Quick and Dirty WEMF: Infected Mushroom

Infected Mushroom, electronic duo and inventors of “psychedelic trance,” were one of the most anticipated acts at WEMF 2012. The debut of their highly-anticipated new visual show had fans traveling from far and wide.

The Infected Mushroom sound has taken many twists and turns over the years. Recently, it has progressed from psy trance to include electric guitar solos, dubstep beat, and even some reggae melodies. I had the chance to speak with them prior to their WEMF performance and went through the Pink Mafia Quick & Dirty.

(1) How did you get into the world of DJ and producing?

I had been very much into electronic music ever since I was young. I had been writing music ever since I was a young child. Since I liked electronic music, I thought one day I would try making it. When I first started out it was horrible. This is how I got into it. I was just curious about how I could make those sounds myself.

(2) What would you say is the best part about your job?

Everything about it is great. Even the flights that we have to take to get from place to place. Lots of people complain about it, but I totally like it. To me, it’s like a silent getaway. No cellphones. Nobody disturbs me. I can sleep really nicely too.

(3) Do you have any say in the debate regarding button pushers in the land of DJs. It’s become DJs vs. Producers. Any thoughts?

Everything we do is always live. We’ll always tour with four musicians: drummer, guitar player, singer and then I play the keys. The way we look at ourselves is that we’re more like a rock band rather than DJs or producers. But I think it shouldn’t matter what is your source to press play, be it a laptop, CDJs or turntables. The thing is that you choose when to put on the right track. and how to mix the right track. It doesn’t matter what you use. I mean, if it was so easy why wouldn’t everyone be doing it? It takes more than pressing play. The way that you play your music doesn’t mean shit. I don’t agree with all the other guys who claim that the computer does it all. If that’s the case, then go ahead and do it. What matters at the end of it all is the result that comes out of it.

(4) What advice or tips would you give to someone who is an aspiring DJ or producer?

First of all, you need to practice. It is hard work that doesn’t come easy. Always remember to be open-minded to your crowd. You need to have your own style, but you need to always keep the people dancing. That’s your job.

(5) What was one of the very first records that you ever bought?

It was an Israeli artist, probably no one you have ever heard of called The Jews. They are super heavy metal. They are originally from the US but moved to Israel. But I think even before that, it was probably Pink Floyd or Queen. I rarely listen to electronic music.

(6) Where do you see Infected Mushroom in five years from now?

Still hope to be putting out new music.

(7) Are there any other musicians you feel aren’t getting enough recognition or somebody that you would love to work with?

There are so many artists that we hear about each and every day. Some of them are really good, I must say. Some of the stuff I hear though, not so good. But there are a lot of artists out there making good sound design and cool beats, it’s really hard to narrow it down to just one.

- Ama