Ketchup Post
An interview with Auvic

Recently I had the opportunity to throw some questions at up-and-comer Auvic, who’s production style is incredibly unique. In a scene where it seems artists are recently struggling to create something different, his new album Voices is a diamond in the rough. After hearing Gareth Emery use his track “Highways & Highways” in both his Sirius XM show and his weekly podcast, I was so hyped on the sound that I had to reach out and get some details. Auvic was kind enough to answer all of my questions, and so below is the conversation that followed.
Q. First off I want to thank you on behalf of TNJ for doing this Q&A. A few of us here recently took a peak through your new Voices album and we were truly astonished, as is everyone I’ve shown it to. Was there any specific inspiration or idea behind the album, or was it just a collection of your more recent work?
A. No Problem. Voices was never really ‘planned.’ Before this, I was mainly writing neo-classical complex electro stuff and funky complex electro, planning albums and all, but that all got pushed aside when I wanted to do something else, which was Voices. I had drafts and drafts of Induce Insomnia, which was the first track, but I had abandoned it because I didn’t have enough inspiration or ideas to continue on. A month or two later, I wrote ‘Voices,’ and that’s where it all clicked, and I knew exactly what I wanted and how I wanted it. As a whole, it’s inspired by insomnia, cityscapes, good times, funky music vibes, personal situations, and certain colors and emotions.
Q. The album has been getting some support by some big names, most notably Gareth Emery. Did he contact you regarding your music? And how does it feel to have these huge names playing your tracks?
A. Quite honestly, I’m not really too big on names and such. I first got some support like that when I released Starships from Sean Tyas, which was pretty cool. With Gareth Emery, I read on a Soundcloud comment somewhere that he played it on his radio show and his podcast. It feels pretty sweet.
Q. I’ve noticed from your Facebook profile that it seems you’ve had a bit of an up-and-down relationship towards music. Are there any specific artists you credit for your current involvement in the EDM scene?
A. When it comes to EDM alone, my two greatest tangible influences are Joey Youngman, aka Wolfgang Gartner, and Daft Punk. These two are geniuses, and I’ve spent countless nights just studying and studying their music and learning more about them. The more intangible ones are Kaskade and Deadmau5, I suppose since you may not be able to hear much similarities. I’ve been compared to Joe Garston and Mord Fustang, but honestly, that’s just two songs that I have that kind of sound like them, I guess.
Q. Well now that we’ve got a bit of insight into your music and inspiration, it’s time for some unrelated questions. What are your hobbies outside of music?
A. Going out and chilling with friends. I don’t really do anything else. Currently I’m studying full-time at Berklee.
Q. What’s something you couldn’t get by in life without?
A. My ears. If music never existed, I probably wouldn’t have either.
Q. If you were stranded on an island with an MP3 player that held only three songs, which three songs would you choose?
A. I would choose Face to Face by Daft Punk, my favorite song in the world. I would choose Counting Stars by Nujabes, my second favorite song in the world. And lastly, I would choose a song that I wrote more than 3 years ago for someone because it’s special.
Q. Seeing as you draw some influence from Daft Punk, you must be pretty psyched for Random Access Memories. Any opinion on the first single “Get Lucky”?
A. I’m literally geeking out over it. I’ve listened to it ever since bits of it have been released, and as we speak I’m listening to the radio edit which I’ve been playing on repeat for the past hour or so. Before that, I’ve even recreated and put together pieces of that song so I can get the full effect, just for fun.
Q. So the big question, what’ can we expect from you in the future? Any big ideas or plans for how you’ll be following up Voices?
A. I am planning MAJOR things. I’m currently writing several EP’s, a few collaborations, and other minor things. I’ve already started my 14-track album ‘Voices Call,’ while working on my first ‘planned’ album called ‘Beyond Ascendance.’ I’m also coming up with other album ideas as well, but they haven’t taken form yet.
Wow, seems like you’ve got your work cut out for you. It’s great to see such ambition, and I speak for all of us when I say that I can’t wait for it all to come together. We really appreciate you taking the time to answer these questions, and wish you good luck with all your future musical endeavors!
A. Awesome, sweet! Thanks!
Check out his new album VOICES below, and be sure to buy it on Beatport!
Auvic – FACEBOOK | TWITTER | SOUNDCLOUD
Written by: @roper22 | @thatnewjam
Ketchup Post – LUZCID
LUZCID is the collaborative musical duo of Neil Berry and Jonathan Bartz. Currently based out of New Paltz, NY, the pair, in my opinion, should be commended for their ability to blend a multitude of genres and styles, while still creating a unique and tasteful sound. Their Shot Caller LP, which was just released earlier today, is a prime example of exactly that. Consisting of 5 original tracks and 2 remixes, it is a satisfying mix of diverse trapstyle tunes, that are guaranteed to have your bass kicking, and your feet moving. We may only be 4 months into 2013, but the duo has already opened for artists such as gLAdiator, Alvin Risk, and DJ Sliink, and is scheduled to play at the Bella Terra Music Festival, Forest Fest, and the Freedom of Expression Music Festival. With that said, look for 2013 to be a huge year for LUZCID! And be sure to cop their new Shot Caller LP!
