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AQUTIE: Celebrating NYC's Club Scene & Queer Culture in 'Coolest in The City

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Cover Photo by Emma Brawley

AQUTIE is an emerging artist who's gaining recognition in the music scene, having secured notable support slots in New York City for artists like Black Coffee and Uncle Waffle and performances alongside Dennis Ferrer, HoneyLuv, and Afriqua, with another show scheduled with Keinemusik at The Brooklyn Mirage on July 5.

AQUTIE curates her own event series “Heat House” in Brooklyn. The event showcases dance music across the African Diasporas and has attracted attendees such as Janelle Monae, Little Simz, Sir John, Jitwam, and more. Earlier this year, she performed at Tyla’s release party, and last year, she made her debut at Boiler Room with the amapiano party AMAPROBLEM in Toronto.

AQUTIE recently released her debut EP titled 'Coolest in the City' on Noir Fever Records (an independent label dedicated to driving sustainable and impactful changes in the future of Black dance music, founded by Aluna of AlunaGeorge).

How did you start your career in music?

I’ve been involved with music since I was young. I started out in the church by singing in the choir and as I got older my mom put me in many different activities like the violin, which I played for many years. I also danced as well and did theater. DJing came along while I was in college and I’ve been producing since 2020. 

Talk to us about your debut on Noir Fever Records

Noir Fever is an independent label created by Aluna (of AlunaGeorge). Their aim is to promote black electronic dance music and they support & provide a sense of community for those who are in these spaces. It’s also where I released my debut EP, ‘Coolest in the City’, which I’m so proud of.

What was the inspiration behind your debut EP ‘Coolest In The City’? 

‘Coolest in The City’ is my ode to NYC, the queer community, & the club scene. My homegirl is the one who actually gave me the title. She was just giving me my flowers and said, “you’re really the coolest in the city”. In that moment I felt very appreciative and very seen. For someone to see me in such a way made me feel good because being in this industry you go through a waves of emotions and sometimes it can make you feel like you aren’t doing enough. Meanwhile people are watching you and they’re seeing you make moves and watching your journey. So for me I felt very humbled that as she was giving me my praises. I felt loved. 

Can you share any favorite moments from your tour where you joined artists like Uncle Waffles, DBN GoGo, and Black Coffee?

One common feeling I had for each of those gigs was that I was apart of a monumental moment in South African music history. All of these artists were able to have sold out headlining shows in NYC and I got to be apart of those moments. For me it was like a dream come true. I felt very proud to be South African and was thankful to be apart of those moments.

How do you approach curating a setlist for performances such as Boiler Room or Brooklyn Mirage?

A lot of the time I am just going with the flow. I don’t plan my sets. Especially because my music is very organized, I always go in knowing that I’m good to go. I like to read the energy from the crowd because every gig is different so a planned set is not ideal for me. Like every DJ, I have my favorite tracks, but 98% of the time I’m winging it. I like to let the music guide me.  

What challenges have you faced as a South African/Guinean female DJ in the industry, and how have you overcome them?

Definitely people undermining me but also people being intimidated by me after I’ve shown that I’m good at what I do. I overcame it simply by making sure I protect my energy from those kinds of people. Some people wanna derail the good energy but my main thing is to always remember why I’m here and why I do what I’m doing. I have a great tribe of people that support me and we all lift up one another. Having community is the key to blocking out all the unnecessary noise.

What is your top networking tip for connecting with the right people in music e.g. a manager or a record label?

Just be yourself. Move with intention but don’t force things. Get to know the people outside of just doing business with them. Show support and be genuine. Also don’t be afraid of rejection. That’s just the reality of it. These people get hounded daily so a lot of them might be very cut throat and it’s okay if you don’t connect in that moment. There are so many other people to meet in this industry. You just continue being authentic and the right people will gravitate towards you.

Your top advice for young people wanting to become music producers/singer-songwriters etc.

