Infected Mushroom: "We do not care what is written about us, we are not Elon Musk" | Israel today

You would expect that after a year and a half without cultural events, a return to the stages and to the DJ position would be for the duo Infected Mushroom no less than a return to life.

An oxygen dose is necessary for the functioning of those who have been dancing masses at performances and parties for 25 years, and who have found themselves for the first time in a quarter of a century without an audience and without the ability to lift.

But for Amit Duvdevani and Erez Eisen, the Israeli duo who succeeded abroad long before it became commonplace, it was actually a necessary, even enjoyable vacation, if we put the circumstances aside.

"The truth is, it was cool to spend some time with the family," Eisen said in a phone interview from his home in Laguna Beach, Los Angeles, where he has lived for 17 years.

"We were in Florida and the country a bit, and it was really nice. A serious break. This is without a doubt the biggest break we took."

Surprise.

For most musicians it was difficult without the audience.

"Honestly? I pretty much begged for something like that. Because Khalas, how much is possible. I wanted some 'Raikon'. It was amazing, except for the Corona shit. Staying home for me is a bomb, because on weekends I'm never home. Of course we felt the Corona's impact. "When a hundred performances a year suddenly were not at all. Artists who are at the beginning of their journey, or artists who work less routinely - barely survived. For them it was a hard blow.

Among the projects they were working on at the time were also new material, a new mini-album with four tracks and even one NFT - an original song that a person virtually bought and actually belongs to. "It's a really cool market," he says of the modern treasure trove of songs. "This is probably the future for artists."

They are going to start their return to the live world with two performances in Israel this week: the day after tomorrow (November 23) and on Friday (November 26). The location is surprising for those who are used to performing at festivals and open spaces: the Tel Aviv Barbie Club.

"It's going to be very intimate," Eisen says.

"When you're really close to the stage - you see everything in front of your eyes. There's a different part to it. Of course it's not economical to do these events. We just wanted to reassure our die-hard fans, who are really begging for something like that. "Out, not for a kick and bass and trance party. There will be nostalgic things and all sorts of surprises. Anyone who knows our chill-out albums will know what to expect."

The list of Israeli artists who are successful abroad has grown. There are names like Dennis Lloyd and Noga Erez who do it overseas. You did it long before.

"We do not care whether the media wrote about us or not. We are not Elon Musk, we are not a reality show and we are not talking about politics. "For a session and suddenly to hear Hebrew. Hebrew is a crazy language. When you hear someone speak it - you straight away become his friend."