LUZCID: Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter
LUZCID – Shot Caller LP
Written By: @jfraz30 | @thatnewjam
The Ketchup Post – Dvnny Seth
Around 3 or 4 months ago, while I was exploring the vast abyss of music, that is Soundcloud, I came across a rapper out of London, going by the name Dvnny Seth (Pronounced “Danny Seth”). I was pleasantly surprised by his single, “£££,”, immediately downloaded his entire first mixtape, PRESPLIFFS VOL. I, and proceeded to eagerly listen to every song up on his Soundcloud page. I couldn’t put a finger on exactly what it was, but I was absolutely positive that I liked what I was hearing. Fast-forward several months, and Dvnny Seth has released another strong mixtape, PRESPLIFFS VOL. II, and is now on the radar of big name artists, such as Pharrell Williams.
£££ – Dvnny Seth
Seth’s British accent really accentuates the combination of his clever, yet meaningful verses and unique, polished flow, all of which set him apart in an already crowded hip-hop/rap scene. His tracks, often backed by heavy trap beats, frequently portray stories from throughout his life, and give off a very chill, relaxed vibe, making his music appropriate for many occasions. These factors, along with the fact that he has a distinct, A$AP Rocky-esque sense of style, made for the big-screen, give me the feeling that Dvnny Seth is poised to blow up very soon. Look for 2013 to be a very big year for the 22 year old, as he is set to release SHEETS: PACK 1 and PRESPLIFFS VOL.III later in the year…And, when Dvnny Seth becomes a household name, remember TNJ told you first!
Dvnny Seth – Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Woop – Dvnny Seth
PRESPLIFFS VOL II – Dvnny Seth
Written By: @jfraz30 | @thatnewjam
The Ketchup Post – Ultra Music Festival 2013
This is the TNJ official Ultra Music Festival 2013 Weekend One recap post. While we couldn’t wait another second to give you the Porter Robinson set at sunset, we decided to hold off until the end of the weekend to give you guys the full roundup of the best sets from the first weekend of UMF. There was no shortage of greatness from TNJ favorites such as The M Machine, Flosstradamus and Major Lazer and don’t forget that Hardwell set that put Ultra Music Festival as a worldwide trend on Twitter. Dillon Francis had a human error moment and blamed it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol (but seriously Dilly if you don’t fuck up you’re not trying…just don’t make it harder than it has to be) while Kaskade & Armin Van Buuren proved why they’re festival Main Stage mainstays. If you’re looking for ANY sets at all check out THIS SoundCloud account which has literally EVERY set from the weekend for streaming (and include download links for you guys that are into torrents) but I’ll include my favorites/highlights below!
Dillon Francis – Ultra Music Festival Live Set Weekend 1
Flosstradamus – Ultra Music Festival Live Set Weekend 1
Major Lazer – Ultra Music Festival Live Set Weekend 1
Hardwell – Ultra Music Festival Live Set Weekend 1
Armin Van Buuren – Ultra Music Festival Live Set Weekend 1
Fedde Le Grand – Ultra Music Festival Live Set Weekend 1
Steve Aoki – Ultra Music Festival Live Set Weekend 1
Above and Beyond – Ultra Music Festival Live Set Weekend 1
Madeon – Ultra Music Festival Live Set Weekend 1
Written by: @randymcrandell | @thatnewjam
The Ketchup Post – Willy Joy
1When an artist makes their way onto ThisSongIsSick without me having ANY knowledge of who they are, both you and I alike need The Ketchup Post. Willy Joy hails from Chicago and he’s been tearing up everything from Lillapalooza to Mad Decent Block Party. His latest remix of Mat Zo & Porter Robinson’s Easy made its way onto TSIS last night and I was completely blown away; it would have to be categorized as a really melodic trap song but it seems to conquer a genre all it’s own. Releases like this are my favorite so I dug through his SoundCloud and found two of his other releases to give you guys so we can all do some catching up.
Willy Joy: Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud
Porter Robinson & Mat Zo – Easy (Willy Joy Remix)
Chief Keef – Love Sosa (Willy Joy Remix)
Hood Internet – One For The Record Books (Willy Joy Remix)
Written by: @randymcrandell | @thatnewjam
The Ketchup Post – Plus Move
0The group of Future King, Good Cat, Donatello & Thom von Blake other wise known as Plus Move just caught my attention today with their unbelievable hip-hop reworking of the Passion Pit single Constant Conversations. After being blown away, I proceeded to do some digging and after realizing I had seriously missed the boat, decided the TNJ community deserved a Ketchup Post on these guys. They had a remix of Little Secrets that topped the HypeM charts in 2010 and Future King & Good Cat also released a collaboration which I included as well. Usual assortment of links and downloads below!
