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Features
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| Introducing NEM3SI$’s new label Infinite Resistance! | | Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! | | Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! | | Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! | | Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works. | | Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain! | | Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September! | | NEM3SI$ - I Live for the Night – talks superficiality, psychopaths, and bittersweet success, ahead of a plethora of evocative, emotional, and passionate upcoming melodic techno releases! | | Psy-Sisters Spring Blast Off! We talk to DJ competition winner ROEN along with other super talents on the lineup! | | Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast! | | Shyisma talks parties, UFO's, and Shotokan Karate ahead of his upcoming album 'Particles' on Iono-Music! | | SOME1 talks family, acid, stage fright and wolves - ahead of his upcoming album release ‘Voyager’ on Iono-Music in February 2023! | | The Transmission Crew tell all and talk about their first London event on 24th February 2023! | | NIXIRO talks body, mind and music production ahead of his release 'Planet Impulse' on Static Movement's label - Sol Music! | | Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project | | The Psy-Sisters chat about music, achievements, aspirations and the 10-Year Anniversary Party - 18/12/22! | | A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden | | Earth Needs a Rebirth! Discussions with Psy-Trance Artist Numayma | | Taking a Journey Through Time with Domino | | New Techno Rising Star DKLUB talks about his debut release White Rock on Onhcet Republik! | | PAN expands on many things including his new album 'Hyperbolic Oxymoron' due for release on the 14th April 2022 on PsyWorld Records! | | Psibindi talks all things music including her new collaborative EP 'Sentient Rays' on Aphid Records, her band Sentience Machine and 10 years of Psy-Sisters! | | N-Kore talks Jean-Michel Jarre, unfinished tracks and fatherhood! | | Celebrating International Women’s Day and Ten Years of Psy-Sisters with Amaluna |
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Interview with Astrix
Reported by Sonal Scott
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Submitted 11-10-06 14:50
Astrix produces music which lights up the dance floor. Avi Shmailov, better known as Astrix, has gained the respect of musicians and people all around the world for taking psy trance to the next level of music production. ‘Eye to Eye’ (2002) and ‘Artcore’ (2004,) his last two albums, have certainly put him on the dance music map.
Having toured the world, Astrix has gained musical experience which has landed him in the spotlight at Antiworld’s Astrix and Friends events in London this Saturday 14 October at the Coronet. I spun out some special questions to give you an insight into Astrix’s mind and melodies.
How did Astrix and Friends come about? How do you come up with the line-up?
The Astrix & Friends concept came up in 2005 as I felt that I have enough power to bring forth and introduce other talents to the fans that come to my parties. This concept is universal and is not done only in the UK, but everywhere. I get enough credit from the promoter to choose my own line up. The main idea is to present at least two acts each time, with one of them being a veteran artist that I’ve had the pleasure to be inspired by their music. The second artist is usually a younger outfit who I believe in and want others to be exposed to their music and know it as I do.
You’ve worked with some of the best music producers in psy trance. Who’s been your favourite?
Over the years I have worked with Infected Mushroom, Sub6, Domestic, Delirious, John ‘00’ Fleming, Atomic Pulse and more… out of those collaborations I think my work with Infected Mushroom was the one I enjoyed most. Their sound and production quality has always inspired me and when we worked together in the studio it really opened my mind to a different way of producing my own music.
Are you going to be playing tracks from your new album ‘Red Means Distortion’? What’s great about this album? How long did it take for you to compose it?
Yes, in my live and dj sets I am going to play some finished tracks and some rough mixes from my upcoming third album — ‘Red Means Distortion’. So far, the album includes collaboration tracks with Domestic and Delirious and also (stop press!) a down tempo acoustic version of one of my biggest hits ‘Sex Style’ (the original was on my second album ‘Artcore’).
I think what’s special about this album is that most of its ideas came to me not in the studio but more on the road, as I do tend to travel a lot. I think that as a result the album will be more varied with different ideas. I have been working on the album for about a year so far but I also released many tracks on various compilations so the album is still not finished but it will be ready for release before the end of the year.
‘Red Means Distortion’: I love the name as red is my favourite colour. Why did you choose it?
It all started when my label, HOMmega, launched a worldwide competition for people to suggest a name for the new album. The competition ended in August and out of over 7000 names that we got, we liked this name, which was suggested by a fan in Sweden, the best.
You get quite a mixture of people in the crowd at the parties you play at. What’s your recipe to please pure psy trance lovers and give dance clubbers an amazing time?
Before I came into the trance scene, I was into 80s and 90s music. My early education has helped me to make my trance music a cross-over. I keep the groove and energy of the track as powerful as trance demands, but I take care to always mix it with other elements such as pads, chords and vocals to keep the “mixture” alive and kicking for different crowds, up to a point where every listener will be able to connect and remember the track and want to hear it again.