Be patient! Don’t compare yourself to others because comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on yourself and on your mission. Don’t be afraid to be different. Find what makes you unique and really hone in on that. 

What's your favorite/least favorite thing about making music?

My favorite thing about making music is when I finally get the groove of what I’ve been trying to create. The least favorite is definitely when I get a road block but what helps me is stepping away and revisiting it later. I don’t like forcing things cause that’s when the music starts to sound a little weird.

What are you listening to right now?

Besides my new EP, I’ve been rinsing Kaytranada’s new album. I love it so much. That’s my musical husband.

3 things you can't live without in your bag

My Vaseline, gum & ID/bank cards

Emerging Artist AVR Delves into Philip Glass Rework, MUGLER Collaboration, and Debut Album 'Salvation'

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AVR (Anna von Raison) is a polymath who blends art, music, innovation, and tradition. Her work is influenced by diverse references like Philip Glass, Grimes, Stevie Wonder, and Bernini sculptures. Frustrated with the routine of academic jazz piano studies, AVR began producing music that captures the feeling-everything-all-the-time internet era.

AVR has scored films for brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior and worked as a studio pianist and producer for artists such as Charlotte Gainsbourg, Tusks, Soundwalk Collective, and Franny London. AVR also consults and performs in fine arts contexts, including Gropius Bau Berlin and the National Gallery, and serves as a music curator for events like Berlin’s ‘Long Night of Museums.’ Her song ‘Under The Sand’ features on the soundtrack of the US movie ‘After Everything.’

Her release, 'Etude No.2,' a rework of Philip Glass, came out on Glass' label with an immersive video collaboration with MUGLER. Supported by BBC stations and publications like CLASH, Rolling Stone, The Fader, and i-D, AVR's music gained international attention from the start. She has performed at notable venues like Berlin’s Philharmonie, Notting Hill Arts Club in London, and Baby’s All Right in New York.

AVR’s debut album ‘Salvation,’ released on June 7, reflects a softer, warmer sound, integrating her jazz and neo-soul influences. Independently published and four years in the making, it features guest soloists Viktor Wolf and Sylvia Hlynsdottir. The album, the final part of a trilogy, marks AVR’s evolution as a solo artist.

Describing her creative process, AVR says: ‘I love collaging and clashing musical bits that typically don’t live in the same world - I am looking for that new sound, seeking innovation but also romance. I try to avoid the dangerous temptations of musical training. Working from instinct, I give the subconscious free reign, into an ecstatic flow. For me, making music is like scoring the movies in my head.’

On ‘Salvation’, this approach results in hazy ambient journeys combining jazzy choirs,cinematic strings, Motown bass, trip hop drums, and bright vocals. Tame Impala-stylesynth solos appear, while experimental bits of sound toy with the warm breeze.

 "Salvation" is the final act of a trilogy. What’s the inspiration behind it? How does it connect with your previous EPs "Vibration" and "Hallucination"?

Salvation is the last part of trilogy that started with EP1 Hallucination and EP2 Vibration. This trilogy for me is part of my transition of mainly working behind the scenes as studio pianist, producer and composer for other artists, brands or film. Musically it’s the genesis of AVR as a solo artist in the sense that those 3 acts each represent part of my musical selves. Hallucination works with a lot of classical piano fragments, some that I composed, then one of Claude Debussy. Vibration, my second EP, is much more beat focused and has generally a darker synth-, more distorted and rebellious vibe. Salvation is the warm rain, the liberation, the letting go. There’s a lot of warmth and jazzy, souly references. I intended it a bit as a musical retreat. We live in such a complicated time and I still want to believe in the power of music to unite and remind us of our shared humanity. But I feel if we dont retreat from time to time you lose the energy to stay political and hopeful.

Can you share more about the process of collaborating with Philip Glass' label and French fashion house MUGLER?

