8 Questions With: Mixel Pixel

Our latest interview session is with Rob Corradetti.

(Otherwise known as the frontman for Mixel Pixel)

Enjoy the full piece and download an MP3 below.

Be sure to catch Mixel Pixel on 6/21 at ATJ Fest 2008.

1. First things first - congratulations on the new album, Let's Be Friends. What can you tell me about your influences behind the latest collection of tunes?

I think we were mostly inspired by each other to write some cute songs. The album does have certain lyrical references to Velvet Underground, Old Dirty Bastard, Pink Mountaintops & Jonathan Richmond. I think that summarizes the variety of our influences pretty well.

2. I simply adore the outfits that Mixel Pixel performs in.

Have you and the gang worn them since the very beginning?

Not really. We used to wear more jeans and sneakers kind of stuff. I think that gets a little boring. We're inspired by cavemen and Ziggy Stardust.

3. If Mixel Pixel were to cover a completely leftfield track, what would be selected?

We have a cover of Dogbowl's "When The Sun Goes Down" that we play sometimes. Dogbowl was in King Missile. His albums are excellent and mostly overlooked. We just did a cover of Nirvana's "Polly" that's gonna be on a 7" with Show Is The Rainbow and Yip Yip. Also "Love Buzz" by Shocking Blue is in the works.

4. You've performed alongside many ATJ 2008 artists - including but not limited to Chairlift & Project Jenny Project Jan. Whom are you most excited to see on 6/21?

Brian Scary & The Shredding Tears.

5. I should point out that you are the fabulous designer of this year's flier.

What was your inspiration behind this particular design?

I can't say exactly. My main inspiration was the music in the festival.

6. I've tried to describe a live Mixel Pixel experience to friends of mine with great failure. What would you consider to be the key components?

We're kinda like half if The Magnetic Fields actually tried played their songs according to the album & half like Velvet Underground for everything else.

7. In ten words, what does the future hold for Mixel Pixel?

The amazing Mixel Pixel DVD that's almost done... almost... done!

8. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us.

Any slutty summer advice for our dear readers?

Try & remain positive, stay true to your dreams. Go to the beach as much as possible.

Visit Mixel Pixel on MySpace.

MP3: Mixel Pixel - You're The Kind Of Girl

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Mixel Pixel Releases Another New Video

Yesterday we were treated to 'Let's Be Friends'. Today let's enjoy 'Last Song'.


MP3: Mixel Pixel - Fake Violin Solo

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Mixel Pixel Unveils New Video

An unabashedly adorable clip for 'Let's Be Friends'! Catch MP @ ATJ Fest 2008.


MP3: Mixel Pixel - Pink Shirts

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Mixel Pixel & Bryan Scary Up For Deli's Artist Of The Month

The mag's full list of June nominees (1st Half):

Bryan Scary
Cheeseburger
Extra Life
Heavy Hands
Jealous Girlfriends
Mixel Pixel
Super 400
Samamidon

Vote for your fave here.

Visit Mixel Pixel on MySpace.

MP3: Mixel Pixel - Sinking Feeling

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The World Of B-Sides & Rarities, #674

Mixel Pixel - I See You In The Mirror

Learn about their forthcoming LP, Let's Be Friends, here.

Visit Mixel Pixel on MySpace.

MP3: Mixel Pixel - I See You In The Mirror

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Mixel Pixel Sets Title & Release Date For New LP

Let's Be Friends is out on 6/3.

Topics on the album include:

- Cats (an ongoing debate)
- Death (the fear of)
- Drugs (visions)
- Fashion (police)
- Inner Peace (glimpses of)
- Lightning (being struck by)
- Loneliness (also see isolation)
- Love (finding/losing/finding)
- New York City (living in)
- Rebirth (with a pinch of faith)
- Sex (fun vs. fun/scary)

Can't wait! Learn more about MP here.

MP3: Mixel Pixel - Fake Violin Solo

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Mixel Pixel Premieres New Video

Enjoy 'Fake Girlfriend' below. Learn more about Mixel Pixel at their official site.


MP3: Mixel Pixel - Body Automatic

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Ra Ra Riot & Mixel Pixel @ Canal Room: This'll Be On My Videotape

Last night, the fine folks over at Baeble Music put together a fantastic showcase, featuring one of my favorite local bands, Mixel Pixel, as well as one of my preferred picks for 'next big thing', Ra Ra Riot.

