After we’ve launched a mix series “TGMS Africa Distinct”, it was time to focus on the north as well. So, “TGMS Nordic Distinct” comes to life. And we kick off the series with no other than this great talent and person, Amavii.
For me, it was a fairly easy decision to start the series with the fearless Amavii as I met her back in 2017. She has become a big inspiration of mine and one of the reasons why I got introduced to the world of Techno in Gothenburg, Sweden. Amavii’s constant support and positivism towards other DJs, combined with her great talent, is something I believe has taken her very far. And I’m super excited that I got the opportunity to do this interview with her. I want you all to get involved in the world of Amavii!
The mix Amavii has done for “TGMS Nordic Distinct” will take us on an energetic journey with deep, progressive and punchy tracks, creating a feeling of impassion, which is the fundamental characteristic of Amavii.
Music is her painting, reflecting her mood
Amavii gives her audience an elevating performance and is not afraid to break out of her comfort zone whilst engaging upon a profound connection with her tangible energy; this transpires from the beginning to the end of her set! Amavii loves to blend different genres of electronic music and consistently gives the dance floor an element of surprise. Nothing is more fulfilling to her than to see the crowd dancing; in the mood that she creates. For an artist, music is her painting; it reflects her mood. The colour is her theme; aspiring to captivate a definite element of design that will give its uniqueness and style.
Bursting on the scene with fresh ideas, dynamic style and cutting-edge sound; Amavii’s passion for music is promising and unquestionably distinct!
Connect with Amavii on Soundcloud | Facebook
Hi Tanya, thank you for taking your time doing this interview! For any of our readers that aren’t familiar with you as much, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Born in Sweden with Moroccan and Czech origin; I moved at a very young age to West Africa. Growing up in The Gambia exposed me to people of various cultural backgrounds and exposure to travel. I have lived abroad for many years in the UK, California, Sweden and Germany. All of these colourful factors influenced and enriched my taste and sound in music.
I can say growing up listening to the music my mother and father played, became the real essence of my music education and influence.
I grew up in a musical and creative home; my father was a successful musician and for as long as I can remember, I have memories of my mother playing and dancing to music all throughout my childhood until this present day. I can say growing up listening to the music my mother and father played, became the real essence of my music education and influence. I also was thoroughly into art, poetry, sports, dance, played the piano from the age of 7 and sang in the choir throughout my school years. You can say that music has been the soundtrack to my life as it has always been playing in the background. A substantial part of my life and I have kept it close to me consistently, through every period. I have a strong, emotional bond with music and it has always given me the platform of being able to release feelings and thoughts and to feel able to express myself freely.
I have a strong, emotional bond with music and it has always given me the platform of being able to release feelings and thoughts and to feel able to express myself freely.
Since 2011 I have been in pursuance for my love of music under alias MissTee. During the last gratifying 8 years, I have experienced limitless growth and continuously evolving as an artist. I have performed in major events throughout Sweden alongside world-renowned artists such as La Fleur, Fritz Kalkbrenner, ANNA and Monkey Safari to name a few. In June 2015, I was selected to play at Sweden’s largest festival; Bråvalla in Norrköping, where I performed in a space with prominent acts on stage which recorded 50.703 attendees.
In April 2018, I transitioned to Amavii – my journey so far has developed to this point in my career; implementing careful reflection, awareness and realization. Today, I reside in Berlin, Germany where I am presently guesting clubs such as Golden Gate, Ritter Butzke, Fiese Remise, Anomalies, Void. On Saturday, December 28th I am booked to play at Suicide Circus.
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What can we expect from the mix you made?
You can expect a compilation of deep, progressive, punchy tracks assembled together to create a powerful journey of energetic melodies. I love music that makes you feel something impassioned; a surging jolt of tangible emotions!
Can you tell us how you got mixed up in the world of House & Techno?
Back in 2008, when I lived in Brighton (UK), was the time when I really began to immerse myself unconditionally into Electronic Music. My network of friends and acquaintances were all House & Techno lovers and involved in the scene in one way or another, whether they were promoters, DJs, producers or like-minded people who were a part of this friendly community. Brighton is known for its thriving music and art scene. There is so much talent coming out of Brighton consequently. We are all a product of our environment. Actually, the quirkiness and artistic nature of this city remind me a lot of Berlin; it feels unrefined and organic – this is one of the prominent factors which make these places so beautiful and unique.
Music has been a constant passion of mine ever since I was a little girl. And because of this, I rapidly absorbed all of these elements which surrounded and enriched me, like a sponge.