I have been a big admirer of Glass’ works for a long time, and always loved Beck’s rework on a rework-only-album from 2012. At one point I just started to play around in Logic with the Piano Etude No.2 and once finished showed it to director Alex de Brabant who felt immediately inspired to do a video. We requested a wardrobe collaboration with Mugler and somehow our moodboard for the video convinced them to send a beautiful selection of pieces for me to wear in the video from Paris. After having put all the work in the music and a lot of money and time in the video I realized: We cant release any of it without a permission. I had absolutely forgotten about this legal situation since Philip Glass is a living composer. Extremely stressed about that I reached out to his publisher and we had to wait for months and months until we got the relieving news. In the end they would not only allow for both video and rework to be released but also asked me if I could see myself releasing my rework on Glass’ label Orange Mountain Music, which was more than I could have ever dreamt of.

How has your involvement with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior impacted your career/creative process?

Actually all my brand collaborations came directly through the directors, who were friends of friends or who heard of me through someone. I think big brand names can in some circles maybe give you ‘credibility’ in terms of what professional level you are able to deliver and if you can work in sometimes difficult circumstances. Often there are agencies involved, which means a lot of people with all kinds of musical taste are giving opinions and having to navigate that to get to a final result that everyone is at least ‘ok’ with can be hard. I also have quite conflicting feelings about big brands when thinking about our current environmental crisis, let alone workers’ conditions, and myself mainly wearing vintage clothes.

You’ve been a mentor for programs like ‘Girls Who Listen’ and ‘Keychange’. What’s your top advice for people wanting to become music producers/singer-songwriters etc.

I think essentially making music is translating, channeling emotions. And the better you are able to navigate the tools - like voice, instruments, DAW - the better, more precise and more personal that translation will be. So for that I think its important to just aspire to get better and know as much as possible/needed for what you want to express. Ultimately it just saves you from having to beg producers, mixers for their spare time and empowers you to work as much as possible autonomously. It’s sometimes a lonely process for me as I do it almost all on my own but it also allows for the maximum freedom. There are amazing initiatives, such as yours, out there to connect and share knowledge in safe spaces.

AVR | Photo by Alex de Brabant

Who are some of your biggest artistic influences and how have they shaped your work?

I think the reason I wanted to become a professional musician and study piano was a concert of Herbie Hancock as a teen. The feeling I had there was like nothing I had ever felt, so ecstatic and so good. Pretty much at the same time I was deep into the song books of Joni Mitchell and Marvin Gaye whilst having weekly classical piano lessons aspiring for the chords of Ravel. In general I am drawn to musical risk takers who dont become avant-garde-only, but still manage to be understood and appreciated by larger audiences. Be it Stravinsky, Thelonious Monk, Tyler The Creator, M.I.A., Björk. I like combining musical elements that dont naturally live in the same world together as I am always looking for that new sound, for innovation, but also for romance. And the romance part can oftentimes be in a hopefully timeless melody or the lyrics for me.

What's your favorite/least favorite thing about making music?

My favorite thing is starting new drafts, that fresh and exciting energy. Or moments in the studio, when creating with other people when you just sit there and feel the exact same high about something. The hardest are the last 10% of editing when it gets so incredibly tedious. And then there is the reality of being a musician in the time of social media. My main platform is instagram for communication and, like for most people, it creates a lot of anxiety and stress for me. I was also never an artist longing to see my face everywhere, I would prefer to let my music speak.

What's the weirdest inspiration you've drawn for a song?

It’s not really weird at all, but my favorite fine artist is Jenny Holzer who works with language a lot, which speaks to me deeply. My song SKIN uses her words/verses entirely.

3 things you can't live without in your bag

Its 2 for me: Heaphones & lip balm :)

** Interview by ninakeh for shesaid.so

Up Next: Jay Kent

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Hailing from Angeles, Philippines, 22-year-old Jay Kent is unapologetically queer and occupies the intersection of R&B and pop.