First up was New York's very own Mixel Pixel.


I could tell from a few bewildered faces in the crowd that they didn't know what to expect from the Mixel Pixel crew. But by the end of their set, the vast majority of the baffled were smiling ear to ear as MP closed the show with psych and melody-heavy, 'I Am The Contact Kid'. The last time we saw Mixel Pixel, opening for Man Man this past January (our review of that gig here), we became MP believers.

Their set at Canal Room only ballooned our heart even more. They have an unparalled energy and originality that we adore.

Next up, CMJ all-stars Ra Ra Riot. Their EP is now (finally) complete and will be out in a few short months. Last night served as a preview of that material.

The last time we saw Ra Ra Riot, twice, last November (reviews here & here!), we were blown away. Their unique combination of Strokes-influenced 3-minute ditties, Broken Social Scene-esque cohesiveness and yes, Arcade Fire instrumentation is truly a winning combination.

Their 40-minute set was quite the crowd pleaser. The loyal (underage?) fans in the front few rows grooving/shouting along as if they've followed the band for years. I predict a gargantuan year for Ra Ra Riot.

The guys and gals will be at SXSW next month, we highly recommend your attendance at one of their gigs, should you be heading down to Austin. Disappointed, you will not be.

Pique your interest? Check out 2 RRR tracks over at the band's MySpace page. Don't say we didn't warn you!

MP3: Mixel Pixel - Fake Violion Solo

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What Are YOU Doing On March 9th?

I've said it before and I'll say it again, March 9th might just be the best day for shows this year.

Take a look at ALL THE bands playing that Friday in the NYC area:

-Antony w/ Brooklyn Philharmonic @ BAM
-Clinic @ The Gramercy
-Matt & Kim @ Bowery
-The Gaskets @ Midway
-Of Montreal & Mixel Pixel @ Irving Plaza
-Shout Out Out Out Out & 120 Days @ Southpaw
-Gomez & Ben Kweller @ Webster Hall

Ahhhh! Not too shabby!

MP3: Matt & Kim - Verbs Before Nouns

(photo: Of Montreal)

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Man Man & Mixel Pixel @ Bowery Ballroom: Nice Day For A White Wedding

As a blogger (particularly an East Coast one), and having just recently discovered Man Man's brilliance, I definitely fall on the wrong side of the bell curve. That said, last night's sold out show @ The Bowery was spectactular and far far far exceeded my mediocre expectations.


The Philadelphia 5-piece came out in all white, as they typically do at each show, and performed an hour-long set that was reminiscent of a hoedown/experimental drum pounding/African tribal chants and good ol' indie rock (ever hear of that one?). They often get thrown into the following trifecta: Zappa/Waits/Beefheart, but in my opinion their sound goes way way beyond that, and its much more modern/fresh.


The band regularly incorporates kazoos, trombones, keyboards, guitars, saxophones, multiple drummers/drumming, 'that mouth-piano instrument' (anybody know it's official name?), and a slew of other instruments onto both their recordings and live shows. It's been quite some time since I was really floored with a live show from a band I was relatively unfamiliar with, and Man Man stopped that dead in its tracks. Man Man came back for a 2-song encore and then back again for one last one, a cover of Rage Against The Machine's 'Bulls On Parade', and how do I say this... I wanted it to NEVER END! Amazing, truly amazing.

MP3s: 'Van Helsing Boombox' + 'I, Manface'

Man Man official site/Man Man Myspace page

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Opening act Mixel Pixel did a great job at bringing psych-electro back on the musical radar, or maybe they brought it to the musical radar, in the first place.


Either way, I hadn't seen the band in quite some time and was quite impressed with their new tunes, mostly selections from Music For Plants and Contact Girl with one or two tracks from my personal favorite, Rainbow Panda, including opener 'My Animal'.


Glad to see the kitschy factor was still in full effect, as were the fabulous accompanying outfits. I strongly suggest you take a listen to the tracks below. Mixel Pixel is completely original and highly entertaining.

MP3s: 'You're The Kind Of Girl' + 'I Am The Contact Kid' + 'Cyclone Took My Baby'

Mixel Pixel MySpace page/Mixel Pixel official site

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