LA Indian-American singer, songwriter and creative director Avie Sheck shares his contemporary short film ‘Black $ummer’ to accompany the release of his new EP of the same name.

Sheck’s music encompasses a world-reaching approach. From his Thai and Japanese  upbringing, to the classical Indian music his mother taught him, to his discovery of Nu-Metal  and RnB/Hip-Hop, Avie’s sound flows freshly into today’s Alternative Pop and RnB music  worlds.

Talking about what got him into music Avie says, “My mother is a classical indian musician/teacher and my sister is an Rnb fanatic so I’ve been into music as long as I can remember to speak! Growing up – I was in several bands, hip hop groups, and solo acts. Avie Sheck is my final form and I hope to create a large, diverse catalog of music!”

Predominantly filmed in Mojave Desert in L.A, the vast scenery amplifies the theme of isolation which was inspired by Avie’s move to Los Angeles during lockdown. Shot by Avie himself; impressively, most of the filming was done in one evening due to the location and resources running thin. 

Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?

Black $ummer is a dark Rnb project from the depths of Houston, TX’s underground Hip-Hop scene. Beats are chopped and screwed in collaboration with producer, AlchemyOnThaBeat, and it has features from upcoming artists, Jet the 3rd and Candle Joseph. 

Each song was produced, written and recorded in one day during different phases of the COVID-19 lockdown. Alchemy (a great friend of mine) and I would get together – get fucked up and barbecue some food while writing, recording, mixing and mastering a whole song – it would take a full day from morning to late night. It was almost like therapy because we were both processing so much negative energy like losing jobs, sick/deceased family members or running low on money and dreams. Black $ummer is the culmination of those energies turning into something incredibly positive. 

In the midst of recording the project, I moved to Los Angeles. This is where I began formulating the genesis of the film. I found a model on a dating app and filmed the movie by myself in the middle of the Mojave desert. The film and EP will always remind me of the hardships in COVID and how I got through them. In its essence, Black $ummer is therapy music. 

What should a song or piece of art communicate in your opinion? 

The rawest form of energy. It should communicate the feeling the artist was consumed by while consummating the piece of art. 

Who were your top 3 artists last year?

I enjoyed listening to Don Toliver, Frank Ocean, and Michael Jackson. 

What do you do when you’re feeling uninspired?

I am actually working on this. I have started the Artists Way courses by Julia Cameron and in the book she tries to tackle controlling creativity and inspiration. In its essence, all of life is controlled by your mental state. I have been working on meditation and writing everyday so I can better control my creative mindset, especially on the days I am dreading it. Previously, I felt substance abuse was the best way to get away from my judgemental self but I am slowly finding out that breathing alone can put you into a creative trance. 

What are your 2022 projects and goals?

I’ve got some really exciting collaborations in the works which I do not want to name. They will come out as singles but I am also working on a couple more visual albums – acoustic and more rnb. I want my music to come with unique visual art so I am studying film casually. Currently, I’m finishing up ‘On Directing Film’ by David Mamet and ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron. Always working to become a more liberated artist through the philosophy of ‘Kaizen.’  

Favourite movie or TV show?

Narcos or Breaking bad! Being so close to Mexico and having been caught in between a cartel shootout I am fascinated by Narco trafficking. 

Tell us about your latest release ‘Black Summer’ and how it came about

Black $ummer is a dark Rnb project from the depths of Houston, TX’s underground Hip-Hop scene. Beats are chopped and screwed in collaboration with producer, AlchemyOnThaBeat, and it has features from upcoming artists, Jet the 3rd and Candle Joseph. 

Each song was produced, written and recorded in one day during different phases of the COVID-19 lockdown. Alchemy (a great friend of mine) and I would get together – get fucked up and barbecue some food while writing, recording, mixing and mastering a whole song – it would take a full day from morning to late night. It was almost like therapy because we were both processing so much negative energy like losing jobs, sick/deceased family members or running low on money and dreams. Black $ummer is the culmination of those energies turning into something incredibly positive. 

What is something you would want to change in the music and entertainment industry?

Access to marketing tools and transparency on how well they work. I think the music business is so entrepreneurial and it takes so much trial and error. I wish there was an amazon review based system on avenues that have worked – ‘trade secrets’ – because there’s so much amazing music out there but only tracks that have the correct backing get noticed. 

Can you outline your creative process?

If I am recording – I like to eat an apple. I feel like it gets my voice in the right place. If I am writing or producing – I like to set up mood lighting. I think it’s so important to have the right vibe. As far as a ritual goes – I don’t really have anything – most of the time it’s spontaneous like I need to get something out of me. I find my creativity pinging me in the most random times. It’s amazing to have a smartphone that can record ideas because often i’ll find myself on a long drive and be recording voice memos of song ideas. The car or public transit seems to be where I do a lot of creative thinking. 

Who inspires your style and aesthetics?

My friends – I love to shop with a few fashionista amigos because they always have the right eye for me. Always trust your hipster friends!  

What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why?

I think my first spotify editorial was very inspiring. It pushed me to want more editorials and create even better music. I think in the coming months my collaborations will be my most prized achievements – I have some very exciting projects with some fabulous artists/producers. 

Do you have any regrets?

Too many but thanks to my therapist, I am able to hold my shit together. 

What is some piece of advice you would give to yourself right now?

Be gentle on yourself. Keep going hard as fuck but don’t let ‘failure’ ruin your beautiful spirit. Also ‘a year from now, you will wish you had started today.’