Alongside EP Entertainment, she’s developing her eclectic debut project with the likes of AyoTheProducer (Cardi B/Lil Wayne), Imani (City Girls/Quavo), ClickNPress  Alessia Cara/Dreamville), and Soko7 (Beyoncé), amongst others. Her unique tone has helped her garner over 130k followers and 1.2 million likes on TikTok.

Jay’s single “Texting” was released earlier this year and it’s an homage to the ever-opaque sapphic situationship. “Texting” finds Jay caught in a chronically online romance complicated by broken-down communication, yet oozing with irresistible sensuality. 

What's the story behind your single "Texting"? 

"'Texting' is a story about a relationship that avoids confrontation, people nowadays do everything online. They text and FaceTime. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen relationships start and end that way. This song was to talk about how people shouldn’t be afraid to talk in person."

What was a moment you loved while working on your debut project? 

Working on my music with so many talented and incredible people is definitely the “stand out” for me. I love being able to learn new things and absorb knowledge about something I love to do. Being surrounded by people with such good energy and good vibes."

What challenges have you faced as a young artist in the industry, and how have you overcome them? 

I can’t count how many times I’ve been put down for the way I look and my sexuality. I’ve been told that the norm is the only way to go and I guess embracing who you are is the only way to overcome all that. I’ve learned that we should stop caring about what people think, it’s either they like you or they don’t. It’s better to keep the people that matter the most and continue doing what you love to do without caring about what people say about you.

What's your favorite/least favorite thing about making music? 

It’s very difficult for me to have a favorite thing about music when I enjoy every bit of it. The process of making it, the end of the track when you finally get to hear the result, the reactions people make when they hear it. That’s the joy for me. I guess if I were to have a least favorite thing, maybe the lack of sleep? Haha. That’s on me though.

What is your top networking tip for connecting with the right people in music e.g. a manager or a record label? 

I don’t actually know the answer to this one, I never really looked for them. I just keep uploading content and try to make videos that I think people would enjoy. Something light and easy but different. I was incredibly lucky to have been found by EP Entertainment and I’ll forever be grateful to them. They’ve really opened a lot of doors for me when it comes to music.

How do you use social media to connect with your audience/share your music? 

For me, social media is just a fun way to express yourself. You have total control over what you do and I guess at the end of the day, you attract people that love what you do. I’m not really good at the whole marketing perspective on that. I just be me and hope for the best."

If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be and why? 

I would love to do a song with Beyonce. That’s if I don’t get rushed to the ER just being near her presence. I’m in love with her. Absolutely in love.

What's the most unexpected source of inspiration you've drawn from for your music? 

I get inspired at the most random times, like I noticed most of them is when I’m in the shower. Haha, though my emotions play a big part. Especially when I’m in love or when I’m sad. That’s when I end up pouring my heart out the most."

Connect with Jay Kent

TikTok & Instagram

Up Next: Kito

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Australian-born, LA-based producer, DJ, and songwriter Kito has steadily ascended in electronic, indie, and pop genres for over a decade.

Her notable collaborations include working with Skrillex and Aluna on 'Inhale Exhale' from Skrillex's Grammy-nominated album, QUEST FOR FIRE (Best Dance/Electronic Album) and a Grimes endorsed official release of 'Gold Touch,' marking Kito's first AI-generated vocal track.

Kito’s first official release came through Skream’s label Disfigured Dubs, with future releases on Mad Decent, Ed Banger, and Astralwerks.

Producing for a range of artists including Banks, Jeremih, ZHU, Channel Tres, Hudson Mohawke, Jorja Smith, and Fletcher, whom she received a Gold Record for her work on ‘Bitter’, Kito’s work has also landed her performances for Luxury brands like Gucci and Fendi. 

In 2024, Kito is returning to Mad Decent for upcoming solo releases and collaborations set for spring and summer, reflecting her London club scene upbringing.

"COLD TOUCH" released in 2023 featured A.I.-generated vocals from Grimes. What excites you about the intersection of AI and artistic expression?

