Q&A WITH AVOTRE BOSS SANTE

Sante is the man behind Avotre, the label that started in 2012. It's quickly gone from strength to strength, with some of the biggest names in house and techno releasing on the label, including Darius Syrossian, Hot Since 82 and Patrick Topping.

Sante released his own album 'Current' on the label last year, and now his good friend Sidney Charles is just about to drop his album 'House Lessons' on the label.

DJ Mag caught up with Sante to see how the label was going and what is coming up...

What made you start your own label, was it always something you saw yourself doing? 
"I wanted to create a platform for me and my friends, where I am able to release what I love." 

When choosing what to release on the label, is there always a certain style you look out for?
"First of all, the track has to grab my attention immediately. Then if I decide to road-test it out in the clubs and the crowd responds to it in a great way, I’ll be looking to sign it. House and techno, and everything in between, it doesn’t matter."

Avotre showcases have been popping up all over at the moment, where can we catch them this year?
"We are planning a few big ones at the moment. There will be a party in London, a big one at Sonar in Barcelona and also a return to Amsterdam Dance Event, after the success of last year. We are also hosting a stage at the Ceremony Festival in September. We love doing label nights and have many more in the pipeline, so stay tuned." 

You play b2b with Sidney Charles a lot, what makes your sets together different from just a Santé set?
"We only play b2b at AVOTRE shows where we can create a certain vibe, and because we want to keep it extra special. We call it 'warehouse', our mixture of house and techno. Our sets tend to be longer than your average two-hour slot, we like to take our time... when I play alone I look to the crowd more, try and read the atmosphere and steer the music accordingly." 

Sidney is just about to release his album ‘House Lessons’ on Avotre with some big names that will appear on there. How excited are you for the release?
"I am really proud of Sidney, he is such a talent. I love all his productions. This album gave both him and AVOTRE the opportunity to present a bigger idea of what we are about. I am also really happy to have huge names like Hot Since 82, Darius Syrossian and Pan Pot on the label now."

What else have you got coming up on the label?
"The release schedule is as follows. Sidney’s album and accompanying single, with a DJ Sneak remix on the flip. Following that, a new EP from Darius Syrossian with a remix from me and Sidney, and an EP from me including Butch and Emanuel Satie remixes. Then our third instalment of the ‘VAAV’ series will be ready, with fresh tracks by Cera Alba, Blackloops and Truth To Be Told. Lots of good music on the way!"

You can catch Sante playing b2b with Sidney Charles this Friday from our office.