Autre Ne Veut

Inspired by a French inscription found in a New York museum, Arthur Ashin uses the moniker Autre Ne Veut which roughly translates into the phrase “I want no other”. While studying his masters in Psychology at Hampshire College, Ashin was inspired by his roommate- Daniel Lopatin who would later become the experimental electronic artist known as Oneohtrix Point Never. It broadened his horizons and introduced him to the nature of ambient music. From there, Arthur had a little stint working on jingles for television commercials for big brands such as Estee Lauder when one day out of the blue he decided to pack it in and start writing and playing music he loved. Employing the pseudonym Autre Ne Veut, in 2010 he released his debut self-titled album which he recorded at home. The album displayed his 80’s R&B and poppy enthused sound. It was second album ‘Anxiety’ released in 2013 which won him critical acclaim as he was awarded ‘Best New Music’ from Pitchfork. Dealing with personal issues and using his music as a form of therapy, Ashin was able to evolve his sound to encompass the journey he has been on. ANV’s unique sound and personal attachment to his music allows him to delve into real emotions to provide a heartwarming performance as he sings tracks like ‘Play By Play’, ‘World War’ and ‘Ego Free, Sex Free’. Floating between his falsetto and his silky smooth R&B vocals, ANV is simply mesmerising to watch.

Arthur Ashin was slouched down in a puddle of his own emotions while singing into his arm – “No way, no way, no way you’re gonna be my baby” – the words were slightly muffled as he buried his face all the way to the brim of his backward baseball cap. The man behind Autre Ne Veut was almost an hour into his performance at Lost Lake Lounge and he’d already ran the gamut from a (not in the least bit typical) cocksure R&B frontman to a vulnerable, lo-fi basement dweller. Standing above the small (but rabid crowd), arms spread wide like Jesus on the cross, he demanded attention during “Gonna Die”, only to turn his boots in the other direction once he’d received his fill. He would skip and dance his way across the stage like he was enjoying the greatest night of his life, only to stop mid-stream to collapse under the weight of it all. It wasn’t uncommon to find him holding himself tight, as if trying to contain something inside, only to release it via his signature falsetto. The almost schizophrenic nature of the performance was infectious; the audience matched his mood beat for beat, making it literally one of the most unique live music experiences I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of. - See more at: http://ilistensoyoudonthaveto.com/2015/10/17/autre-ne-veut-lost-lake-lounge-10-16-15/#sthash.tnJJH6Hw.dpuf