Page 18 - Zone Magazine Issue 007

MIAMI SPOTLIGHT
Bringing you review's & a look into what’s hot in the beautiful city of Miami
thinking of us
I first came across Robert Cournoyer and Ivan Avila (AKA – Thinking of US) in 2010 playing in a dirty, dark small room in the shadows of some back alley on Miami’s south beach. A small, locals only spot far away from the commercialism of the tourist traps. It was instantly obvious to me that these guys had something special and I was shocked that I had never heard them play before. That day we spoke after their set and instantly hit it off. We have remained friends to this day, while also sharing the decks at numerous events.
Since those humble beginnings, the now “Thinking of Us” have stayed true to their mission and clawed their way to the success. Refraining room the big room, over hyped, bottle service clubs, they have kept it real on the underground circuit and developed into one of Miami’s local favorites, and a globally recognized up and coming producer team. With some big releases and events set for 2016, I felt it was time to introduce these pimps to Ireland and the UK! Remember where you heard them first!!
You guys are friends first and foremost but how did you guys meet and what brought you to work on music together?
(RC) I met Ivan when he was 8 years old. I was friends with his older brother, who was also a DJ
Did you firstly start djing together then producing or vice versa?
(Ivan) We started off producing a track together then we decided to Dj for fun and it stuck
How would you describe your sound?
(RC) Our sound is Deep House. (Ivan) honestly we can go from deep funky fun vibes to a dark techno
Do you prefer to play small or big rooms? And why?
(RC) I don’t have a preference. I just care if the crowd is into it (Ivan) love small rooms more intimate setting can feel every ones vibe but don’t get me wrong love to and have rocked a packed big room also
What’s your equipment and format of choice while djing?
(RC) Our format currently is MP3. However I
love vinyl, I’m glad its coming back.
Are you guys open to new technologies in Djing or do you prefer to stick with traditional equipment?
(RC) Absolutely, I feel you must evolve with the times. But I will play on almost anything, The music does not mind.
How do you feel about the resurgence of vinyl and vinyl promoted events popping up? Do you think clubbers care about what is being used behind the decks?
(Ivan) we love it we’ve been inspired by it. RC dusted off his 1200s we started jamming out... those who’ve been into the scene for years are going to love it hopefully those new to the scene will find the love and passion in what we see as a true art form
You recently played the new Heart nightclub in Miami opening for Nathan Barretto. How was the club and crowd for you? Will we be seeing a return to Heart for Thinking of Us?
(Ivan) It was a lot of fun it was our birthday and we celebrated it there with our friends and family and everyone enjoyed our set as much as we enjoyed playing that night and yes we are waiting for confirmation to return for January
What do you like most about Miami clubbing and clubbers?
(RC) The Miami peeps really know their music! Keeps us on our toes!!
What experience do you hope clubbers walk way with from a Thinking of US show?
(Ivan) We always hope to keep people in aww play good music that they’ve never heard and want them coming back for more weather it be someone who’s heard us for the hundred time or someone who’s just hearing about us (RC) I always want to bring some emotion to our set. There is nothing like when a group comes to the front of the DJ booth and starts singing with there eyes closed. Then the beat kicks in and bam, they erupt into dance. That’s my happy place!
Where is your favorite place to place in Miami?
(Ivan) Hhmmm! hard decision we love heart nightclub but we also love the intimate room at Do Not Sit and Treehouse also so that’s pretty
hard to say (RC) HEART for sure!
What’s your favorite breakfast spot for after clubbing food?
(Ivan) Either Casolas for some pizza or Denny’s whichever one is closest (RC) My Bed!!!
Do you have a dream venue or event you would like to play Miami or internationally?
(RC) Every time I DJ is a Dream for me. (Ivan) for me locally would be Space Miami for after hours. Internationally id say at one of the bpm festival stages in Mexico with a huge crowd
What upcoming productions can we expect from Thinking of us?
We have a couple remixes in the works that you guys we’ll be hearing pretty soon
Production wise would you like to work with most and why?
We like to work off of Ableton because our workflow together goes along more smoother and faster without bumping our heads
Are there any producers coming out of Miami right now that our readers need to look out for?
If you haven’t heard of Jesse Perez that’s one guy you definitely have to check out. He’s a good friend of ours and representing that Miami bass sound on his label (Mr. Nice Guy
Are you excited for 2016 and Miami’s upcoming WMC/music week?
Always looking forward to seeing old friends meeting new ones listening/playing alongside the best of the best nice little stay-cation for us
Any final words?
We would love to thank everyone who has supported us throughout the years. We love what we do and appreciate everyone who always come out to hear us play. Thank you Ed for “Thinking of Us” and having us on this month column.
Connect: http://Soundcloud.com/ thinkingofus
Words By Ed Whitty Pic By Raymon Neice
18 ZONE-MAGAZINE.IE