Q&A—AVAN LAVA

WHAT WERE YOUR DANCE MUSIC IDOLS GROWING UP?

Chemical Brothers, MJ, Vanilla Ice, Prodigy, Madonna, the list goes on…

FAULT: HOW DID YOU MEET SONYA TAYEH?

Sonya choreographed a Jeff Buckley/Romeo and Juliet musical in which I played the role of Paris, and Ian played drums. We’re looking to have her choreograph our next big dance video. She’s incredible!!

WILL YOU USE A LOT OF CHOREOGRAPHY IN PERFORMANCES OR FOR MUSIC VIDEOS?

Me, Vanessa Walters and Sonya Tayeh choreographed the dance sequences in the most recent live performances. With each new show, we try to incorporate more and more synchronized dance breaks. Some of our fans even join in. It’s crazy. Vanessa Walters choreographed the “It’s Never Over Official” music video. I’m a huge fan of Vanessa.

WHEN YOU THINK OF A MUSIC VIDEO YOU SAW AS A KID THAT REALLY IMPACTED YOU, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

The video that left a lasting imprint in my mind is “Human Nature” by Madonna. I used to watch MTV with my big sister, and I remember being SO confused with all of her sexuality. I had no idea what I was watching, but I knew I liked it a lot.

WHAT ARTISTS INSPIRE YOU WRITE NOW? ARE THERE ANY CURRENT AND UP AND COMING ARTISTS YOU LISTEN TO?

Really positive artists inspire me right now. I love Robyn, Sam Sparro, Little Dragon, Beyonce… As far as current up-and-coming artists, I’m falling in love with Body Language as performers and people. Their fusion of R&B, Dance and Pop is so appealing to me right now. And, audiences get rowdy at their shows, totally AVAN style… Also feeling Chrome Canyon, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Tippy Toes, EDX, so many…

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC VENUE IN NYC?

Music Hall of Williamsburg. We just played their with The Crystal Ark. It’s the perfect sized venue and the sound there is unmatched. Also just saw Light Asylum there the other night and they’ve never sounded better. Shannon can ROAR!!

WILLIAMSBURG OR LES? Williamsburg. And now that we have Vanessa’s Dumplings there’s absolutely no reason to ever leave Brooklyn. Sorry.

WOULD YOU RATHER YOUR MUSIC BE PLAYED IN CLUBS AND LOUNGES, OR AT A DANCE PARTY IN A LITTLE APARTMENT? Our sights are on Ibiza right now…

YOU SEEM TO BE INFLUENCED BY MADONNA QUITE A BIT, WHAT IS ABOUT HER THAT DRAWS YOU IN? Her fake British accent.

WHAT’S THE CONTEXT BEHIND “IT’S NEVER OVER”? “It’s Never Over” is about an unhealthy relationship in which two people can’t see eye to eye. Any attempt to reconcile their differences is met with more drama. So eventually you just have to say fuck it and move on. Life’s too short, ya know?

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SUMMERTIME? Well now it’s the newly renovated McCarren Pool [in Williamsburg, Brooklyn], even though a kid just pooped in it the other day and the last time I went I saw a kid punch a cop. Crazy. I definitely wish it was still a concert venue, but I’m from Southern California, gotta have a pool!!

WHAT IS YOUR FAULT? I spend too much money on a premium gym membership and I just use the sauna.