What is your studio set up? What special plug-ins do you use?
My studio set up includes a powerful computer server: Intel dual processor (3.2GHz each), Serial ata 400Giga hard drive, Dynaudio BM6 active, Dynaudio BM6 passive, Tannoy System600, Yamaha NS10, Yamaha Motif ES-6, UAD power plug-ins ultra pack, RME Digital 8 in 8 out, Virus synth, DBX pre-amp and Blue bottle mic.
In every track I make I open at least 150 channels and on every channel I use a minimum of three plug-ins, so it’s hard to say what the “special” plug-ins are since there are so many. But I can say that lately I am very happy with the UAD power plug-ins, since they upgrade the production standards, and that is exactly what is missing from music nowadays.
How do you approach your live set at a party? What software do you use in your live set?
My live set ranges from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the potential of the event. My technical rider includes a Nordlead synth keboard, SH101, DP4 effect unit and a Mackie mixing desk. On top of all that is my Sony Vaio laptop, which is the “heart” of the stage.
In my computer I use Cubase SX3 software. Lately I have been thinking of checking out the Ableton live software, because I have been hearing a lot of good things about it from people who use it.
Without giving up your secrets, please give some genuine advice to keen music producers with regards to having a ‘clean cut Astrix sound’?
I have to admit that I hold no secret with regards to my sound. There are two very important things to take into account when trying to achieve a good sound: a good pair of monitor speakers and a good room with proper acoustics. Other then these must have professional needs, it is very well advised to make a reference between your music to the music that you love and know that is “production perfect” and of course the most essential need… a good pair of ears!
What attracts you to music when you listen to other musicians play? Who do you like in other dance music genres? What was the last CD you bought?
I am attracted to new ideas and high quality sound production. I hold Linkin Park, Groove Armada, Enigma, Hybrid, Infected Mushroom and Juno Reactor in great esteem. The last CDs I bought were two albums of Royksopp: ‘The Understanding’ and ‘Melody AM’. I’m absolutely in love with them.
Of all the gigs you’ve played in London, which ones stick out in your mind? What was so special?
All my gigs in London were massive and special but the ones that stick out in my mind the most are Antiworld’s ‘November Rain’ at Alexandra Palace (2004). It was the most impressive indoor venue that I’ve ever played at, in Europe (I will never forget the carousel in the middle of the dance floor and Pink Floyd’s teacher balloon on stage… so huge!)
The second is SW4 (2005) where I got to finally play an outdoor event in the UK. It was such a good experience because the people were amazing and the weather was just great.
You were an electro DJ and now electro is cool again. Will you ever dabble in electro psytrance again?
I see myself as a musician of electronic dance music and as such I have no problems to explore the realm of electro/psytrance. There is a future plan to release a freestyle album after ‘Red Means Distortion’ and I am sure there will be some takes on electro music.
Tell us about your cyber cat Jimmy? What tricks can Jimmy do?
Jimmy is a white snow cat with a black line between his ears (like a mohikan) that I got two years ago for my 24th birthday. He is a wicked cat with a special personality. He prawls around the house like he owns it! He sleeps a lot, mostly on my studio speakers while I am working (because he likes the vibrations) and as a result he is very much into my music (hence the ‘cyber’ status). For additional information, please contact DJ John ‘00’ Fleming as he is Jimmy’s no.1 fan
Tell us about a problem that you’ve faced in a club.
Sometimes a venue is too hot due to a big crowd in a small space or because the air conditioning is not sufficient. As a result, the air is full of moisture and that sometimes causes the instruments on stage to get wet. This kind of problem could disable the equipment and then you are a bit stuck when have to perform live.
Infected Mushroom have great respect for you and vice versa. What are the similarities between you and them (besides, of course, that you are all from Israel)?
I think what is similar between us is that we both love good psy trance. Our genre of music isn’t rich with outstanding music and as a result we really respect artists when they manage to keep a track interesting and with high production standards. The main thing I’ve learned from Infected Mushroom is the ability to look at trance as music and not as a technical test as such, and to be able to explore it.
How many CDs do you own and which ones are your all time favourite?
I own over a 1000 CDs (not including CD-Rs). Hallucinogen and Man With No Name are my all time favourites.
What in store for 2007?
2007 will start with the release of a single and my album ‘Red Means Distortion’. After that there’s going to be a world wide tour to promote the album and then to return to the studio to invest some time in the next adventure… a freestyle album, which will enable me to explore the other side of my musical project. Between all that I am planning to do a remix for a very respectable mainstream band and to do some new collaborations with people who I would like to team up with.
Antiworld supports all your events in London. Any final words for them?
