A Quick Word with Infected Mushroom: Pre-WMC Interview

March 20, 2008 8:00 PM
by Marcos Colón [email]

Coming off of a world tour, Infected Mushroom has just kicked up their North American run and will be stopping by Miami for their Winter Music Conference appearance. The Israeli group’s been together for nearly a decade now and their successful run can be attributed to the unique sound they produce, clashing both rapid psy-trance beats along with heavy metal riffs. CoolJunkie recently chatted with IM’s Duvdev to catch up on what the guy’s have been up to and what their plans are before and after Conference.

CoolJunkie: So how’s everything been going for you guys lately? What have you guys been up to?

Duvdev: Well we started touring, but since the 21st of February we’ve been on vacation. Now we’re touring again and we’ve been to Australia, China and now we’re doing the American tour. So it’s been busy, busy, busy.

CJ: Yea, I noticed the schedule and it looks pretty packed.

D: It’s just crazy!

CJ: So what are some of your favorite cities to play in America?

D: Well, Los Angeles is pretty good for us because it’s home. We like New York, San Francisco. We just got back from South by Southwest in Austin that was awesome. But we like to perform everywhere where the crowd has a good response.

CJ: How was South by Southwest for you?

D: It was really good. We had a great time and it was something really good because a lot of people came out and saw us.

CJ: Where do you feel that you guys get the best crowd response?

D: Los Angeles is really strong for us. So is New York, Dallas and San Francisco. Last year we played Baltimore’s Virgin Festival and it was amazing. Each time we get different responses in different places.

CJ: How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it?

D: When you come to an Infected Mushroom show there’s a mixture of electronic trance and heavy metal. You’ll get that experience straight away from a show. I don’t know if you’ll feel it in the album, but if you come see us live today it’s like very fast trance and heavy metal guitars.

CJ: Can you compare the music scene in Israel compared to what we have here in America?

D: The rave scene in Israel/Europe is a very old scene that started in the 80’s and still today it’s been faded out a bit. As far as America, there was a big rave scene in the 90’s but now it’s coming back again. There’s a lot of electronic music going around at the moment. I think that America is a fresh start to play electronic music, compared to Europe where it’s been going on for so many years.

CJ: Now what would you say are some of the things that influence your music?

D: I think that everything does. There’s so much music, like heavy metal and hip-hop and anything on MTV.

CJ: I know you guys have quite the slammed schedule. Are you going to be able to catch any acts or events during Conference?

D: I’m not sure. It depends on how much time we have. I’m doing the Acapulco Music Festival with Paul Van Dyk and Moby this weekend. There are just so many parties. Let’s see how much time we’ll have in the Conference? (laughs)

CJ: Would you like to check out any events if you have a chance?

D: You know…usually when I come to Conference and I have some time I don’t really check out any sets. (laughs) Usually I spin, I drink and I party.

CJ: What are some of the things that you like to do while you’re in Miami?

D: Eat food. Stay at the beach. Drink. Party with my friends.

CJ: Are there any favorite places you have down here?

D: Definitely the beach.

CJ: Any last words for you fans on CoolJunkie?

D: Yea! Expect a new album this year and keep up the support.

Catch Infected Mushroom live at WMC at Chakra South Beach March 26th. Click Here For Advance Tickets.