Astrix

Astrix is the psytrance project of Avi Shmailov, an Israeli DJ and producer born in 1981. The project is associated with Israel and the former Soviet Union, and its sound sits within electronic, psychedelic and psytrance music.

Career

Shmailov records and performs under the name Astrix. The project signs to the HOMmega label in 2002 and is introduced with the debut album Eye To Eye. That release establishes his melodic style and leads to extensive touring.

His second album, Artcore, follows in 2004 after two years of writing and production. The album is noted for strong sales and for tracks that are used in films, video games and television commercials.

Astrix then focuses increasingly on DJ work and compilation projects. These include Nu-clear Visions of Israel on Tip in 2003, Psychedelic Academy on Hit Mania in 2005, and Astrix & Friends on DJ Mag in 2007.

In 2009, HOMmega Productions releases One Step Ahead as a digital album on flash-drive format. Astrix is also placed in DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs and tours widely, appearing at festivals and venues including Dance Valley, SW4, Creamfields, Love Parade, UAF, Skol Beats, Planeta Atlântida, Alexandra Palace, Brixton Academy, Pacha, Ministry of Sound, The City, Volume and Nox.

His third studio album for HOMmega, Red Means Distortion, comes out after a period of limited studio time and continues the project's melodic, upbeat trance direction. Astrix is known for blending underground and mainstream elements, adding progressive house touches and occasional vocals to his productions and DJ sets.