Astrix (Avi Shmulovich) is an Israeli producer and DJ, one of the most influential and renowned artists in the genre of psychedelic trance (psytrance). His name has become synonymous with high-quality sound and iconic tracks that inspire millions of electronic music fans around the world. Astrix is among the most sought-after artists in the genre and continues to tour extensively, performing at the biggest festivals on the planet.
Early Life and Beginnings
Avi Shmulovich was born on December 5, 1981 in Hod HaSharon, Israel. From an early age, he showed interest in music, drawing inspiration from rock, progressive, and alternative sounds. By the late 1990s, his attention shifted entirely to electronic music. During this time, Avi began studying production and creating his own compositions, soon adopting the alias Astrix.
His musical career began in the late 1990s when Avi became actively involved in the emerging Israeli psytrance scene, becoming part of the wave that helped define the distinctive “Israeli sound.”
Breakthrough and Recognition
In 2002, Astrix released his debut album Eye to Eye, a turning point for the entire scene. Tracks like Life System and Closer to Heaven instantly became genre anthems. The album established Astrix as a master of melodic, detailed, and uplifting psytrance.
Development and Sound Evolution
Astrix’s subsequent releases showcased continuous growth and a desire for experimentation. His second album Artcore (2004) solidified his success with deeper, more progressive sounds, and tracks like Techno Widows and Fire became dancefloor hits worldwide. Later came Red Means Distortion (2010) and He.Art (2016), where he merged psytrance traditions with modern electronic elements and spiritual concepts.
Tracks like Deep Jungle Walk, Sapana, and He.Art became staples at major global festivals, featured not only in Astrix’s sets but also by top DJs around the world.
Recent Releases
In 2023–2024, Astrix unveiled a new series of singles and remixes, including Adhana (Astrix Remix) and Beyond the Senses, continuing to explore the boundary between classic and progressive sound. In 2025, he is working on a new studio album, which he describes as “a reimagining of psytrance roots through the lens of modern sound.”
Musical Style
Astrix is known for his melodic and energetic style, with each composition crafted with surgical precision. He blends powerful basslines, hypnotic melodies, layered arpeggios, and atmospheric pads. His music resonates equally well in clubs and on large open-air stages, creating a deep sense of immersion and emotional catharsis.
Discography (Main Albums)
- Eye to Eye (2002) — a debut that became a classic;
- Artcore (2004) — expansion of his melodic approach;
- Red Means Distortion (2010) — a shift toward a more progressive sound;
- He.Art (2016) — a mature fusion of spirituality and energy;
- [New Album] (expected in 2025) — a return to roots with a new perspective.
Festivals and Performances
Astrix is a regular headliner at the world’s biggest festivals:
- Tomorrowland (Belgium)
- Boom Festival (Portugal)
- Ozora Festival (Hungary)
- A State of Trance (Netherlands)
- EDC (USA, Mexico)
Each of his performances is a meticulously crafted show that blends live mixing, lighting effects, and visual storytelling. In 2024, Astrix introduced the He.Art Live Experience, an immersive project combining live visuals and conceptual narratives.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Astrix has collaborated with leading artists in the scene:
- Vini Vici — tracks that became symbols of modern psytrance;
- Ace Ventura — joint live sets and studio projects;
- Infected Mushroom — remix exchanges and festival appearances;
- Ajja, Liquid Soul, Rising Dust — contemporary collaborations.
Recognition and Awards
Astrix has repeatedly appeared in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs list and in Beatport’s Top Psytrance Artists ranking. His tracks consistently chart in the Psytrance Top 10 and feature on radio shows like A State of Trance and Full Moon Radio, including airplay on Minatrix.FM.
Current Activities
In 2025, Astrix is actively touring across Europe, South America, and Asia as part of the global He.Art World Tour. He also hosts his own radio show and podcast dedicated to psychedelic culture and new releases from the scene.
Interesting Facts
- The pseudonym Astrix comes from the word “Asterisk” (star) — a symbol Avi associates with the connection between people and the cosmos.
- In his youth, Astrix was inspired by Pink Floyd and Jean-Michel Jarre, influences evident in his conceptual approach to music.
- He uses unique live setups with multiple synthesizers, sequencers, and controllers, often crafting tracks on the fly during his sets.
- In 2022, Astrix launched a series of sound design masterclasses, sharing his expertise with young producers.
- He supports Shamanic Tales Records, a label focused on deep and spiritual electronic music.
- In 2023, he released a remix of the classic “Becoming Insane” by Infected Mushroom, receiving acclaim from fans and critics alike.
- Beyond music, Avi is passionate about astronomy and believes that “music and the cosmos are the same thing — vibration turned into harmony.”
Legacy
Astrix has become a symbol of the Israeli psytrance school and one of the key figures who brought the genre to a global audience. His work continues to inspire new generations of producers, blending classic melodies with modern production. Every new Astrix release is a major event, and his name remains a hallmark of quality and spiritual depth.
