IXINDAMIX: A life dedicated to underground music
- 07/08/2023
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Today, I’m taking you to meet IXINDAMIX, a true icon of the underground music scene for over 25 years. Hailing from the south-west of England, Ixi began her career in the early days of Acid House and Travelers Free Parties in the UK, before actively participating in early Free Parties and Teknivals across Europe with Spiral Tribe. While juggling raising a family and running a successful label, Ixi has racked up an impressive number of parties where she has captivated audiences with a diversity of styles ranging from Techno to Bassline, Funk, Breakbeat, Electroswing and DNB. Now based in Berlin, she explores new ways of delivering improvised live sets using the latest musical technologies, leaving her indelible legacy on the European scene.
Discover the exclusive interview with IXINDAMIX, an icon of underground music!
We recently had the opportunity to interview IXINDAMIX, a true icon of underground music. In this interview, we explore his captivating musical journey, his main influences, his exciting future projects, and much more. Get ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of this talented and inspiring artist! Here is the transcript of the ITW:
TechnoMag : So, Ixi, how would you describe your musical style and what are your main influences?
IXINDAMIX: I have different production styles, and as a DJ, I coined the name “Acid Cheesecore” for tracks I made in the ’90s. The term comes from “Cheesy Quaver,” which is a British Rhyming Slang for Raver, as well as a brand of potato chips. Now I’ve moved on to “Extreme Squelch” for my Livesets, describing live machine automation, in particular acid squelch sounds made with synthesizers. There’s usually optimism or cheerfulness in the sound, and I often like to incorporate a message or story into my songs. It’s mainly music for the dancefloor, but it can also be a source of reflection and emotion.
TM: And tell me, do you prefer mixes or live performances?
IXI: Playing live is definitely more difficult and therefore more rewarding when everything goes well, because you’re creating a really unique and individual sound, but it requires a lot of concentration. DJing can be more fun, and it’s nice to play other people’s music and different styles.
TM: Oh, I see! So what are your aspirations and future projects as an artist and DJ?
IXI: Well, the passage of time has made me less ambitious, and I feel lucky and blessed to have achieved so much already. Although it’s always nice to do a popular piece or to be invited to play at big events or exotic venues, my life’s mission has been to make people dance. I’d like to continue doing this and take music to even more destinations.
TM: That’s great! And what have been the highlights of your career as a DJ and underground artist?
IXI: My favorite moment as a DJ was when we arrived in Paris with Spiral Tribe. I began to beatmatcher competently, and suddenly I was performing to large crowds at different Warehouses every weekend. There were also some incredible records coming out and available in the Bastille stores.
I always like to bring my sound to new countries, and I recently visited Canada, India and Colombia in the space of a few months, which was very exciting for me, as travel and music are my passions, and their combination is optimal.
TM: That’s great! Let’s talk about your Audiotrix label. What’s new and what’s to come?
IXI: The label has been around since 2000, but we prefer quality to quantity. After 23 years, this is only our 24th outing. However, recently I launched a sub-section called the Audiotrix Special Edition and released 2 X 10″ colored. There will be more special editions, but we’ll probably go back to the 12″ format, as I think it’s more practical for DJs.
TM: Interesting! And tell me a little about your Audiotrix 24 project. Can you give us some more information about the production?
IXI: Audiotrix 24 is the label’s latest vinyl release. Often, when I post Livesets online or people see little video clips, they ask me “what’s that song?!”. So, when I switched from my last Ableton live set (post-pandemic) to a new Hardware live set, I recorded a series of jams, which were then edited to sound very Live.
TM: Great! Is your label open to other artists? If so, how do you select them and how can people get in touch with you?
IXI: In the past, we’ve released other artists, but it’s often been to help friends and family get their music onto vinyl. Lately, I’ve mostly been using the label as a platform to release my own productions, as my music often doesn’t fit in with other labels. People can send me their music via my website or Soundcloud, but I’m sorry, I can’t promise I’ll have time to listen.
