For fans of boundary-pushing House music, Avi Sic’s latest release ‘Get Up & Listen’ is one for the books. Known for her versatile production style and energetic live performances, she has crafted a track that merges listener-focused subtleties with club-driven power. Released via Tiger Records, ‘Get Up & Listen’ is already gaining traction on the Beatport Bass House chart, and displays her ability to evolve her sound while staying true to her artistic vision.
We caught up with Avi Sic to discuss the creative process behind the track, her approach to production, and how it fits into her larger discography. Here’s what she had to say.
Hi Avi, thanks for joining us and congrats on the release of “Get Up & Listen”.
Thank you! It’s a unique one for sure, I’m excited that it’s out.
Can you tell us, what was the initial inspiration for the track, and how did it evolve during the production process?
I tried to create outside the box with this one. The idea wasn’t to make a smash club record but something more listener-focused. The evolution took some time, I wasn’t even sure it was actually an idea worthy of further development at first. I overthink things a lot.
Can you take us through your workflow for this track? Did you begin with a melody, the beat, or something else?
I was messing around in the studio and wrote the bassline and drum pattern initially. The more I listened to it, I realized I had something cool going on within the simplicity. The beat was catchy and bouncy, so I put more time into it. I really wanted the kick and bass to be the focus of the track and not overwhelm that with too many ideas or sounds.
The bassline and synth work in “Get Up & Listen” are really punchy; what techniques did you use to get those sounds, and what tools were key in shaping them?
As the focus of the track, this is definitely where I put the most time in. Choosing the right bassline synth was key. I went through many variations of the sound. Dialing in the sidechain perfectly was the key to the punch here. There is some subtle filtering and stereo effects of the sound throughout the track to create movement. For the kick, it has three layers: a low, mid, and high. This is how I got the most out of a single sound.
When producing this track, did you have a particular crowd or festival in mind? How did that influence your choices?
I always ask myself questions like “where does this fit into a set of mine?” and “who is the target audience of this track?” My answers on this one were a bit different than my other releases, but it was for this exact reason that I wanted to continue with it. It’s good to have variety in any arsenal. This one was very Chris Lake-inspired. Strange sounds, driving basslines. Something similar to the Black Book style but also different in many ways.
You’ve played some incredible live shows so far this year; did you road-test “Get Up & Listen” before its release? If so, how did the crowd react and did you make any changes based on that feedback?
Of course! Live testing my ideas is part of my process for sure. The surprise element of this track begins in the final build and into the last drop. At first, I had this part as the second drop. But after playing it live a few times, I tried switching the arrangement. This worked out much better, as the crowd was almost waiting for something new to happen rather than just giving it to them straight away. The reaction was more fulfilling to everyone—so I kept that change in the final version.
Can you share a bit about the process of selecting and processing the vocals? Were they a key element from the start?
The vocals were the last element I added. I didn’t want them to be the focus or be too overwhelming in general. Almost more of a background idea just to keep the momentum going. I found this speech and thought it had lots of potential. I chopped it up and only kept a few key ideas. It’s very sermon-like, asking existential questions, and becoming commanding at its peak. It really fit the vibe of the track and brought all the elements together.
How do you balance your instinct for innovation with keeping your sound accessible to the fans who follow your releases? Was this something you had to consider while creating this track?
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You’ve said in previous interviews that you produce a wide range of styles. How does “Get Up & Listen” fit into the larger arc of your discography and sound evolution?
It’s dark and energetic, which is something it does have in common with other releases of mine. But this one is more of a journey, so that sets it apart. It has fewer in-your-face type elements but, in its nuances, has a lot of complexity. I like to push a genre less approach, almost a combination of House music styles. I call it ‘Hybrid House,’ which is achieved by using elements of all styles. I really hate to feel boxed into anything. That’s where creativity can stall. It certainly shows my evolution in terms of being able to produce more simplified arrangements. Less is often more.
Tiger Records has been a great home for “Get Up & Listen”. How has working with the label influenced your release strategy or creative direction?
Yes, it’s a great label and I’m happy I found a home for this one with them. I really like their releases in general. Across the board, they are strong and have similar qualities. That’s something important to me when deciding on a label. We already hit #30 on the Beatport Bass House chart and had a feature in the new release as well. Hopefully, the momentum will keep going!
What are some of the key challenges you faced while producing this song? Were there any moments where you had to step back and rethink the track?
Many times. But this is a normal process for me. I put a lot of thought and time into every one of my releases. It is art, after all. Never completely satisfied but always proud. The tough part is trying to please everyone. This is not possible, so really the key is just to be happy with the final product yourself. And that’s when I know a song is ready. The arrangement was my main challenge with this one but in the end, I felt it was working well and for that reason, it was indeed finished. That is also my favorite part of this particular single. A simple yet effective arc to the track. Hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it!
Avi Sic continues to push the boundaries of her sound while staying grounded in the unique qualities that have garnered her a strong following. ‘Get Up & Listen’ exemplifies her ability to experiment with structure and sound while maintaining her signature energy. With a powerful combination of bass-driven grooves and unexpected twists, it’s a track that adds another layer of versatility to her already impressive catalogue; be sure to check it out and experience the journey yourself below and here.
Avi Sic Online
