14 FAKTS INTERVIEW WITHAVISION

Q: Please introduce yourself

Hey guys, thanks for having me. My name is Anthony, also known as Avision. I’m a Techno and House DJ/Producer from New York and now reside in New Jersey.  

Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?

Derek Jeter. As most people know, I’m a huge New York Yankees fan. Derek was my childhood hero growing up, and I would love to pick his brain one day. I’ve been able to implement a lot of things I’ve learned from Derek, especially on how he handled himself on and off the field. He’s a legend, to say the least, and someone I’ve looked up to my whole life.

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

If I were able to have a superpower, I would love to be able to have an idea of what the future looks like. Having pre-judgement before making certain decisions would help direct me to make the best choices. Not that I regret any choices I’ve made thus far in life. I take everything as a learning curve to make myself better. Although, I think a lot of my stress comes from not knowing certain things and being able to have that upper hand would probably make the stress go away, lol. 

Q: If given the opportunity to create a film score, which movie would you choose and why?

I would most likely pick something like Batman or Superman. I love the action and sound effects that go into that type of film. One record that always sticks out to me is Seal’s ‘Kissed By A Rose’, and how Batman really made that record a hit. I’ve always been keen on doing a film score in my career, and it’s a huge goal of mine to pursue. To get the chance to work on a film score like Batman, you must have insane chops and envision what a scene should really sound like. It’s the ultimate test as a music composer.  

Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And who has been the most influential in your personal life?

My father has inspired me the most musically. There are times we’ll listen to music to admire the production quality and pick bits and pieces of a track. He’s one of a few I relate to musically, and I can’t thank him enough for giving me the gift of making music and teaching me at a young age. I will always strive to be as good as my Dad; he has set the tone for me at such a high level.

There are so many people that have inspired me in my personal life, but one who always sticks out is my cousin Victor Calderone. Watching his career over the years has been so inspiring and has always made me want more in my career and life. He also knows how to balance between touring and family time, which is so important to me. Victor is also a professional, both in his skill and off the decks. I’ve never seen him be nasty or rude to anyone, as sometimes a person who has had a long career or success can be a bit stand-off-ish. He has helped mould me into the artist and person I am today, and I’m blessed to have him.   

Q: Could you share with us your journey – the good and bad experiences that have brought you to where you are today?

I started DJing and producing around the age of 12. As I mentioned, my Dad got me into producing at an early age, which I was very fortunate for. At 15/16 years old, I was introduced to playing teen clubs and started a residency at NJ’s biggest club called Club Abyss. From then on, I’ve been hooked on nightlife and had a clear vision of what I always wanted. A career doesn’t happen overnight by any means, and right around 21, things started becoming more serious. I started playing support slots for bigger artists, my music was gaining attention, and I was beginning to develop my sound as a producer. I never thought of quitting or stopping, even though there have been some defeating times. Even today, as I write this, I can’t say everything is where I want it to be, but I am proud of the success I’ve had thus far. I’m never complacent, always want more, and am driven to get what I want. The industry is not what everyone thinks it is - it can be so rewarding and yet very disappointing at times. You just have to keep knocking on the door; eventually, one door will open, leading to another.

When Covid happened, I was 26 years old, turning 27, and my career was just starting to develop out of the States and more globally. And sure enough, Covid really put a dampener on it. After Covid, I began to see some of my best success yet - I wrote an album, my team/myself had the plan ready to go, and nothing was getting in the way, which has led me to where I am today. The goal is an uphill journey that I am always willing to hike, and looking back from where I started puts a smile on my face. The beginning times are so innocent and humbling, but the main objective remains the same.  

Q: Everyone goes through ups and downs, what’s one habit you adopt to push through the downs?

One habit I have to push through my downs is to work on my craft. I love making music when I’m down. It pushes me to write differently and comes from a place of emotion. I’ve written some of my best records when I was in a down mindset, and sure enough, music has always lifted me up.  

Q: What is one pro work ethic that you would recommend to the readers/listeners?

Write down your goals and get into a regiment that helps you to dial in on your work. If you’ve yet to rely on your passion as income, you should always allocate the number of hours you’ve spent on your job into your passion so you’re putting the same amount of effort in. When I’m in the zone, I pump out 2, sometimes 3 tracks in a week. 

Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?

My style has evolved immensely over the years, and it is still evolving. I go through different writing patterns as a producer. Sometimes I write House, Techno, or even something more on the commercial side. My goal is to make something that everyone plays from the underground to the main stage. I always look to please the crowd along with the DJs so it is well respected, but I never mind taking a risk with my sound as well.  

Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?

If I had to follow another music genre, I would probably get into Rock and Funk. I play drums, so I am a sucker for both, and I always try to implement that in my sound. My Pops always told me some of the best music can be transposed into any genre, and it would still be a hit.

Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?

The Goodmen – Give It Up

This track was always blasting in my Dad’s car growing up, and being that I’m a 90s baby, this one always sticks with me. I remember him working on the parts for his wedding band to cover it.

Funky Green Dogs - Fired UpAlso, another record my Dad would listen to and also his wedding band covered. This track was embedded in my childhood for sure; it is timeless, to say the least.

The Bucketheads - The BombGrowing up, this record was huge on the radio, especially in New York. This one really got me into sampling, as I am also a huge Chicago fan which is where the legend Kenny Dope sampled this from.I have so many records that got me into electronic music, growing up in the 90s house music was on another level, but these three always take me back to my childhood.  

Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?

This one is tough, but I always think the subway station in Washington Heights on 191 St would be a sick location for a rave.

Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?

I have an upcoming EP coming out in October with NY native Xander called ‘Whatever’ on my label (with Victor Calderone) MATTER+. The release has three different mixes that are three different genres, and I’m amped to drop it, as I think it will be a big one for sure. I also have a remix coming out for the legend Laurent Garnier with a track from his latest album that I am honored to be a part of. The remix is super different than my usual but still fits my sound, which I’m so excited for.  

Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?

I love to cook at home as it’s become a huge hobby of mine. I own two other businesses: one being a Mobile Pizza company that started during covid, and I also have an event production company that we started when we were kids. I enjoy doing it all, although I’ve taken a less hands-on role for both companies. It’s still part of my plan to expand both in new ways. Another fun fact is I am a huge sneaker/clothing/hat lover, as it’s become a really good/bad addiction, LOL.