DJ Muggs has been a cornerstone in the DJ and producing world for over 20 years. From his work as DJ and producer for Cypress Hill, having multiple albums go platinum and gold to producing all-time party classics like House of Pain’s “Jump Around”. He’s worked with Eminem, The Beastie Boys, Everlast, Depeche Mode, U2 and many more.
Being one of the most sought after names in the business DJ Muggs has shown through many years of consistent success, his ability to adapt and change and lend his talent to multiple genres and styles. Pushing the boundaries into something different again, DJ Muggs latest project Cross My Heart Hope To Die has just released their latest EP Vita E Morte. With the deep and soulful vocals of Brevi, the technological genius of Sean Bonner, producers Andrew Kline and DJ Muggs, Cross My Heart Hope To Die is a multimedia project mixing art, music and technology to create a fully encompassing sensory experience.
EARMILK: You first started seeing success as a musician in the mid 1980’s. From where you thought your career would go back then compared to the path it’s taken [from working as a DJ to producing and now with a new music/art cross over project] how have your expectations differed from where you are now?
DJ MUGGS: I knew when I started that I wanted to be respected by my peers and if I sold 100,000 records I would be happy. I have been able to do a bit more so I'm blessed.
EM: Having worked on such successful tracks and albums over the years is there a project or song that you look back on as being especially important to you personally or one you’re particularly proud of?
M: The Colors soundtrack was my first gold record and then the first Cypress Hill album were monumental for me
EM: You’re known for being extremely adaptable genre wise and introducing a lot of elements from multiple styles like jazz trumpets, reggae beats, rock and electronic. What genres do you most enjoy listening to?
M: I listen to everything across the board, but this week it's reggae and Gucci Mane.
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EM: What top 3 tracks are you into right now?
M: "Nasty" by Gucci Mane, "Rat Trap 666" by Die Antwoord and "When Jah Call" by Dreadsquad ft. Mr Diamond & Fabi Geez
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EM: So to talk more specifically about your current project, Cross My Heart Hope To Die, you’re blurring the lines between visual art and music with a strong technological element. What is your inspiration for this project and what do you hope to achieve?
M: Being art connoisseurs for years as well as tech heads we wanted to do a music project that was more than music and brought all these elements together into one project. The music remains the driving force though
EM: Cross My Heart Hope To Die has a strong street art element [small boxes with only the CMHHTD logo on the front and earphone jacks were left on the streets of major cities like LA, Tokyo, New York, Prague and Vienna where people could plug in and listen to preloaded tracks] in helping people discover the music in an unconventional method in major cities globally, what process was involved in choosing the cities and the placement of the public art music boxes?
M: The process was pretty much to target the cites that we visit on tour or on holiday.
EM: Cross My Heart Hope To Die’s EP Vita E Morte is quite different stylistically and has deep, almost seductively dark tones to it. Where did you get inspiration for the energy of the tracks?
M: This is a energy I carry throughout out my career, but when you add the female element of vocals – which Brevi is the perfect match for – then you get this dark, sexy and mysterious vibe
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EM: Do you have a favorite track from the EP?
M: My favorite is "Crossroads."
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EM: What can fans expect from the full length album?
M: The album will have the same dark energy, but will be more futuristic sounding seeing as though most of the songs on the EP are a year old.
EM: Cross My Heart Hope To Die has been very original with its progression. Do you have a specific idea of what’s next for the project?
M: Now we will hit the road and finish up the album with all new music to be released early next year
EM: Having a strong interest in art, is there an artist that inspires you musically or who’s work really stands out to you right now?
M: Roger Ballen, Salvador Dali, Mister Cartoon, Slick
EM: Over the span of your career you’ve worked with so many huge names in the music industry, and now branching into the art industry, is there anyone that you would like to work with in the future that you haven’t yet?
M: No, not really. I'm more interested in creating things from scratch than I am with hooking up with established artists. I only like working with those who I vibe with.
EM: Do you have anyone that you’ve worked with that in the art or music industry that stands out as having been especially fun or interesting to work with?
M: My brother Gonjasufi, The Ninja, and Yolandi Visser from Die Antwoord.
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- Cross My Heart Hope To Die Official Website
- Cross My Heart Hope To Die on Facebook
- Cross My Heart Hope To Die on Soundcloud
- Purchase on iTunes
