Avi Sic, a rising star in the world of electronic dance music, has made a name for herself with her prolific performances and unique style.
Renowned as one of Chicago’s most esteemed DJs, Avi Sic has captivated audiences with her skillful blend of genres and meticulous selection. Her devotion to her craft began at a young age, where she immersed herself in music, experimenting, composing songs, and mastering various musical instruments.
With an impressive schedule that includes around 250 shows each year at venues across the nation, Avi Sic’s work ethic and passion for music are evident. From top-tier clubs to high-profile media events, prestigious hotels to renowned festivals, her performances have garnered attention and respect from the entertainment industry’s elite.
As an artist, Avi Sic has found a strong connection with the LGBTQ+ community through her performances at gay clubs and the relationships she has cultivated over the years. She expresses her appreciation and love for the community, emphasizing the moments when her journey as an artist intersects with her identity.
Avi Sic’s music resonates with a diverse range of audiences, and she aims to convey messages of positivity and carefreeness through her tracks. Whether it’s heartfelt compositions or dance floor anthems, she wants her listeners to have a good time and enjoy the experience.
Avi Sic’s recent release, “Knockin Like,” has been well-received, showcasing her ability to create high-energy tech house tracks. She provides insights into her songwriting and production process, emphasizing the importance of creating a bouncy and fun atmosphere while keeping the instrumental as the main focus.
In this interview with Happy Mag, Avi Sic shares insights into her journey as an artist and her experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Reflecting on her musical influences, she highlights Madonna’s longevity and dedication to women and the community as a whole. Avi Sic also recognizes the significant impact of the LGBTQ+ community on the genre of dance music, from the pioneers of house music to the artists who continue to shape its evolution.
Happy: What are you up to today?
Avi Sic: Recovery mode! The Chicago Pride parade was yesterday. I DJ’d the McDonald’s float in the morning followed by several afterparties. The night before all that I played direct support for Anna Lunoe. It was an awesome weekend but definitely happy to have the night off.
Happy: Tell us about where you are from? What’s the music scene like in your neck of the woods?
Avi Sic: I’m originally from the East Coast but moved to Chicago in 2005. The scene here is where it’s at – the birthplace of house music. It’s everything.
Happy: Describe your average work day?
Avi Sic: I stack gigs. On the weekends it’s an afternoon rooftop party, a few hours of downtime, then back to the clubs until about 4am. Most weekends I play 3 sets in a day. In the past few weeks I’ve done support for Kaskade and Wuki, had a few out of town shows, and also played the main stage at a major festival called Heatwave.
Happy: What about your ultimate day?
Avi Sic: I celebrated my birthday last week, that was a great example. Went camping (glamping) with my girlfriend. Totally off the grid, nature, relaxing… It was the best!
Happy: Tell us about your creative community. Who are some artists or bands that have inspired you, and how have they influenced your music?
Avi Sic: Overall my musical inspiration is Madonna. So much to respect about her longevity, career, and her dedication to women and the community in general. I’ve been influenced by so many artists and bands over the years it would take hours to talk about them all. Hole, Beastie Boys, Jimi Hendrix, Diplo, Chris Lake..
Happy: As a prominent figure in the electronic dance music scene, how do you believe the LGBTQ+ community has influenced and shaped the genre throughout history?
Avi Sic: Dance music exists as it does today because of our community. From mainstream pop and rock of the 70’s and 80’s where fluidity was prominent in artists like Prince and David Bowie to the history of house in general – specifically artists of color that pioneered the genre and the underground club scene here in Chicago like Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson and many others.
Happy: Pride month is a time of celebration and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. How has your personal journey as an artist intersected with your identity and experiences as a member of the community?
Avi Sic: Some of my first residencies in Chicago back in the day were at the gay clubs. The experiences, education, friends, and connections I’ve made in those spaces over the years has been life altering. In that sense, my journey as an artist has definitely crossed with my identity and continues to do so every now and again. I love those moments. The appreciation and love I have for the community is huge.
