Israerli-bred duo, Infected Mushroom have been igniting dancefloor fires since their debut in 1996 and they're heading to Australia for earthcore festival in November.
The originators of psytrance and all-round EDM trailblazers take a break from the decks to answer our questions about the upcoming tour and new album.
What's the biggest change you've seen in the trance/ psytrance genre since Infected Mushroom began?
Besides that fact that there are many more artists in the genre (which has broadened the sound of trance), these days trance/ psytrance isn’t so confined by tempo. The genre has been enlivened by the infusion of other genres. This has allowed for more versatility in the trance scene.
Infected Mushroom are credited with originating psytrance; do you feel pressure to be constantly growing and evolving as artists?
We don’t want to take all the credit. Amazing artists such as Shpongle also played a huge roll in the pioneering of the genre. And we don’t feel pressure to evolve because evolution is something that happens naturally via the influences that surround us. When we sit down and write music, the stuff that comes out is a natural progression, not something that is contrived for the sake of change.
What was the highlight of your recent Animatronica tour?
It is an amazing production, and we are continuing to tour this around the States. The stage set-up is a tribute of sorts to the burning-man culture. A lifestyle that has taken over the entire world. Whether it’s the Burn, or Boomtown Fair in UK, or a desert party in Israel, we enjoy the special vibe created by this style of event.
I would have to say a memorable situation involving Animatronica was when we couldn’t fit the big mushroom set-piece into the venue at Best Buy Theatre in New York. So, our crew spent a good portion of the day sawing it in half, and then another few hours in the venue welding it back together. Luckily we have some resourceful folks on our crew. Not even small doors will stop us!!
Your recent album is 'Converting Vegetarians II'; how closely related is it to 'Converting Vegetarians I'?
We are very proud of this album. It’s thematically related to 'the other side' of 'CV1' due to its down-tempo nature. 'CV1' made a huge splash, and it’s been so many years since we wrote an album of experimental music, so the time has finally come! We are overwhelmed with the support and positive feedback.
Does the new album represent a change in your sound or style?
Not a chance per se, just an exploration of other elements in our repertoire. It gets boring making the same stuff, so we always like to try new things. Sometimes 'new things' means chilling it out a bit. There are plenty of bangers to come, but there’s always time for some swankiness!
Your collaborations are legendary (e.g. Jonathan Davis, Jane's Addiction, Zedd). Are there any notable collaborations on your latest record?
Well, a notable collaboration would definitely be with Sasha Grey on the track ‘Fields Of Grey’. Funnily enough, this was the name of the song long before we ever knew we would be recording her.
Both of you (Erez and Amit) have backgrounds in classical music; how has this training contributed to the music you produce today?
Well it goes without saying that our training enabled us to create interesting melodies, chords changes, and elements that we wouldn’t have necessarily been able to create without it. And also music education has helped us while performing live, to make choices and take risks. When one is comfortable with music theory, the potential is limitless.
Infected Mushroom have done some great covers and remixes; is there a song you've always wanted to cover but haven't yet?
Probably some Metallica or Primus song.
When were you last in Australia? Any particularly fond memories?
We have spent so much time down undah, and every time we have a blast. There was this one time though that I (Duvdev) became incredibly sick from some bug (or food poisoning). I had fever, and couldn’t keep anything down. Lost nearly 7kg and felt like dying, but somehow managed to push through and perform the entire tour. Strength run in my veins!
For earthcore festival Infected Mushroom will be playing a 'rare, old-school sunrise psy set'; why sunrise, and what can audiences expect from this set?
There is something special about that moment as the night turns to light. And by that time people are so knackered on the music, spirits go free and hearts are open. Expect madness, inspiration, and a wonderful energy.
What are you most looking forward to about performing at earthcore festival?
We are looking forward to the people and the beer! We are also looking forward to TOPPING the last e earthcore, but that will be difficult! ;)
'Converting Vegetarians II' is available now. Infected Mushroom play earthcore festival which runs 26-30 November.
Infected Mushroom Tour Dates
Fri 27 Nov – Plan B (Hobart)Sat 28 Nov – The Northern (Byron Bay)
Sun 29 Nov – Home Nightclub (Sydney)
