Avant is a melodic techno DJ and producer based in Cologne. Recently, he released ‘Familiar Place,’ a collaboration with Solique on Adriatique’s esteemed imprint Siamese. Now, Avant is sharing a private edit of Monoloc’s legendary techno track ‘Trysome’ —a rework that pushes the original into new, cinematic territory by adding synth work and playing with space and tension. We thought it fitting to catch up with him to talk all things Siamese, new remix, and creative process! 

WWD: What drew you to Monoloc’s ‘Trysome’ and inspired you to create your own remix of it?

Monoloc has this raw, hypnotic energy in his productions that I’ve always admired. ‘Trysome’ stood out to me because of its haunting atmosphere and subtle tension—it felt like a track that could be reshaped into something even deeper and more immersive. I wanted to take that essence and give it a new dimension in terms of Melodic Techno, something that could work both on a peak-time dancefloor and in a more intimate setting.

WWD: When reworking the track, what was your approach? Did you aim to preserve certain elements, or did you take a more experimental route?

I wanted to maintain the eerie, driving core of the original while introducing a more melodic and evolving progression. I kept the gritty textures and the vocal samples but added my own layers of synth work, playing with space and tension. The goal was to push it into a more hypnotic, cinematic realm—something that feels alive and constantly moving forward. 

WWD: You’re releasing this remix as a free download. What was the thought process behind this decision? 

This remix was a passion project, and I didn’t want to confine it to a traditional release schedule. I created it for myself and to be able to play it in my sets. As I received many requests and positive feedback I thought I would share it as a way to give back to the community that supports my music, and I love the idea of it spreading organically among listeners and DJs.

WWD: Your last release, ‘Familiar Place,’ came out on Siamese and was a collaboration with Solique. What was the motivation behind this track, and how did the collaborative process unfold?

‘Familiar Place’ was about capturing that feeling of nostalgia—those moments when a melody takes you somewhere both new and familiar. Solique and I wanted to create something deeply emotional yet club-ready. The process was very fluid; the track was in the making for over a year and there were various versions of it. We created ideas and shared feedback back and forth, layering textures and refining the groove until everything locked into place. It was a natural collaboration, and we both pushed each other creatively.

WWD: How was it working with Siamese and collaborating with Solique on your latest release? Do you feel like your sound fits naturally within their roster?

Siamese has this refined aesthetic that blends depth with dancefloor energy, which resonates with my approach to music. Working with Siamese was a great experience— as Adriatique is leading the label they understand and push the importance of creative freedom. My sound has always been about blending emotional storytelling with hypnotic grooves, and I think that aligns well with the label’s vision. Collaborating with Solique was a perfect balance and great experience as they have a clear vision of their sound and brought the softer, emotional touch to the track while I lean towards deeper, hypnotic elements, creating a contract that made Familiar Place both emotionally rich and club-ready. 

WWD: You’re known for being a determined artist who often seeks perfection. How does that mindset translate into your production and DJ sets?

I’m obsessed with details and order. In production, that means spending hours tweaking textures and transitions until everything feels right. In DJing, it’s about building a journey—finding the perfect balance between tension and release. I usually try to start with more groovy tracks to set the mood followed by a transition into more Melodic Techno. The key is to stay open while maintaining a clear artistic vision.

WWD: How do you balance the energy of your live DJ performances with the more introspective process of music production? Do you approach them differently?

They feed into each other. DJing is about energy, connection, and spontaneity—feeling the pulse of the crowd and responding in real time. Production is more introspective; it’s where I craft the moods and textures that I want to bring into my sets. But the best moments happen when they overlap—when a track made in the studio suddenly comes alive on a dance floor and people react positively to it. 

WWD: Can you give us any hints about what’s coming next for you in 2025? Any exciting projects, releases, or collaborations in the works?

There’s a lot in motion. I’m working on an EP that explores a darker, more cinematic side of my sound—something immersive yet powerful. In addition I am working on a vocal track with Paul Brenning, trying to blend an emotional vocal with my cinematic soundscapes. 2025 is going to be an interesting year in terms of music. 

WWD: Your music is often described as distinctive and immersive. How would you personally define your sound, and how do you see it evolving in the future?

For me, it’s all about contrast—dark and light, tension and release, organic and synthetic. My sound is melodic and often very polished, emotional but always driving. Moving forward, I want to experiment more with vocalists and songwriters being involved in the creative process of bringing even more emotions by adding a vocal. The goal is always to create something that transports and captures people—whether on the dancefloor or in their own personal space.

WWD: We love that! Thanks for the chat 🙂