We’ve had Tel Aviv-based duo, Red Axes (AKA Dori Sadovnik and Niv Arzi) on our radar for a while now, and it’s pretty hard not to take notice, given their string of consistently solid tracks over the last year or so. Huge hitters, such as ‘Silver Bed’, ‘Caminho De Dreyfus’ and their remix of ‘Margot’s Magico Disco’ have become staples in many a DJ crate. Undeniably, they are two extremely talented producers and we’re loving what they’re doing.
We put a few questions to the guys to find out a bit more about them and to see what’s in store for the future. But before we get to the interview, we recommend you check out a recent mix the duo put together for Lithuanian club night, SMALA.
YAMB: Where did the Red Axes story begin? How did you meet and how long have you been making music together?
RA: We met in our childhood during table tennis tournaments that Niv organized in his house. The “Red Axes” project started when we came back from Amsterdam (we went there as the ‘Red Cotton’ group and were exposed more to electronic music). When we came back, we started the duo.
YAMB: What’s happening, musically, in Tel Aviv right now?
RA: There are many D.J.s and talented musicians as well as rock groups. In addition Tel Aviv hosts many musicians and shows from abroad. There is a strong vibe of music culture and parties since the 80’s until nowadays.
YAMB: You’ve developed a pretty recognisable sound over the last couple of years. How has this sound evolved and how would you describe the music you’re putting out at the moment?
RA: We came from the world of rock & roll. When we started producing electronic music we searched for a way that will allow us to keep the style we came from. We investigated various directions and equipment, and so gradually the sound was developed. We can say that we love to use external instruments to play and record. It is hard to define our sound by ourselves.
YAMB: The recent ‘Kicks Out of You EP’ is your fourth release on Im a Cliché, with another on its way at the end of the month. The label seems like the perfect home for you – how did your relationship with the label come about?
RA: We sent pieces to the label and got positive feedback. Since then we work together. We have much respect for the label and to Cosmo Vitelli, as an artist and also since he believed in us and pushed us to the limit in our productions. This is a combination that is interesting as well as challenging.
YAMB: ‘Kicks Out Of You’ features vocals from Brazil’s Abrão and this isn’t the first time you’ve worked together. How did you guys hook up?
RA: Abrão was an inseparable part during the time of the band . He directed us and helped us a lot at the beginning . He is a very special and talented man as well as a good friend. When we thought about collaboration, he was the first to pop into our mind.
YAMB: Much of your music is well-suited to the peak-time dance floor. Do you get much time to get on the dance floor yourselves these days? If so, who do you like to see play?
RA: No doubt that it happens less, especially because we play almost every weekend. Through the residence in the ‘Bootleg’ club, we get to host and hear many DJs we like for example Cosmo, Jennifer Cardini, Mark Pinol, Ivan Smagge and many more..
YAMB: We heard a rumour that there’s an album due for release this year. Is this true? If so, what can we expect?
RA: Like every rumour there is some truth in it. The Album comes out at the end of April (really soon). Expect the unexpected as the unexpected is expected.
YAMB: What else do you have planned for 2014?
RA: We have some gigs and festivals abroad and we will keep hosting artists we like at ‘Bootleg’. Primarily, we will continue doing what we love the most – music.
YAMB: And finally, can you give us 5 tracks that are doing it for you right now?
RA:
DZ Lectric & Anthon Shield – Experimenting Love
Margot – Waldorf
Velvet Season & The Hearts of Gold – Truth Machine for Lovers
Alessandro Parisi – Hesperius Draco (Brassica Remix)
Streetwalker – Ooze (Silent Servant Remix)
A massive thanks to Red Axes for taking the time to speak to us. If you haven’t already, go grab a copy of the ‘Kicks Out of You EP’ which is available at Juno, and keep your peepers peeled for the next release on I’m a Cliche at the end of the month.
