January 7th, 2016 
Kyle Florence 
Operating under the moniker of Avenue, 21-year-old Sam Willows has spent the last two years lighting Hype Machine ablaze with a score of notable remixes, and is now poised to make his biggest splash yet with the release of his debut EP, Keep Counting. Comprised of buoyant synth, droning guitars, and wispy vocal lines, the Toronto’s natives first batch of originals is both impressive and infectious, so much so that we’re confident you’ll be hooked after just a listen.
UTG recently caught up with Willows, who was kind enough to give us all the details surrounding his latest release and then some. Check out our chat below, and make a point to jam Keep Counting when it makes landfall this Friday, January 8, through Dine Alone Records.
Are there any artists who you feel have influenced your sound or style up until this point?
I’ve been influenced by a ton of different music in regards to Avenue. Big picture wise, I’ve always loved and borrowed from New Wave. I grew up listening to Talking Heads, New Order, The Police and other ’80s bands. A second big influence for me is French music, I’ve been into the obvious picks like Daft Punk and Justice, but artists like Air, Yuksek, Juveniles and Phoenix are the ones I’ve really learned a lot from. Finally, the music being made today inspires me all the time; Canadian artists like Mac Demarco, Arcade Fire, Half Moon Run and Yukon Blonde are all continuing to put out amazing records.
What artists have been dominating your headphones lately?
In no particular order: Kate Bush (a little late to the party on that one), Kurt Vile, Julia Holter, Destroyer, Tame Impala, Wild Nothing, and Beau.
Next month, you’ll release your debut EP, Keep Counting. Getting excited?
Yeah! It’s always exciting to put out new music. I’ve written and thrown out a few full EPs already, so it was nice to finally finish one that I was truly happy with.
How would you describe your sound to someone who hasn’t made time for your music just yet?
Well, my sound has changed quite a bit over the past year or so. My remixes were always sort of French/indie dance sounding, but as of late I’ve crossed more into the indie rock side of things. I’d describe the Keep Counting EP as melodic indie rock with a few hints of trip-hop/electronica. Perhaps Arcade Fire meets Moby might be a good description? I don’t know really, all I can say is that it felt fresh to me.
You’ve worked on a number projects over the past year or two, but to my understanding, your impending EP is your first foray into original music. What was that experience like?
Well, I’ve written music since I was a kid, but I had never really had an opportunity to make much of it. My Soundcloud is full of about 100 private tracks right now, mostly discarded EPs, singles and collaborations. Not that I think they were bad, but I suppose I’ve just been trying to zero in on exactly what I want my sound to be. Amid a flurry of remixes and other projects, I finally landed on Keep Counting as a good starting point for original Avenue.
Do you feel your hometown of Toronto has influenced your style in any way, shape, or form?
It’s funny, when I was producing music a few years ago I had this sort of faux entitlement that my music was being shaped in a far more global sense—I thought I was somewhat immune to the local culture. I was really wrong. It’s definitely a subconscious thing though, it’s not like I see stuff going on in Toronto and note to myself that I want to be influenced by it. So is it a coincidence that an electronic producer got carved into an indie rocker while living in the indie rock capital of the world? Probably not [laughs].
Do you personally have a favorite track off Keep Counting?
Track 1: “Last One Out.” It has my favourite lyrics and energy, and is really fun to play live.
You’re a busy guy. I know in the past you’ve worked with Jackson Phillips of Day Wave, and you’re presently in the studio with Dragonette. Which do you enjoy more—writing your own original work, or collaborating and producing with others?
I really think it’s important to do both. A lot of the work I do solo, in a sense, wouldn’t be possible without previous collaborations. That being said, working alone allows you to reach a certain level of truthfulness that might be more difficult to obtain when collaborating. I think being mindful of that balance can help any artist.
Are there any additional projects you’re working on that you’re particularly excited for, or is it all Avenue for the time being?
It’s all Avenue for the time being, but now that I’ve added a full band, its been more exciting than ever. I’ve been lucky enough to meet some really amazing musicians and I love playing with them.
Looking forward, what’re your plans for the future? I believe you have some touring scheduled for 2016?
Yeah the touring is exciting for sure, but I mean right now I’m already chest deep in the second EP, so I’m excited to finish that and release it as well. I love traveling, so I am grateful to do so when the opportunities come up.
Is there anything else you’d like fans to know in regards to your music or upcoming endeavours?
I suppose it might be worth saying that while this EP’s style might be different than my remixes, I’d like to assure my fans the same writing and energy is all there! Would also like to thank every single person who has listened and sent feedback on my songs, it really means a lot, so cheers!
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