AU5 is known for his melodic bass and glitch step style that often sounds similar to that of Seven Lions. Real name Austin Collins, the 23 year old New Jersey producer brings listeners on a journey in his releases. Not being bound to one specific genre allows Austin to produce whatever he feels without having to cater to a particular sound. Diversity in productions set Austin aside from your average producer. His latest EP “Any Longer/Hit Rewind” is a true test of that diversity. Consisting of two very different tracks, Austin’s productions cater to both a dubstep and house/deep house sound. Vocals on both tracks are provided by none other than Canadian vocalist Q’AILA. Soothing vocals accompanied by Austin’s talented productions skills make for the perfect team in this latest EP.
“Any Longer” will bring out your inner base while still incorporating melodic synths giving an upbeat feel to the track. “Hit Rewind” caters to the more house/deep house lovers. With a sound that feels similar to a mix of Tchami & Oliver Heldens, Hit Rewind is our favorite off this EP. RaverRafting was able to talk with Austin about his latest EP, work with Q’AILA, and opinions on sticking to specific genres. Be sure give his latest EP a listen and check out our exclusive interview below! We look forward to hearing more from this talented producer.
Tell me a little bit about your Any Longer/Hit Rewind EP, what was your favorite part about producing it?
AU5: The EP was an enjoyable piece to work on. the fact that I did not have any plans or future goals for the EP is what has made it an enjoyable experience. As with any music I create, not having a purpose other than creating makes it feel like fun and not like work.
What was the toughest part about producing it?
AU5: Mixdowns, specifically with Any Longer. There are a lot of elements and simultaneous sounds happening in sequence and it isn’t particularly simple to make it sound smooth and cohesive. I composed these songs using headphones because of my studio limitations at the time. I had to do multiple revisions with Any Longer’s mix after I acquired monitors to accurately listen on.
Is there a specific reason you collaborated with Q’AILA on both tracks?
AU5: Hit Rewind started out as an instrumental and needed a vocalist. Q’AILA was available and willing to collaborate on it at the time so we did that. It was pretty effortless, as she is a versatile vocalist and a prolific lyricist. Any Longer was a song she wrote, which needed an instrumental. I composed and produced the song around only the acapella which she gave me. It just seemed to make sense at the time to combine them as 1 EP.
Do you have any preference on sticking to one type of genre in your productions?
AU5: I don’t like to concern myself with genre because I believe, consciously or subconsciously, such labeling categorizes and therefore stigmatizes something (art) that is a genuine and intimate expression of an individual. Now I could go on all day about what I believe makes music genuine/disingenuous, but specifically for me, sticking to a genre kills my inspiration and creative flow. Being a musician my entire life and being a lover of all kinds of music, I am not keen on limiting myself to one style, it feels unnatural.
Is there a certain label that you really enjoy your tracks being released on?
AU5: Not particularly. Different labels have different audiences, and often cater to specific styles or genres of music. Because I don’t cater to a specific audience, I am open to releasing on different labels. Diverse exposure is more important to me than consistent exposure from a single audience.
Do you have a favorite location to perform at?
AU5: Motion Notion in Golden BC has been one of the most beautiful places and events I’ve been to. Probably there just because of the environment.
Is there anywhere you really want to perform at?
AU5: Shambhala.
Are there any artists you draw inspiration from when producing music?
AU5: There are plenty of artists that I love, and inspire me in either direct or indirect ways. Often times it isn’t their sound that inspires me to create something similar, more so than it is the feelings and emotions which they induce in me, which charge me creatively. Fractal, Xilent, BT, Mr. Bill, Isqa, MakO, Tennyson, and Sorrow are some electronic producers that have a big impact on how I feel while creating and what I create.
Connect with AU5:
https://www.facebook.com/TheAu5
https://twitter.com/Au5music
https://www.instagram.com/au5_official
https://soundcloud.com/au5
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