While Daniel Avery may be better known to clubbers around the world for his residency behind the decks at London institution Fabric and weekends spent in numerous other clubs in Europe and beyond, his rising craft as a producer is setting him apart. His induction into the prestigious Fabriclive mix series provides compelling evidence of this, a dizzying trip that speaks to Avery’s skill as both a
curator and a creator of some of the most inventive and forward thinking electronic sounds emerging today. Four of Avery’s own solo productions – all signed to Phantasy Sound, the label run by “kindred spirit” Erol Alkan – form the basis of the mix, the result of hundreds of hours spent locked in a studio full of analogue equipment. Alongside this, there is “Effect Tweak” the latest result of an ongoing production relationship with Justin Robertson, another of Avery’s stated influences. Speaking about his contribution to the series, Dan states:
“It’s rare to be able to take such risks in a club as you can in fabric. I love weird records; that original, lawless spirit of acid house where the music is pulsing but will also throw in some mind-bending, psychedelic elements to knock you sideways and make you lose yourself within it. This mix is my take on that idea.”
Avery is unique among the current crop: a rising producer embraced by the same icons whose own work inspired him to seek that warm up slot playing ESG and Neu! records in Bournemouth all those years ago. Alkan in particular recognized Avery’s passion for sounds originating away from the dancefloor, something that was instrumental in Avery signing for Phantasy, a collective Daniel now regards “very much as home.” The critically acclaimed “Need Electric” and “Water Jump” EPs followed, showcasing a depth and progression alluded to in his earlier works for Throne Of Blood, Relish and Tigersushi. Much more music for Phantasy is promised in 2013.
Talk of Avery’s emergence cannot gloss over the praise from one of the UK’s most respected governors of dance music, Andrew Weatherall, who tipped the rising star for greatness earlier this year. In fact, Avery learnt much of his trade in Weatherall’s Shoreditch bunker studio, even as Andrew’s lauded sets had become, in his own words, “pretty much an Avery mega-mix.” That Weatherall should contribute an exclusive Asphodells track for Avery’s fabriclive mix is further proof that the respect between the two is very much mutual.
Now firmly embedded in the Scrutton Street Axis alongside Messrs Fairplay, Fraser and Johnston, Avery is balancing his relentless schedule of DJing, production, and remixes – Django Django, 2 Bears and The Horrors among many others in 2012 – with an attempt to cultivate some motivation for midweek clubbing that’s been absent since the days of Nag Nag Nag and Trash. Avery resides over Movement Club, a Thursday night Dalston venture with Clouded Vision honcho Matt Walsh. Unannounced friends of a high calibre feature in small basements, with the intention of drawing a trusting crowd based on the standard of music and setting an atmosphere of their own. Simian Mobile Disco, Trevor Jackson and Ivan Smagghe were among the early guests and a promise of big plans for Movement Club in the future should ensure the night develops on a trajectory similar to Avery’s own.
