Sharing the Moments with 51st Avenue
Sydney band 51st Avenue have returned with their brand new track ‘Moments’. The new song is the band’s first release to feature the recent addition of Anthony Carollo on bass duties and also houses 51st Avenue’s first-ever breakdown. We caught up with lead singer Alynnis Zizza to chat about the release of ‘Moments’, how Anthony is fitting in and what the future holds for the Quartet.
For those who haven’t heard your music before, how do you describe the 51st Avenue sound?
This one’s always been a toughy in terms of genre because we really don’t stick to one haha but even with the versatility, a 51st Avenue sound has a hyper-modern, pop-rock element about it.
You have just released your new track 'Moments' What inspired this one?
We were definitely listening to a lot of Sleep Token while we were writing new music. That inspired us to go a little out of structure and real technical into the heavy feel but musically I found myself wanting to dance so lyrically it went the other way with a real fleeting topic and a fun, sultry theme.
'Moments' is the first track you have written with your new band member Anthony Carollo, how did the process differ from previous creative sessions?
To be honest, it felt as natural as can be. It was really fun showing him the process as we’re aware most bands don’t use our methods so it was totally an eye-opener for him. He’s seriously so talented though so it felt like a breeze and now that he’s bit by the bug, he’s filling up his folder for more inspo!
“it’s just like family music time so there’s never a dull moment”
Were there any fun or memorable moments during the recording of 'Moments'?
We have so much fun writing with each other, it’s just like family music time so there’s never a dull moment. While it was a first for Anthony, it was also a first for all of us since I gave birth so we relocated to my media room so I could literally work at home and we had a wild time using the projector movie screen to work on. It really set the scene for us!
'Moments' contains the band's first-ever breakdown, is this something you have been busting to include in a song for a while now?
You know what they say - never say never? Well a few years ago, we said 51st Avenue will NEVER have a breakdown! We just never wrote anything that was heading in that direction. We also didn’t feel like just throwing it anywhere just for the sake of it. This is the first time we wrote a piece that just evolved organically into a breakdown and better for it. We literally had to trust the creative process with this one.
Do you play a part in the production side of your music?
Absolutely! We’re very hands-on, especially with pre-production where all the electronic sounds come together. For the past few years, we’ve had the awesome Mark Williams of Inertia produce our tracks so we try really hard to have an almost-finished product before it goes to him for a good polish-up.
“There’s definitely been talks of an EP or an album however we’ve been working on some other crazy things for our fans”
Can we expect a 51st Avenue album out soon or will you be concentrating on more single releases?
This year is all about the singles! We’re definitely sitting on a few more single releases. There’s definitely been talks of an EP or an album however we’ve been working on some other crazy things for our fans and it’s been taking some time. I guess it’s a “watch this space” situation!
Are there plans to head out on the road to showcase the new song live for fans?
We have a plan haha! Looking at the rural scene this time with Armidale and Tamworth. It’s so much fun to play live and we gave it a test run for the first time out at Melbourne which was awesome!
“we would LOVE a festival gig!”
Festival Season is almost here for us in Australia, will we see 51st Avenue on any of the summer festival lineups?
Man oh man, we would LOVE a festival gig! I think Anthony would never sleep again if we were offered one. It’s crazy how quickly this year is going - things move really quickly and then all of a sudden we’re hearing festival announcements like damn! Hit us up!
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
Definitely our awesome friend and pre-producer, Kaz Benson! Without him, there’s no trademark 51st electronic, pop sound. It never feels like work when we sit down and write with Kaz and I wouldn’t say he never gets a shout-out but he’s definitely like our secret weapon. He’s the straw that stirs 51st Avenue!
Do you have a message for the 51st Avenue fans and supporters?
Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone who supported us and gave our new single some love! We are so appreciative of all of you. To our long-time and dedicated fans - we’ve been cooking! A massive surprise is in the works so don’t go anywhere and remember to watch our space to keep updated. Also, if you can’t get enough of us, we stream on Twitch twice a week so you can catch up with us and get the exclusive drops!
Artwork by Vanessa (IG: @vanmumi)
Interview by Michelle Symes
August 2024