My deepest respect goes out to Enrico & Ross at Antiworld for believing in me all the way.
All images courtesy of Astrix and HOMmega Records. Not to be reproduced without permission.
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"Astrix & Friends 002"
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On:
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Saturday 14th October 2006
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At:
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The Coronet [map]
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From:
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Blast Off = 10.00pm - Re-Entry = 07.00am
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Cost:
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Tickets :
From July 22 to September 01 £ 20+Bf
From September 01 to October 14 £ 25+Bf
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Website:
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www.antiworld.net
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Ticket Info:
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Tickets :
From July 22 to September 01 £ 20+Bf
From September 01 to October 14 £ 25+Bf
Available here
Contacts & Info-Tickets:
Antiworld Box Office: +442083658918
Enrico: +447940527867
Marina: +447793220710
Maria : +447813684399 , +442072882275 www.toomuchbutneverenough.com
Email: enrico@antiworld.net
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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ES Collective & Antiworld In Collaboration With HOMmega Productions Present:
"Astrix & Friends 002"
Live @ The Coronet Theatre - London
See Flyer here.
After last year’s relocation of Astrix and Friends at the last minute,we are proud to be back with the now infamous Avi Shmailov aka Astrix @ The Coronet in Elephant and Castle, New Kent Road, London Zone 1 on the 14th October from 10pm - 7am and this show WILL BE ON!!!
Astrix will be personally picking the acts to support him for the show,other acts from the mighty HOMmega and artists that Astrix works with from around the globe.
This will be Astrix s' last UK performance until the massive Antiworld 070707 festival where he will be head lining next year!
Supported by the fantastic Antiworld Residents this will rock the coronet like no other!
www.astrix.co.il
www.hommega.com
www.antiworld.net
www.antiworld070707.com
www.psygate.biz
www.muestik.com
www.pancer.eu
www.pertence.com
www.clockworkprism.com
www.toomuchbutneverenough.com
Once again Never Enough Maria is back to the Coronet to celebrate her birthday bash.
On the 14th October, Never Enough and Teknoworld will be hosting the Techno Room at Astrix & Friends 002!
We are proud to announce that acid techno don Chris Liberator has been added to the line-up in the last minute,
alongside Brazilian Eduardo Herrera. Also headlining our room, Mark EG will be playing an exclusive 2-hour set, whereas Morgan Cameron Vs Reminiscence will replace Nrgflow's Mike Redina, currently on tour in Brazil.
With this massive line-up, you are more than invited to celebrate the 41st birthday of the Brazilian Queen!!
(Words by Wagner Concha-a.k.a Kiko)
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Flyer:
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 - 
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Region:
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London
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Music:
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Psy Trance. House. Acid Techno. Funky Techno. Techno.
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DJ's:
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Headliners:
Astrix (Live & DJ)
Dali (Live) with Live Guitar!!!!
Pixel (Live)
Chakra (Live) UK Debut!!!
Residents:
Kristian (Transient/Chichime)
Simo (Alchemy/Fairy Tales)
Sutekh (Psygate)
Special Guests:
Dj Muestik (SST/Index/Starlight) Swiss
Dj Panza (Poland)
Electro & Techno Room hosted by Teknoworld & Never Enough
(Happy 41 birthday MARIA!!!)
Chris Liberator (Stay Up Forever) - Just Added!
Mark EG (2 HR Techno Set)
Eduardo Herrera (Antiworld) - Just Added!
Mikelangelo (Acid Park)
Ross Vs Moon (Antiworld)
Morgan Cameron Vs Reminiscence (Nrgflow) - Replacing Mike Redina, currently on tour in Brazil!
Paul Panick (Antiworld)
Chill Out Stage Hosted By Clockwork Prism
Greg Prism
Jonty
Mandie More
Nautilus
Special Guest: Dj Nova
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The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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Comments:
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From: Mizz_behavin on 11th Oct 2006 16:17.20
Astrix was amazing the first time I heard him last year and cannot wait for Saturday :woship:
From: ES Collective on 11th Oct 2006 16:29.15
Bring It on Avi...London is ready and waiting for you!
Respect
Enrico & All @ Antiworld!
www.antiworld.net
www.antiworld070707.com
From: Maria on 11th Oct 2006 16:51.26
Brilliant interview!  I'm sooo looking forward to having you again with us this Saturday! Not just me but all your fans of course! Dont forget my birthday present please.
From: ~deleted5181 on 12th Oct 2006 16:09.32
Ohhh wish I could make it! Saw Astrix at SW4 a year ago and he rocked the place! Yalla balagan!!
From: Frank E on 3rd Oct 2007 12:58.11
I'm defo going to make this one (Astrix and Friends 003)!
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