The thing that excites me the most is the possibilities of cutting out tedious parts of the creative process. I’m not so excited about using AI to come with ideas - more about leveraging it as a tool to help me see my ideas through. 

As an artist who has worked across various labels, what insights can you share about getting in touch with record labels?

I’m not entirely sure if I have any secret tips here! I think labels are less and less important for artists starting out. For me, I had my heart set on a few labels to begin with and sent demos through social media. In my opinion, the best way to get a labels attention is to create a world with your music and audience yourself. 

Share a memorable behind-the-scenes moment while working on a collaborative project

I have so many! Doing a writing camp at Shangri La was pretty memorable. Just knowing so many amazing albums were made in the space we were working felt special. 

3 women who inspire you

My mum and my sisters.

Tips for finding your creativity on a tough day

Get outside and move your body! Or tap in a friend to share the burden of breaking through a block on your own. 

Your top advice for young people wanting to become music producers/singer-songwriters etc.

Have fun, and perhaps don’t quit your day job until you have to? I know that once I had to make money from music, it did limit my creativity for a little bit but once I found financial stability it opened up my creativity again as I felt less afraid to take risks. 

What's your favorite and least favorite thing about making music?

Favourite thing is the buzz you get when you make something you love with people you love, and least favourite thing is the self doubt. 

3 things you can't live without in your bag

paw paw ointment because I’m Australian, orange blossom perfume, a little chocolate treat 

An artist or album that's changed your life

Burial changed my life. I may not have started making music if it wasn’t for Burial.

Describe your morning routine

I love to get outside and get a coffee! 

Kito will be debuting her new project IS U IS U with Chrome Sparks with their first single 'All I Need' out on March 27th via Mad Decent.

Connect with Kito

Up Next: ANANYA

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Ananya’s Photo by Sophia French

Ananya, the Zimbabwean-born rising singer/songwriter based in London, is a multi-talented artist excelling in music. Her latest single, "Macy Gray," pays homage to the legendary artist and is part of her debut EP, "I Woke Up One Night." With over half a million streams, the EP features hit tracks like "Bad for You" and "Gone (Forever)," showcasing Ananya's emotive vocals and reflective songwriting.

Beyond music, Ananya co-founded The Nani Wellness Project to raise awareness about mental health issues in Zimbabwe. This showcases Ananya as a notable presence in the global music scene, combining her musical talent with a commitment to creative expression and mental health advocacy.

If you had to pick one song from your new EP to introduce someone to your music, which one would it be and why?

I think it’d have to be ‘macy gray’. I’m often back and forth when it comes to my favorite song from ‘i woke up one night’, but I tend to lean towards the more vulnerable, melancholic tracks. I think that ‘macy gray’ really encompasses a common feeling and tackles the concept that although tough, remembering the truth, rather than only the good, is vital in moving on. 

What's the weirdest inspiration you've drawn for a song?

Throughout this EP, being inspired by my dreams was a new point. It’s something that hadn’t ever happened to me, but I welcomed it with open arms when it came. It started with ‘bad for you’ when I woke up from a nightmare; I dreamed about disloyalty, which turned out to be very much true. It’s my weirdest inspiration - I still have a hard time explaining to people that I discovered the truth from a dream.

What advice would you give to young people wanting to become music producers/singer-songwriters etc

I’m still figuring this out but I try to create what feels most authentic to me, and work that I’m excited and passionate about.

Name one artist or genre that has influenced you/your music

I’m a massive Swiftie.. Taylor Swift has influenced both me and my music. She not only taught me songwriting but also the importance of filling songs with wit and power. Her role as a woman in music is inspiring, and I admire her full dedication to everything she pursues.

How do you overcome creative blocks? 

I’m still learning about overcoming creative blocks, but something that has been working for me lately is journaling and meditation. I have this superstition that if I stop focusing on overcoming my creative block, inspiration comes to me. 

What's one thing you hope your fans take away from listening to your debut EP?

