Like most things worth consuming, Sao Paulo’s Mixhell are a bizarre amalgamation of aesthetics and backgrounds whose union you can’t quite fathom… But then it all just comes together as brilliant postmodern chaos. I realize the whole “Dance-Party-at-the-End-of-the-World” thing has gotten to be a bit of a cliché, but the morbid electronic groove of the band’s debut LP, Spaces, does sound like a lovely, sexy, fun-filled way to spend the Apocalypse. Mixhell are former Sepultura drummer Iggor Cavalera and his wife, DJ Laima Leyton, along with Max Blum. Their aforementioned debut LP drops this Tuesday, June 11th, and later this month they’re scheduled to play Glastonbury. I recently got a chance to chat with them about what’s going on in the world of Mixhell in 2013.
Izzy Cihak: How would you characterize the sound of your upcoming LP? You have quite different musical backgrounds, but I am very much digging the melding of electronic music with more “traditional” forms of Rock’N’Roll.
Mixhell: It’s hard to define something you do, but what we can say is that it has a lot to do with the music we listen to and love. Therefore, you will get hints of rock, disco, techno, all blended in an electronic vibe. And, of course, you’d get some bits of our past influences and works here and there. Our main concept here was to create a very blurred boundary between acoustic and electronic sounds – we tried to melt both worlds onto the same thing.
Izzy Cihak: What would you consider to be your biggest influences and inspirations, whether they are from the world of music or not?
Mixhell: We are very inspired by life in general, things we like, such as synthesizers, horror movies, other bands, clubbing, our families, and touring. Musically, we can say we love rock and disco from the 70’s and techno from the 90’s.
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Izzy Cihak: Are there any contemporary acts that you find to be especially intriguing, or that you feel are approaching music in a similar manner to yourselves?
Mixhell: I would say LCD Soundsystem, Soulwax, and Hot Chip. All amazing artists and good friends that inspire and help us a lot.
Izzy Cihak: You’re going to be playing the Glastonbury Festival this summer. Are there any acts you’re especially excited to check out?
Mixhell: Glastonbury itself is already a major act. We love that festival. There is a crazy amusement park called Arcadia and Shangri-la is especially amazing. Apart from that Laima would like to check the Rolling Stones, Primal Scream, and, as always, Boys Noize. Iggor would like to check Public Enemy and Bicep. Max is interested in seeing Portshead, The XX, Alt+J, Chic, Tom Tom Club, Fuck Buttons, and James Blake.
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Izzy Cihak: What are you most excited for in 2013? Any chance of a US tour?
Mixhell: For our album release for sure, and for touring a lot. That’s all we want for 2013. Yes, please, we are looking forward for a US tour to rock the house with our full-on new live show and our North American fans!
