Mambana get chatty with JJazproJect

September 2004 sees the release of the third single from Mambana, (Axwell and Isabel Fructuso). This follows two highly successful releases together for Soulfuric in each of the last two years. Their music combines Latin flair and Scandinavian efficiency to produce energetic, lively and melodic music that translates beautifully to dancefloors all around the world. Every year the pair get together to work on the latest Mambana production: Axwell providing the music and Isabel the song-writing and vocals. There are many influences in their music including their travels (especially where Isabel is concerned) and of course, their own musical tastes.

Aside their work together, they have both enjoyed significant success on their own and as part of other projects. Isabel co wrote and provided the vocals on 2000's classic by Afro Medusa, “Pasilda” and her band Afro Angel have recently signed to SuSu. Axwell also needs little by way of introduction, recording in his own name for deVICE and Nero records. He brought us Jetlag's “So Right” on Soulfuric two years ago - one of the standout tracks of 2002. This allied to his substantial list of remix credits and his diverse array of production styles makes Axwell a man very much in demand.

…So, armed with a list of questions, Dean set out to find out a little more about the people that bring summer to our dance-floors every year.

DS: Where are you both from originally and where are you based right now?

IF: I'm from Spain and I've been based in London for 9 years, and from tomorrow I´ll be living in Africa...I can't wait!!!

A: I'm from southern part of Sweden (close to Denmark) and now I'm living in Stockholm.

DS: Tell us about your individual musical influences

IF: I´ve always loved jazz and, in general, any kind of music of the world. So really anything that I have heard and loved has had an influence on me and in consequence on my music.

A: I love disco and soul; the Chic/Nile Rogers style never wears out. According to me. I'm also a big big fan of the Neptunes/N.E.R.D as well as a lot of house music like Bob Sinclar, Armand Van Helden, Daft Punk and the French guys.

DS: How did each of you get into the music industry?

IF: I´ve been working in the music world for many years, but if you ask me about "the industry", it was only by chance that I met my guys from Afro Medusa and made a song called "Pasilda", and here I am!

A: It started out as a hobby to write and produce tracks. Then, slowly but surely, things started to sound better so I started to hustle with labels doing remixes and releasing records etc. My first release dates back to 1995 so I'll soon be celebrating 10 years in this industry.

DS: Did you always want to be musicians / producers or did you ever see yourselves pursuing different careers?

IF: My mum always says I used to mime in front of the TV whenever music was playing. I've been into music ever since I can remember, but I never thought about it as a child I guess.

A: First I wanted to be a farmer, after that I was pretty much into the whole idea of becoming a computer geek programmer or something, but then I found out you could do stuff with computers and still be cool.

DS: How were you introduced to each other & what made you decide to make
records together?

IF: We used to share the same publishing company and were introduced to each other in Sweden while recording with someone else. We got together and that same day we came up with the first Mambana song, “No Reason”. It was good and we kept doing it.

A: I was drunk one afternoon in Stockholm, and I was walking down the street and saw this beautiful Spanish looking girl and I started to hit on her of course. While I was drunk I offered her a multi million record deal, she signed it, and here we are.

DS: "Felicidad" is your third release for Soulfuric, how did that relationship
come about?

IF: The Soulfuric guys are great -very honest and lively. It is very rare to find people like that in this business. They are good to work with.

A: exactly.

DS: You both get to travel as a result of your music. Any favourite places to
visit?

IF: Do I have to choose?!! In Europe I love Italy, The Ukraine, Switzerland...and out of Europe I haven't been in a place that I didn't like!!!

A: I actually enjoy visiting London and Paris a lot. Also, If it's a warm place, I love going there, cause we have really really cold winters up here in Sweden so...

DS: Tell us a little about the process of putting a Mambana production together.

IF: We get together every year to create something, so Axwell records some music for me to write a song to. Then I go to Sweden and work hard with Axwell in his studio. It is easy, clean, productive and fun. I really like working with him.

DS: How much time would you say you spent in the studio each month?

IF: There's no average anything for me right now. I could spend 24 hours every day for months, or months without stepping into a studio.

A: For me it's probably around 250 hours a month.

If money was no object and you could have your music remixed by anyone in the industry (past or present), who would you choose and why?

IF: Little Louie ‘cos he can make me dance for hours with his music and I appreciate that.

A: The Neptunes

DS: What are your interests outside of the music industry?

IF: I love travelling, and learning languages. I also love doing capoeira.

A: To be with friends and doing things we can remember when we're old.

DS: What's the most treasured record in your collection?

IF: I don't have many treasured things really. My James Taylor CD's maybe?

A: N.E.R.D - In Search Of...    Also, Bob Sinclar - Champs Elysses

DS: Isabel: who would you most like to duet with?

IF: James Taylor, Raimundo Amador, Ketama........

DS: Axwell: present company excepted, which vocalist would you most like to
remix or produce?

A: Pharrell Williams or Coldplay maybe.

DS: Isabel: I hear you're about to relocate yourself to Mozambique. What prompted this move and what do you expect life to be like when you get there?

IF: It will be great, that I know!! I was there this winter for three months, and I just loved the place. I met a man and I'm moving in!!! It will be very good for my music to be there and I need to leave Europe for a while, and live a more natural life.

DS: Axwell: the boys at After Dark in Edinburgh tell me they kept you out all night partying. How did you enjoy your trip to Scotland earlier this year?

A: It was great! Very friendly crew, we had some interesting chats. It was a very hot gig too; I had a blast. During a lot of DJ trips, there are often a couple of hours where you don't really have anything to do, but this was not the case in Scotland. Big respect to the boys and girls up there!

Quick fire round:

Favourite food?

IF: A typical dish from my town in Spain. It is called 'pelotas', which means balls......

A: MEAT

Favourite drink?

IF: Milk, if possible straight from the cow.

A: Jack n' Coke

Favourite clothing label?

IF: I'm not into labels.

A: Tiger of Sweden

Most embarrassing moment?

IF: A gig in Cologne. I was playing with Afro Angel for the owner of the label that we were just signed to, Tommy Boy. I got really nervous and I started to talk on stage. I don't remember what I said but at one point I heard myself saying 'fucking arse'...Luckily for us foreigners any swearing is permitted!!!

A: I always keep forgetting those kodak moments...maybe they are so embarrasing it's best to keep them buried....

Out now on Soulfuric Trax and available in all good record stores!!!

For more information on Mambana and Axwell you can visit the following websites:

http://www.axwell.nu

http://www.fourfourpromtions.com

http://www.soulfuric.com

JJazproJect would like to thank Isabel and Axwell for taking the time to talk to us. We would also like to thank Mel at FourFour for making this article possible and Sheldon at Soulfuric for providing us with the artwork.