?
I really love Fred again and Elderbrook but I also love the work of Kaytranada. So, a collaboration between us four would be sick!