Next up in the Yet Another Music Blog speaks to: series, we’re pleased to introduce one of the hottest talents in electronic music at the moment. He’s released a string of huge records over the past year or so, that Mr. Weatherall himself features regularly in his peak time sets and refers to as “gimmick-free machine-funk of the highest order”.
Resident DJ at London’s Fabric nightclub, member of Erol Alkan’s Phantasy Sound family and host of his own monthly show on Rinse FM. He’s just returned from a US tour, where he dished out his unique blend of raw, dark, twisted house and techno to packed out clubs and made an appearance on Tim Sweeney’s Beats in Space radio show.
We caught up with him shortly after his return from the US to find out what he’s got planned for 2013.
Introducing, Daniel Avery:
YAMB You’ve just finished a mini US tour – how was it? How did the US crowds react to your music?
DA It was great! It went much better than I could have hoped for. I felt very welcomed everywhere. People came out and really went for it at every show.
YAMB We can imagine your diary is pretty much packed for 2013, but do you ever get chance to hit the club for pleasure? If so, are there any particular nights/DJs that do it for you at the moment?
DA You’re right, I very rarely get a chance to go out to club for fun but I did finally manage to see Michael Mayer DJ recently (in a record shop on a Tuesday) and it was amazing.
YAMB Can you tell us a little bit about your Rinse FM radio show? How did that gig come about?
DA It’s going to be a monthly show, on the fourth Monday of the month. I’m very happy to be there. The station is expanding a and they just asked me outright. It’s two hours of music from my world which means much more than just peak time music for nightclubs.
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YAMB What is your preferred format for the club – vinyl, or digital?
DA I use USB sticks and CD-J 2000s. I still buy vinyl every week but everything gets recorded.
YAMB To what extent do you plan your DJ sets?
DA Despite having a huge collection on a tiny stick, I still feel it’s very important to ‘pack a bag’ before every gig. Saying that, however, every gig is different and the luxury of being able to react and change paths in a split second is one of the biggest joys of DJing.
YAMB Erol Alkan’s Phantasy Sound label is very much your musical home at the moment. How did your involvement with the label come about?
DA I’ve known Erol for a few years now, I would go to Trash and watch him play at places like Bugged Out. About a year ago he asked to hear some stuff and it just went from there. I do feel very at home there, the fact that it’s much more than a straightforward dance label is what attracts me the most.
YAMB We love the artwork on your Phantasy releases. Where does it come from?
DA An extremely talented illustrator called Kate Copeland who everyone should check out. The design was all done by a really cool new company called Matt & Dan. Both are from London.
YAMB You’ve released a string of remixes in the last few months for the likes of D/R/U/G/S and The Horrors to name a couple. Is there anyone you’re itching to remix at the moment?
DA I always hear things I think I’d like to have a go at but, right now, I’m concentrating on writing my album so am having to politely decline all requests.
YAMB You recently teamed up with The Deadstock 33s (aka Justin Robertson) – how did you and Justin cross paths? Is this likely to be a regular collaboration?
DA We got talking via email a few years ago and realised we shared loads of similar tastes. We’re not going to make any more music together under our current guises but are working on a brand new project together that I’m really excited about. Something definitely not aimed for the dancefloor. It should emerge later this year.
YAMB What can we expect from Daniel Avery in 2013?
DA A lot of DJing and more music on Phantasy. We’ve got a lot of really great things lined up.
YAMB The hottest record in your crate at the moment:
DA The next release on Weatherall’s Bird Scarer label, Obsession by Craig Bratley. It’s the definition of that druggy, chugging sound.
YAMB One track that should be banished to hell for all eternity:
DA There are so many but that Avicii track with the kids chanting makes me feel pretty nauseous.
A massive thanks to Dan for taking the time to speak to us. Show your love and go buy his new record, Drone Logic (Factory Floor Gabe Gurnsey Remix) – out now on Phantasy Sound on vinyl and digital download.
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