Music has been a constant passion of mine ever since I was a little girl and because of this, like a sponge, I rapidly absorbed all of these elements which surrounded and enriched me, thus as I explored this music – the more I crave to grasp more. When I lived in Brighton, I had my first work experience within nightlife promotions which I later progressed working with for approximately 5 years in Gothenburg; hosting my events and creating concepts surrounding dance floors. In addition, many of my friends were very passionate, talented and reputable DJs who had a residency every week at some of the best venues in Brighton. Something magical happened and transpired to me then, which inspired me to take it one step further and do something to develop all of this passion which I possessed. I reached a pivotal point in my life where I realised I did not want to be just a person in the audience anymore, I had an influential vision of myself being on stage and performing to a crowd.
I reached a pivotal point in my life where I realised I did not want to be just a person in the audience anymore, I had an influential vision of myself being on stage and performing to a crowd.
I lived in the UK for approximately 15 years, and I lived in Brighton just before I moved to Gothenburg, Sweden in 2010 where my journey in electronic music continued, getting more and more into depth with it. Music is a personal and compelling journey, it really depends on how far you are willing to push yourself and dare to take chances; activating your individual creativity to the limit. I am still learning and growing every day.
Music is a personal and compelling journey, it really depends on how far you are willing to push yourself and dare to take chances.
How has your music been influenced by living in Gothenburg, Sweden?
My journey in Electronic Music started in Brighton, primarily within the House genre. I learned how to DJ when I moved to Gothenburg, Sweden and also learned more about Techno. I can say this was natural gravitation within itself, as I searched for something with more depth and emotion. I call Techno, “intelligent music” because it addresses you in an intellectual way. It is all about the instruments; melodies, harmonies, sounds and detail. This is indeed one major asset I can never get bored of and why I am still so in love with this genre.
You’ve lived in Berlin now for more than a year now; what differences do you see in the underground scene in Gothenburg compared to Berlin?
In all honesty, you cannot compare the underground scene in Gothenburg vs Berlin. Over the years that I have lived in Gothenburg, I have been fortunate enough to be amidst to how the underground scene has developed and I believe it will continue to flourish eminently by the hands of innovative, forward-thinking minds. Berlin is an international, artistic, cosmopolitan city which attains vast diversity, culture, liberalism, vibrancy and has an entirely different culture structure of its own compared to Sweden. In all my travels, I have never experienced an Electronic Music scene or city like Berlin. It is something one has to experience for themselves and I must say, it’s pretty damn sensational! Such components as these are in fact why I was so drawn to this city and today I can call it my home.
Which 3 tracks are the ultimate favourites of your life and why?
“Rhythm Is a Dancer” is a song by German Eurodance group Snap! It was released in March 1992 as the second single from their second studio album The Madman’s Return. (1992)
“Pump Up the Jam” is the opening track on Belgian act Technotronic’s album Pump Up the Jam: The Album. Released as a single, it was a worldwide hit, reaching number two in the United Kingdom in 1989 and in the American BillboardHot 100 in early 1990.
“Hideaway” is a song by American house-music group De’Lacy. It features vocals by lead vocalist Rainie Lassiter. The song is written by Kevin Hedge and Josh Milan, produced by Blaze and released in 1995.
As a little girl, I grew up listening to these iconic and today regarded as classic productions. These singles were a part of my mother’s kaleidoscopic music collection and I remember I used to eagerly put them on when my parents left for work and blast it on full-volume on our sound system at home. I would dance over and over to these tracks and I remember feeling so happy doing that! Looking back, I have always loved dancing and music. Some tracks are crucial to my childhood and these are a few; I love them just the same today and from time to time I implement them in my sets.
Anything worth having doesn’t come easy.
Have you got anything exciting planned for next year? Tell us about Amavii 2020!
The path to your dreams isn’t always easy to manoeuvre, sometimes there are gruelling obstacles to overcome and mind-numbing times that can make anyone feel like quitting! Anything worth having doesn’t come easy. I have been pursuing my passion as a professional DJ for 8 years – it is truly a dream of a lifetime and my calling; which I am living right now! Pressing forward, this upcoming 2020 some aspirations I have are to release my own productions and to continue working hard towards establishing myself here in Berlin. As I ride this adventurous wave, I am grateful for all the opportunities that come my way and to all of those that believe in me. I am certain of who I am, where I have been and where I am going. Music is the answer.
Thank you