Happy: Your music has been embraced by a diverse range of audiences. How do you think your music resonates with the LGBTQ+ community specifically, and what messages or emotions do you hope to convey through your tracks?
Avi Sic: I’d like my songs to resonate with anyone that appreciates them. I have a diverse range of tracks. My earlier tracks were more heartfelt. Lately it’s more carefree and dance floor forward. Bass house, big room party vibes, I want my listeners to have a good time.
Happy: In the music industry, artists often face unique challenges related to their LGBTQ+ identity. Have you encountered any obstacles or discrimination throughout your career, and how have you overcome them?
Avi Sic: I’ve had some great opportunities because the company or venue wanted to include an LGBTQ artist. Acceptance in general has skyrocketed which is wonderful to see. Yes, I’ve experienced some uncomfortable situations here and there but I don’t pay attention to the negativity. I’ve probably experienced more discrimination due to my gender than I have from being gay honestly. And that has gotten better also with time.
Happy: Your recent release, “Knockin Like,” has been well-received by fans and critics alike. Can you share any insights into the inspiration behind the track and how it reflects your own experiences within the LGBTQ+ community?
Avi Sic: I wanted to create a fun, high energy tech house track that I could play on any dancefloor. I suppose everything I create takes influence from my life experience. But my association with the community is just a part of who I am – not what defines me. I make music for everyone.
Happy: Can you share some insights into the songwriting and production process for “Knockin Like”?
Avi Sic: I started with the drum and percussion work and then progressed to the other elements. The bass had to be bouncy and fun to keep the momentum going. I found some vocals and quick samples, pitched them and played with their timing. I used them sparingly so that the instrumental is the main focus.
Happy: As a DJ and performer, you have had the opportunity to share the stage with renowned artists from various genres. Have you noticed any significant changes or progress in terms of LGBTQ+ representation and visibility within the music industry?
Avi Sic: Tons of progress. It’s widely accepted and encouraged to be yourself these days. Staying true to your identity is an important thing in life and also within the music business. There are many allies in the industry and major festivals whose main message is inclusion. It’s great to see so many Pride Festivals all over the world with huge headline acts – both LGBTQ+ artists and also allies.
Happy: Pride month is not only a time for celebration but also a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and inclusivity. How do you use your platform and influence as an artist to support and uplift the LGBTQ+ community?
Avi Sic: I support the cause year round! It’s great that we have such a recognizable month to keep the narrative strong. I’m very involved with my local community. I also book artists at a LGBTQ+ venue whose message is to support people of color and cater to all genres – not just dance music.
Happy: Your music often carries a sense of empowerment and liberation. How do you think electronic dance music, in particular, has become a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals to express themselves and find a sense of belonging?
Avi Sic: Dancing is an escape. It really is a powerful thing. That is how the community originally came together and today it’s no different. Underground clubs, raves, etc. It’s the same idea today only on a larger scale. Freedom, expression, and love is the essence of all music. Group gatherings of people with similar mindsets is what keeps the EDM/Dance community strong.
Happy: Collaboration plays a significant role in the music industry. Are there any LGBTQ+ artists or allies with whom you would love to collaborate in the future, and why?
Avi Sic: So many!! A Rezz collab is top of my list. Azealia Banks, Big Freedia, Saucy Santana, Cardi B, Sam Smith on vocals… Icona Pop, Sophie Tucker or of course Madonna as allies. Any would be a dream.
Happy: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals for the future, both as an artist and as a representative of the LGBTQ+ community within the electronic music scene?
Avi Sic: I want to get in front of as many people as possible doing what I love and spreading the message of inclusion while sharing my artistry, music, and my true self.
Happy: Lastly, what makes you happy?
Avi Sic: Spending time with those closest to my heart, creating, and performing.
Get ready to sweat and shake as you tune into ‘Knockin Like’ from Avi Sic below.
