Avant, who has maintained longevity in the R&B arena, is back with a new self-titled album, “Avant.” Although he’s on a new label, fans can expect the same smooth, fresh, and innovative vibes from the singer-songwriter from Ohio.
Avant’s first single, “When It Hurts” is currently on airwaves and those who simply enjoy good music can expect a complete album Dec. 9.
Known for songs such as “Separated” and “Read Your Mind,” those anticipating the fifth album can add to their reserve of songs like “Let Me Break Your Back” and “Sailing.”
Avant recently sat down with the Recorder to tell his fans he’s back and better than ever.
What are you in town for?
Avant: I’m here to promote my album. I’m just here to show some love to Indy.
Your album comes out in December, what have you been doing since the last album?
Actually, I’ve been trying to get into the movie game, myself. I took some time off, reading a couple of scripts; I was in “Barbershop 2” and also in “First Sunday” on the DVD version of it. I’ve been trying to do that, but at the same time, trying to look at the music game through a microscope and trying to find out what it is they really need right now.
Tell me about the new single “When It Hurts”?
What I tried to bring across is everybody’s watching reality TV right now; I’m trying to bring some reality music to the forefront. At some point, it’s going to hurt, but can you love me through the pain? That’s what relationships do. It’s a battleground.
What inspired that song?
It’s what people are not dealing with right now. It’s cool to be in the clubs partying, but at the same time, you’ve got to go home to somebody. Most of the time, that person you have, ain’t cool with you being in the club. You still have to deal with that side of the spectrum. I’m just trying to bring that across.
How do you maintain your individuality amongst everything going on?
It’s just me. I’m not trying to be like everybody else. I don’t want to be like “they doing this club thing so I want to do this here.” I’ve got some nice up-tempos on the album. I worked with different producers. I worked with my man Snoop Dogg, this new cat out of Baltimore named Dante Winslow. I did some joints with these cats named Anonymous Records, they worked with me on “4 Minutes” and “When It Hurts.” I worked with The Architects; they had songs on Missy’s last album. I worked with Mr. Collipark too. It’s a beautiful look; the album’s really diverse. I went out and worked with different producers, I didn’t work with the same cats as before when I first started. As you can see, I still gave you the Avant vibe and Avant sound. I let everybody know what I can produce.
Are you going to be touring?
Yeah, we’re setting up tour dates right now. That’s our main focus, to make sure everybody knows exactly where it is. I have a number that all my fans can hit me on and I’ll give them an update on what I’m doing and where I am. It’s (216) 503-6875. You can call me if you have any questions, if something’s hurting, or if you’re feeling good today. Just call me to have conversation.
You’re on a new record label, too. How’s the transition been?
The transition’s been wonderful actually. I gave them 10 records on that album, now it’s time for me to give Capitol Records 10 or more. Being on Capitol Records, finally I’m priority. I had to put records out for people to understand who I am and what I do. Now these people are very excited about the album. It was supposed to come out in October, but we felt we should push it back because we wanted to get a better look, probably two singles before we start putting it out to sale; so they know they’re getting a great product. I also did the remake of Christopher Cross’ “Sailin.” I had to do that one; just trying to come up with something new, fresh. What I love about that song is, it’s not really talking about any gender. It’s saying I want to feel free within my life. This is what’s going on with me. I just wanted to talk about getting away from everybody and having a good time.
Now that you’re on Capitol Records, what do you want your fans to know about you?
It’s the same Avant, but at the same time, I’m going to give you something different. I have records I did for Amsterdam, Europe. I’m working with artist in Atlanta. I’m just trying to give everybody what I love about music. It’s not necessarily everything’s a ballad. I’m getting out of the box they were trying to put me in and letting everybody know I can produce any type of music.