TM: Don’t worry! And what do you like to compose your songs about? Do you have a favorite software or machine?
IXI: I mainly use Logic Pro to compose, and sometimes Ableton, especially when I take parts from the Liveset. I’ve been using Logic for many years and I have a few presets in Logic synthesizers that I use a lot, especially for certain tracks like Bad Girlz, notably the Retro Synth.
For hardware tracks, I also record in Logic. If it’s a live jam, I do multitrack using ADAT. Now, for the Liveset, I use a Bluebox from 1010 Music, which allows me to record each track in separate stems, which is very handy for creating songs from sections of the Liveset.
TM: That’s super interesting thanks! And what equipment do you have in your home studio?
IXI: I have a whole collection of synthesizers. I sold one second-hand during the pandemic and regretted that decision almost immediately when I heard one of the presets I’d created. Since then, I’ve decided never to sell a synth again once I’ve customized it with my own sounds.
My all-time favorites for playing live are the Shruthi and the Nord Micro Modular, which have really shaped my live sound. Now I use the LXRO2 rhythm and track box from Novation, which has the same synth engine as the Bass Station. which I bought in ’95 and which is responsible for most of Acid Cheese’s Acid sounds. So we can hear that sound reappearing now… Freds Lab’s Synthes is also a firm favorite in the Liveset. Fred understands that we like things small and practical for traveling to concerts, so it’s a must.
TM: And who are your musical mentors?
IXI: Crystal Distortion and 69db are my original mentors. They taught me how to use studio equipment in Berlin in 1994, when I had just given birth to my son. I would never have had this opportunity if I hadn’t lived on the road with Spiral Tribe, especially being a new mother. They taught me how to use the machines and invented the method of improvising live. They imagined the best ways to do this with new equipment as it became available. Back then, the Akai sampler we had only had 32 MB of memory, so we had to be inventive.
TM: It’s incredible to have such mentors! Tell me, are there any lesser-known artists you’d like us to discover, whatever their style?
IXI: I’d like to introduce you to my talented children, who have now grown up and launched their own project called Kollage Kollectiv . It’s an artistic team made up of self-taught multimedia explorers with a shared vision and strong ethics. They transform recycled materials into interactive installations through futuristic design and engineering. Their work is based on recycling, electronic music, visual arts, creative coding, performances and exchange between people.
TM: I’ve just seen what they’re creating, and it’s amazing, I love it! I’m sure I’ll be talking about their creations soon, so…
Finally, what advice would you give to young DJs wishing to embark on a career in underground music, raves, DJs, sound systems, etc.?
IXI: The DJing world has changed considerably since I started, with the invention of autosync and the need for social networking. My only advice would be to believe in yourself and your mission. If you have the conviction, you can surely make it a reality.
Conclusion
Well, I hope this interview has given you the opportunity to get to know Ixi and her incredible journey into underground music. Don’t hesitate to discover his music and follow his future projects on his website www.ixindamix.org. Ixi’s passion and determination are a real example to all young artists who dream of making their mark in the underground music world. So get out there and rock the dancefloor!
Eric, le capitaine du navire TechnoMag, est développeur web, consultant SEO, rédacteur de metier, et surtout fanatique de musique ! Depuis l’enfance, il est attiré par les basses et les kicks, passant des heures à écouter et jouer sur machines pour le plaisir, avec son frère et ses amis, depuis plus de dix ans. Globe-trotteur, il a exploré des free parties sauvages et illégales jusqu’aux plus grands festivals internationaux. Dans son passé, il a aussi été VJ et impliqué dans l’organisation de soirées pas toujours vraiment autorisées. Aujourd’hui, il aime capturer l’énergie des événements pour la retranscrire aux autres, que ce soit derrière l’appareil photo, la caméra, ou en rédigeant un article. Avec quelques missions bénévoles à son actif et une association toute neuve, il rêve d’un lieu autonome où chacun pourrait balancer son set sans craindre de perdre son matos.
