Image credit: Négatif-Ju Patrice
In 2007, a rock guitarist turned his musical ambitions on its head by releasing his first-ever electronic album. Shortly after the release, he saw early success by touring with electronic powerhouse Skillrex. And now many years and releases later, synthwave wizard The Toxic Avenger has released his latest EP Shifted via Enchanté Records. The Vinyl edition of the EP sold out under 24 hours after being available for purchase online and features the renowned songstress Sophie Tith on the track titled ‘Goodbye’. The Shifted EP is a synthwave odyssey, leaving the imagination to wander to images of dark corners and midnight mischief.
We chatted with none other than The Toxic Avenger below.
Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production?
I guess ‘Radio clash’ by the Clash. I was young when I first heard it, but I was fascinated by the sound of the electronic drums, the small “tshooooo” sound behind the drums.
The vinyl edition of the EP sold out within the first 24 hours. How did you feel after finding this out?
Obviously Happy! Numbers are cool, but that’s not the most important. Everyone seems to like the EP, and that makes me proud of myself! It’s not every day!!
What inspired you to start making the electronic music that you are now?
As someone that was a teenager in the 90’s, I’ll have to say da funk!
What key pieces of gear/software are you using to define your sound?
I’ve got three synths that I really can’t work without:
My modular synth which I use for researching purpose; sound research etc.
Juno 106 is the synth I use on almost all of my def tracks. It always sounds extraordinary.
The last one is my Moog. I use it mainly for background pads. It enhances my sound.
Has your arsenal of equipment changed much since you first started?
F… yes! I started making electronic music around 1998 with a 4 track cassette record, a Yamaha CS15D and an 8-second sampler!
Which three albums or artists would you say have influenced your sound in a big way?
Daft Punk – Homework
The smiths ( everything 😀 )
Syclops – I’ve got my eye on you
Any new or upcoming artists on your radar?
A guy called Cool Raoul. I love Dombrance as well.
What qualities of Sophie Tith’s vocals made you decide to work with her on your track ‘Goodbye’?
I love her voice. I’m not a voice guy at all, so when I love a voice, it’s for real!! Sophie can sing as though she lived through 40 years of a hard life, even if she’s … wait I don’t even know her age, but I’d say 25!
What inspires you outside of music?
Youtube videos. aha…Besides that, movies & the countryside.
What, in your opinion would be the perfect genre fusion?
Mr oizo meets Cerrone , meets a Roulé Record?
What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or releases in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
A new EP. Songs for a new video game called Road 96. I am also working for the biggest Esport team here in France, and one of the biggest in the world called team Vitality. I’m producing all of their sounds.
Follow The Toxic Avenger:
Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
Follow Enchanté Records:
Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram
