Au5 is one of the most prolific producers in the EDM world. His work knows no bounds, as the classically trained act dabbles in all sides of the dance music […]
Au5 is one of the most prolific producers in the EDM world. His work knows no bounds, as the classically trained act dabbles in all sides of the dance music spectrum, ranging from Trance to Melodic Dubstep to Downtempo and everything in between. He’s been shining all over the scene for over ten years.
Au5 paired with Liquid Stranger‘s Wakaan label back in December to release his absolute jam “Funk Ain’t Even”. Rewind back a few months before that and Au5 was playing Liquid Stranger’s first ever Wakaan Festival in Ozark, Arkansas. On the first night of the event, Liquid Stranger announced the birth of Wakaan’s sister label — SSKWAN, which would focus on all things Downtempo.
Now, in the depths of a national pandemic, Au5 is captaining the first release off Liquid’s new SSWKAN label and he is the perfect fit to provide all the feels that fans need during these trying times.
Alchemy, a deep dive into the polished mind of Au5, is a proper Downtempo adventure. After releasing collab EP’s with Prismatic and Mr. Bill over the past couple years, this is another stellar change of pace for Au5. Also another example of his production prowess and flexibility, this seven-track album is the perfect vibe for anyone’s weekend or weeknight cool-down.
Whether you are a huge Au5 fan, a huge Wakaan fan, or just here for some creamy downtempo goodness, we know you’re going to enjoy Alchemy just as much as we did.
We had the pleasure of chatting with Au5 to go over the new label’s debut release and what he’s been up to during the pandemic. Big ups to the Wakaan/SSKWAN Team for coordinating.
H: How have you been spending your Quarantine? Have you been using that time to work on music?
A: Quarantine has been no different than before quarantine for me. I’m always home working on music or art, nothing has changed much.
H: Who are a few of your biggest inspirations?
A: BT, Koan Sound, Xilent, Infected Mushroom – all for different reasons and at different times in my life. I don’t really stick to 1 artist but rather find myself immersed and inspired by new artists every couple weeks depending on how I feel. But I’d say I’ve drawn the most inspiration from these guys the longest.
H: This is your first downtempo album in ten years. Who are a couple downtempo artists you are listening to that have a big future ahead of them?
A: While I can’t speak of their futures, I dig Stellardrone, Kazukii, Sorrow, Carbon Based Lifeforms, Jonn Serrie – pretty much anything between garage, ambient, and psychedelic. I let Spotify algo’s do most of the searching.
H: Liquid Stranger’s Wakaan label has really been a force to be reckoned with over the past few years, how’s it feel to captain the first release from the highly anticipated sister label SSKWAN?
A: Quite honored really. Martin is a wise man and someone I have a lot of respect for, so him deciding to have Alchemy as the debut for the label was humbling to discover.
H: You provided support for the first ever Wakaan tour back in 2015, what can you tell us about that tour?
A: So long and exhausting… really though it was an unforgettable experience to be part of the start of such a massive movement as Wakaan and to tour almost 50 different cities with an eccentric yet tight-knit crew. Felt like family.
H: What do you want fans to know about your new Alchemy LP?
A: It’s not about big drops, crazy production flexes or shock value. It’s an experience for finding that inner tranquility during chaotic times. Music has the power to influence us mentally, emotionally, and physiologically – that said I intend the album to be a “rebalance of the elements” within us and a reset button for the listener.
H: Any advice for upcoming producers during this stressful time?
A: Be conscious of your health – not just physical health – but of your emotional and mental needs. We may feel immense pressure to succeed during times of scarcity and in industries of heavy competition. This can lead to tunnel vision, burnout, and a loss of the sense of priority. Health comes first, once that is in check then the creative process becomes more fulfilling, consistent, and rejuvenating.
Thanks so much to Au5 for the words of wisdom and enjoy his new LP above! Be sure to show him support on socials and Soundcloud below.
https://www.instagram.com/au5_official/
https://www.facebook.com/TheAu5
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