Mishell

Mishell, a rising star in the electronic music scene, has captivated audiences worldwide with his distinctive sound that blends psychedelic elements, house, and indie dance. With his recent release on Diynamic Records, he has demonstrated an impressive ability to merge old-school influences with modern energy, crafting tracks that resonate deeply with listeners. As an artist with a background in rock and metal music, Mishell’s transition to electronic music has been marked by rapid success and a unique creative approach that sets him apart in the industry.

In this article, we delve into Mishell’s journey, exploring the creative process behind his latest release, the strategies that have propelled him to international recognition, and his experiences as a creative consultant and art director. Through his thoughtful and introspective answers, we gain insight into the mind of an artist dedicated to pushing boundaries and creating music that speaks to the soul.

Mishell’s recent release on Diynamic Records has garnered significant acclaim, reflecting the meticulous effort he put into its creation.

“Thank you so much, I’m super grateful for the reactions to the release, it’s something that I’ve worked on for a while and it’s a close-to-my-heart EP as those three tracks help to define my artistic color. ‘Lightweight’ EP combines my main inspirations in electronic music. Each track represents a different genre that I focused on to achieve my sound, 90’ Goa Trance, Old School House, and Electro from the early 2000’s."

"My main goal was to find the right balance between old and modern, to bring new energy with an oldschool touch, which is why I used only vintage analog instruments. For me, it’s all in the energy and emotion that is put into the music, my roots are deeply rooted in the old trance and the energy that this genre generates is unmatched by anything else so it was important for me to deliver that exact energy but in my way. I started this project with an old-school melody, even before creating the groove, later on, I developed it into a full track, and around 6 months into the project I came to the conclusion that I must add vocals and that they must be original, I knew it needed to be sexy and cheeky sound and character-wise so the singer must fit those guidelines."

"Daniel, my manager, immediately suggested Amit AKA Kinna Mone and of course, after the first meeting, I understood why he suggested her. From the moment she started working on the lyrics they were banging like crazy, it took only four sessions for the track to be completed. The connection between us along with the professionalism created a flow that made it fun and exciting to work on.”

The acclaim it has received is well-deserved, given the meticulous effort he invested in its creation. His approach to blending old and new elements in the ‘Lightweight’ EP is particularly impressive. The use of vintage analog instruments to capture the essence of 90s Goa Trance, Old School House, and early 2000s Electro showcases his deep respect for these genres while also pushing them forward with fresh energy.

The music video for Mishell’s Diynamic release further enhances the track’s narrative and emotional depth.

“Happy to hear that, the idea for the video came from a metaphorical situation between the singer and her girlfriend. In the vocal, she describes a sleazy and dirty yet elegant and cuddly scenario between a couple. We aimed to visually represent this complex dynamic between the two while subtly hinting at the influence of certain cheeky elements that play a role in their relationship. The back-and-forth between the couple, as they experience the highs and lows, ‘Got Me Feeling Light Weight’ (as mentioned in the lyrics) this interplay of emotional vs. naughty aspects is central to the narrative and we felt that the best way to present that was through a boxing match. Drawing inspiration from surrealism and urban aesthetics, we created a visual journey that mirrors the intricate layers and emotional depth of the track. Vibrant colors and dynamic camera movements complement the music’s rhythmic complexity and evolving melodies, adding a sexy and elegant touch to the visuals. Ultimately, the video gives life to the sound, enhancing the storytelling and leaving a lasting impression on our audience, while maintaining a playful, almost sneaky, undertone that invites viewers to dive deeper into the sonic landscape we’ve crafted.”

Transitioning from a guitarist to an electronic music DJ was a significant shift for Mishell, but his background in rock and metal music provided a solid foundation.

“My background is in rock and metal music, but it was a meditative moment listening to Stephan Bodzin about seven years ago that drew me into electronic music. I spent a few years observing the sounds and studying the genre before diving into production. When I realized I wanted to be an electronic music DJ, I knew from the start that I needed to become a producer to bring my unique sound to the scene. When COVID hit, we had nothing but time, and I spent most of it in the studio, exploring and developing my sound and myself in the process. Being a guitarist helped immensely because I already understood music theory; it was just about shifting to electronic sounds. All I needed was time in the studio. After COVID, I went back to DJing full-time, and the shows made all the difference. Playing my music live is an incredible experience. The crowd’s reaction, combined with the big sound systems, allowed me to understand my music on a deeper level. It helps me realize what needs to be fixed, what’s working, and what isn’t, which ultimately makes me a better producer. Staying in DJ shape is just like being an athlete; the more you practice, the better you get. The transition from guitarist to DJ has been a journey of constant learning and adapting, and it’s the combination of my musical background, dedication to production, and live performance experience that has driven my rapid success in the electronic music scene.”

