iQ: Astrix

We capture a mental fingerprint of some of our musical and cultural heroes and preserve it in cyber-amber for the wonderment of future generations. This is the Insomniac Questionnaire; meet Astrix.

What was your favorite toy as a child, and when and why did you stop playing with it?
A pencil. Since I can remember, I was always drawing and doodling. Actually, I never stopped—not yet, anyway.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Did you take it?
“Stay humble.” I was brought up like this. I’m doing my best all the time to stay humble and treat every person I interact with with full respect. It’s challenging, especially when you have so many people following what you do, so many fans, and when performing in front of so many people onstage. Some people get confused and think it makes them better. But in the end, every person is a universe.

What part of your day do you look forward to most?
The night. When creativity bursts for me. During the night, there’s a different connection between you and the universe around you.

What’s the best time you’ve ever had without spending money?
Walking in nature. So simple, really.

What is your most treasured possession?
My studio.

What is your favorite word?
Peace.

Do you owe an apology to anyone?
I’m sure I do. There are always misunderstandings between people—especially these days, when so much communication is done with no eye contact, even. I’m sure there are people who were hurt by some of my actions. So, thanks for the opportunity to offer a global apology. I always try to do my best not to hurt others, and apologize if I did hurt someone. I also would like to apologize to my mates Infected Mushroom for taking ages and ages to finish the remix to “Symphonatic.” I sometimes let perfectionism take control over me.

When is the last time you were really scared?
When my hard drive failed to start when I was giving the finishing touches to the album He.art. I can tell you I had a real scare there. But it all turned out OK.

What is the last thing you googled?
Nonsense videos.

What’s the last sound you would want to hear before you die?
The sound of silence.

Do you have any recurring dreams or nightmares?
I often dream that aliens are chasing me.

How do you measure success?
I don’t. Once you start measuring things like that, you start to judge others or judge yourself and what you create. Art cannot be measured by numbers—nor can emotions or inspiration. I think success is a very personal thing.

If you could have one magical/superpower, what would you want, and why?
Teleporting, of course—there is so much to see in an endless universe. Also, it would save me a lot of time on planes.

Have you ever had a brush with the paranormal or supernatural?
I have them every night in the studio.

What do you remember about your first kiss?
That love is magic.

What four words best describe you?
Artist. Father. Gamer. Shanti.

What’s the last impulsive thing you did?
Changed my flight to come back to the studio one day earlier.

Do you have a pet?
I have a cat named Stevie. There’s even a track named after him in my last album—a collaboration that my friend, partner in Alpha Portal, and another cat lover, Ace Ventura [and I] did together.

What is your strongest or best personality trait?
I have the ability to work very hard and be very focused on things I really love.

Do you believe in any conspiracy theories or urban legends?
There is probably a conspiracy to flood us with conspiracy theories. Think about it!

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