This post is also available in: Nederlands (Dutch)
This week in the MY FIRST GIG series: Dutch Youri Arnold, a.k.a. DJ/producer Avello Blue. "The coolest part was that my mom was there too."
“My first gig was over seven years ago at an intimate house party called Ernesthouse. This was a concept by Soulfully Yours, a well-known name in Sittard and the surrounding area for pure Chicago-underground House. I was 17 at the time. I had already been playing records in my attic for quite a while, where I had a massive vinyl collection.”
A joyful audience
“I don’t get nervous easily, so I wasn’t that anxious that night. When I’m spinning, I focus on what I need to do: giving the dancing audience something beautiful to take with them. That’s always my intention. In this case, the audience mainly consisted of clubbers. It was an amazing crowd. I also remember which track I started with: Marc Evans “Given Me Joy“.
Drive
“Some DJs plan their sets at home beforehand, but I always rely on my instincts. That’s my drive. The coolest thing was that my mom was there too. She’s a true disco queen, with a love for names like Chic, Sister Sledge, Joey Negro, and Dimitri From Paris. I was warming up the crowd, so she joined in for a dance. She still does, by the way – coming along and blending in with the crowd.”
Vision and feeling
“My best friend, who’s been my mentor, was there as well. He prepared me for that first gig. We spent countless nights spinning sets together in his attic. His vision and feeling for house music have aligned perfectly with mine since day one. We don’t even need to talk; we just know what each other means when it comes to choosing tracks.”
Smooth mixing
“Of course, my set had a few mixing mistakes. Thankfully, nothing major. When you’re used to spinning alone in your bedroom, it gets smoother each time. But the moment you’re standing in a club, something changes: you want to give the audience something meaningful. Over time, I’ve learned that smooth mixing makes the experience most enjoyable for me. What I learned from that first time was to enjoy the moment and make it a memorable experience for the audience.”
True House LA
“I’ve been with True House LA for four years now. This record label, run by Joel DeMarzo, is based in Los Angeles. I regularly release tracks and work closely with Joel and Doc Link from Chicago. In the Netherlands, I often collaborate with Varry White, a DJ/producer from Sittard. Together, we bring the ’80s boogie/disco sound wherever we can, mixed with a disco and funky house twist, under the name ‘Avello Blue & Varry White.’ Exciting things are ahead for us as a duo, so stay tuned!”
Big releases
“By the way, Varry White has also been with True House LA for two years now. We’re planning to release some big tracks soon. Of course, I’ll continue working hard under my own name, Avello Blue. I enjoy every moment.”
“This coming ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event), True House LA has two incredible parties planned, featuring Chicago house legend Paul Johnson. These are thrilling prospects that I’m really looking forward to! And there’s more exciting news after ADE, but that’s still a surprise for now.”
Photo in blue: Nadine Van Mierlo Photography
This interview with Avello Blue was originally published in September 2019 on This Is Our House.
Who is Avello Blue?
Avello Blue found his true love in Jackin’ and Chicago House. At the age of 15 he started to play hiphop. In 2011 he found his real vocation and started to play disco, funk, jazz and soul. Everything from the 80s to today’s released house music can be found in his varied collection.
Avello Blue is resident-DJ at Soulfully Yours and organizer/DJ of his own Ernesthouse parties. He is also a returning guest DJ at the world famous ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event). He also can be frequently heard at AMW (Amsterdam’s Most Wanted, www.amw.fm), one of the biggest Underground House radio stations.
Invited by house head honcho’s Tommy Largo & Menno Overvliet (Deepjacking Recordings, Robsoul, Guesthouse) Avello Blue regularly plays back to back sets with these Dj’s, among places at their shows at AMW.
“What I love the most is to make people happy with my dj-sets. When I see people groovin’ it makes me feel good.”
Avello Blue is one of the youngest DJ’s from the south of the Netherlands. He lives for Jackin’ and Chicago house music. Through his huge network in the scene he gets many of his international contacts to parties in The Netherlands.
Avello Blue is producing Chicago and Jackin’ House with his own signature; raw and groovy twists. He is also passionate about deep house and underground techno. The audience loves his focus and thoughtful choices. Avello Blue gets them what they want and deserve.
More Avello Blue?
More First Gigs? Check them all here!