Mishell’s journey from a guitarist to an electronic music DJ is a compelling example of how diverse musical backgrounds can enrich an artist’s evolution.

His roots in rock and metal provided a robust foundation, particularly in understanding music theory and developing a disciplined approach to his craft. It’s fascinating how a meditative moment with Stephan Bodzin’s music could catalyze such a profound shift in his artistic direction. This speaks volumes about the transformative power of music and its ability to inspire new creative pathways.

Mishell’s international presence in the music industry is a testament to his strategic approach and connection to the Americas.

“I think that there is no one way to get ahead in this industry so I’m not trying to give any advice but for me it was first of all delivering my sound, to make it unique of course, and to spread it as much as possible, without thinking about money or fame, just focusing on the music. The strategy was a non-stop endeavor, always being in action, talking to people, being out, traveling to festivals, exploring clubs around the world, putting yourself out there and in key locations to get people from the industry to connect the name with the face, ain’t nothing better than talking to people face to face. You are the best distributor of your music and personality. I love the Americas continent regardless of the music, I have a special connection to that region and the culture so it was a natural choice to focus on that area for spreading my music. I think that my sound fit that scene and it was received with lots of love. I believe that it is very important to be in places that you can be in, it helped me develop as an artist and to improve my sound. The love I got from the local audience in Mexico and Bar Americas especially had me feel high levels of security and trust in my abilities, to feel that I’m on the right path.”

Balancing his career as a creative consultant and art director for the ‘Sims events project with his music career has been a transformative experience for Mishell.

“It was a truly unique experience for me, balancing a daytime job where I’d spend seven to eight hours in an office on one hand with my intense studio sessions on the other hand. I cherished the process of diving deep into new scenes and understanding different markets to tailor content perfectly for each event. This experience had a profound impact in several ways. Working with international artists on such a scale pushed me to elevate my game and present myself confidently to major agencies."

"Selling productions sharpened my marketing skills while observing how top agencies manage their artists underscored the seriousness and business acumen required in the electronic music industry. Understanding the professional scale of this occupation made me take it much more seriously—it’s more than just parties, it’s a thriving business. Collaborating directly with artists was an even greater learning curve. Hosting them, and being with them before, during, and after their shows taught me invaluable lessons about the international artist’s lifestyle—how they navigate the challenges, handle success, and especially, how they perform physically on stage. This experience has been transformative, making me not only better equipped professionally but also more mature personally. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, clarifying what truly matters in this field.”

Mishell’s dual role as a creative consultant and art director for the ‘Sims events project’ alongside his music career has evidently been transformative. His ability to balance a demanding daytime job with intense studio sessions speaks volumes about his dedication and time management skills. This experience not only exposed him to new scenes and markets but also honed his professional skills in marketing and artist management within the electronic music industry. Collaborating with international artists on such a scale provided invaluable insights into the global music landscape, reinforcing the business acumen needed beyond just creative expression. Mishell’s journey reflects a profound self-discovery, highlighting his growth both professionally and personally as he navigates the complexities of the music industry.

Defining his sound has been an ongoing process for Mishell, who draws from a wide range of influences to create a cohesive musical identity.

"My definition is high intensity but not intense in a pressure way. As an artist, one of my main goals is to be different and continually reinvent myself in production, paying careful attention to the little details that make all the difference. I constantly strive to reshape my sound through subtle adjustments and fine-tuning, aiming to achieve the perfect emotional resonance. As I mentioned earlier, it’s all about the energy and emotion infused into the music—not about creating tracks that sound the same, but rather evoking consistent feelings. I’ve synthesized all my inspirations into a single energetic force that defines my sound."

Defining his sound has been a deliberate and ongoing process for Mishell, rooted in a desire to stand out and continually evolve. His approach to reshaping his sound through meticulous attention to detail underscores his commitment to achieving emotional resonance in his music. By synthesizing a wide range of influences into a cohesive identity, Mishell creates an energetic force that distinguishes his productions. This dedication to crafting tracks that evoke consistent feelings rather than conforming to a standard sound is a testament to his artistic integrity and creative vision.

“The energy in my sound is geared towards creating a rave atmosphere. The frequencies set the stage for people to align with my vision—cheeky, sexy, and provocative on one hand, yet ele - gantly compelling, encouraging the audience to move irresistibly. Analog vintage synthesizers are pivotal in shaping my sound, but more importantly, it’s the attitude I bring to the studio. I envision the dance floor where the track will resonate, mentally placing myself there to determine which elements would compel me to move. These elements define my track, whether it’s for a classic club room setting or a sprawling outdoor festival stage. Regardless of the venue, everything falls under the cohesive identity of Mishell.”