I hope that anyone listening feels that they have something to relate to, and something to act as a companion to in life’s very real scenarios.

Connect with Ananya

Instagram & YouTube

Up Next: Lavaud

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Hailing from Hackney, East London with roots in Mauritius, Lavaud began her musical journey guided by her father, who exposed her to various genres like Zouk and R&B.

Lavaud cites the likes of Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin and Beyonce as inspirations for her sound. She received recognition from the MOBO Awards for single ‘Pictures’ before scoring a US ‘Top 20’ urban radio hit with ‘Deep’ and ‘In This Room’ - an acoustic single that she wrote, produced and recorded from her bedroom during lockdown that amassed over 500K streams and was playlisted by YouTube Music, Apple Music and Tidal amongst others.

Since then, Lavaud solidified her status as an artist to watch with her debut EP ‘King Vaud’ which received critical acclaim, scoring over 3 million global streams. She made a comeback with the single ‘Roll on Me’ featuring an all-star ensemble of very special guests that have shaped the landscape of African music, Tiwa Savage, Patoranking, Reekado Banks and Kanis, out now on DSPs via Saint & Citizen Music.

On the single, Lavaud said: “I’m so excited to be working with such iconic and generational talent. I love how all our cultures blend to create something timeless, that’s the beauty of music”.

What has been the most rewarding moment in your journey so far?

One of the most rewarding moments of my career so far would have to be seeing myself on a massive billboard in the middle of Old Street, a place where I used to sing from the age of 16. Growing up, I would go to sing in all these bars, trying to get people to listen to my music. To see my music on a massive billboard promoting me and my fellow artists that are on the track (Roll On Me) with me, just this whole experience of releasing “Roll On Me” me has been one of the most rewarding moments ever.

I've definitely manifested that and it just shows the power in believing in yourself. I'm pushing a working hard, you can definitely get all the things that you've ever wanted. Also, Billboard Top 100 shout me out for charting on two massive Billboard charts, one at number 28 and one at number four. That was a sick experience for me, so super grateful.

3 things you can't live without in your bag

The first one is a pair of Valentino shades. I carry them everywhere I go. If I go into the corner shop, or I want to go to the supermarket or wherever and I can throw these on and have no makeup on. If I want to get into character, to be moody in the booth while I'm singing, I throw these on. They've been rocking with me for about four years. So yeah, can't live without them. Valentino shades.

The second one would be a Christian Dior OUD. I get really bad car sickness and get really nauseous, so sometimes smelling this just helps it go away. Also, if you are in studio all day, and you need to just want to smell a little bit fresh after a long day singing. This just tough to trade, you don't need a lot.

Then third the obvious is my phone but mainly because I love to take pictures and I love to capture memories of my friends, of food etc. I can look back at something that happened in 2017 and just laugh. It will just make me feel happy and light. I love capturing memories on my phone.

Favorite music to wake up to.

The music that I listened to in the morning is 432 Hertz frequency music. For me, it releases endorphins in my body. It does the same thing as when I hug someone or when I laugh or when I run in the gym. It just does something for me, it sets my mood and grounds me in the morning.

I also love to romanticise my life and every little thing of my day. I feel that (the artist) Al Green does the trick for me (every time I'm making my breakfast in the morning, or I don't know showering or brushing my teeth). His music just makes me feel like I'm in the movies, it just makes me feel good. So yeah, romanticise your life, it is the best thing I've ever done.

Your top tip for finding your creativity and a tough day.

Honestly, is chill. Don't force it. Don't overthink it, if it's not coming in and it's not flowing for you. I would watch something that would inspire me like a Beyonce documentary. Or I might just watch my favourite movie. Go to a museum, hang out with my friends, do things that won’t put pressure on my brain. Because the moment I put pressure on my brain, and I start to self sabotage and get frustrated with myself, I realise that none of that is going to come up. So, literally, just go live your life and come back to it. I promise you; if you sleep on it, and come back to that song the next day, you will come up with a smash.