Plus Move: Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud
Passion Pit – Constant Conversations (Plus Move Remix) [feat. Future King & Good Cat]
Passion Pit – Little Secrets (Plus Move Remix feat. Future Kiddd)
Future King & Good Cat – Good Lovin
Written by: @randymcrandell | @thatnewjam
The Ketchup Post – Unlike Pluto
0It’s amazing how much music is out there when there’s enough time to just sit and discover it. Now that my rugby season is over, I’ve found myself with an abundance of time to simply sit and browse (hat-tip to Caveman Sound for the find) and the first fruit of this extra time is the discovery of Unlike Pluto. The Atlanta based producer has simply unbelievable remixes of Zedd, Mumford & Sons, and his own original which I’m gonna show you guys.
Before you click play allow me to say I was a bit apprehensive as well. How could you POSSIBLY remix the most organic of enraptured folk music like Mumford & Sons electronically!? Blasphemy! Well allow me to calm your fears; put together one of the most tasteful remixes I could’ve ever imagined by keeping true to the original motif of the song and just extends on it. He’s crafted a sound all his own which is sure to be around TNJ for a while to come. Enjoy!
Beyond Pluto: Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud
Mumford & Sons – I Will Wait (Unlike Pluto Remix)
Unlike Pluto – Write On Bathroom Walls (Original Mix)
Zedd – Spectrum (Unlike Pluto Remix)
Written by: @randymcrandell | @thatnewjam
Gabriel Stark – GATSBY (Complete Free Album)
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Through a mutual contact, I came across this young & talented artist by the name of Gabriel Stark earlier today and HAD to put him on blast. The Bronx native has garnered positive attention from some of music’s biggest blogs and has been covered in both XXL and Prefix Magazine. He spit a quick “Sucker Free” freestyle for MTV back in February which can be seen here. Below is his most recent album (his seventh already) which features some amazing music. Peep the record and be sure to follow on him via social media connections.
Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud
Gabriel Stark – GATSBY (Complete Free Album)
Check out his official video to “Cake” too.
Written by: @aimxhigh | @thatnewjam
Whole-Z – The Ketchup Post
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Ladies and gents, meet Andrew Holzberger aka Whole-Z, a brand new discovery of mine as of 23 minutes ago and already one of my favorite young remixers I’ve stumbled upon lately. A college student from Vermont, he’s remixed everyone from Martin Solveig to DJ Kool to Edward Sharpe; all of them wildly different and unbelievably well crafted. I’ll be making sure That New Jam is keeping a close watch on this kid’s progress because he’s certainly got my attention. 3 tracks to catch you up with so be sure to grab the downloads and enjoy!
Whole-Z: Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud
DJ Kool – Let Me Clear My Throat (Whole-Z Remix)
Martin Solveig – Hello (Whole-Z Remix)
Edward Sharpe – Home (Whole-Z Remix) – DOWNLOAD LINK
Written by: @randymcrandell | @thatnewjam
David Sides – Playground Sessions Promo/Artist Feature
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David Sides is without a doubt one of the most talented and popular modern day pianist, and that’s what you discover within the first 20 seconds of any of his YouTube videos. His fan base is worldwide and, although you may have never heard of him, his musical abilities takes what you may already love to another place – a transformation altogether. Posts like these are what makes “blogging” truly enjoyable, because I as a content selector get to display pieces that may be hidden treasures only waiting to be unveiled.
I’ve followed David Sides’ work for years, always becoming more and more impressed with each release. His ability to transpose some of music’s most popular records into something highly sophisticated and engaging (while still maintaining the core qualities of the song) lead him to the point where he is currently at. Mr. Sides has developed a innovative and revolutionary training software designed to educate and teach those who choose to learn the piano from the ground up. Its name is Playground Sessions, and the program takes an interactive (and up-to-date) approach to learning the instrument. Check out the program’s promo video below as well as all that David Sides has to offer – prepare to be amazed.
Playground Sessions: 30 days to play (Promo Video)
Social Media:
1) Facebook
2) Twitter
3) Website
4) Tumblr
5) MySpace
6) Join his piano community – Playground Sessions
David Sides – Without You: David Guetta ft. Usher (Piano Arrangement)
David Sides – I Need A Doctor: Dr. Dre & Eminem (Piano Arrangement)
David Sides – Find Your Love: Drake (Piano Arrangement)
Support real music!
Written by: @aimxhigh | @thatnewjam











