Introducing: Mars Addict

Mars Addict are a Punk Rock/Bubblegum band from Mars, or São Paulo Brazil to be precise! Drix Barsali (guitars and vocals) joins us to talk us through the origins of the band, as well as discussing the recently released debut album ‘Lamecoaster’. Catch up with Drix below…

What are the origins of Mars Addict? How long have you been playing together? And is there a SciFi geek within the band, hence the name?!

Mars Addict was a project that was on our minds for a long time, myself (Drix) and Capanga [Daniel Capanga, guitar] have played together in 2 or 3 projects that were never our thing, this one day we went to a Teenage Bottled Rocket show and talked about starting a real punk rock project, so we created Mars Resists that became Mars Addict. Then Capanga brings Rolf [Rolf Ponto, bass] and Rodrigo [Rodrigo Araújo, drums], and we’ve been together for about 4 years right now, or 3 (I am the worst person with dates), but yeah, we’re pretty into SciFi, horror things, I think every one of us has a particular SciFi taste, but we’re not the kind of geeks that fights for Star Wars HAHAHAHAH We pretty much all 80’s breed type of person.

How did you feel performing your first gig as a band? And how was it?!

It was great, do not remember our first gig together, but every gig I feel great because I feel that I am playing something that I believe.

What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe Mars Addict?

I think people could expect to listen to a band that doesn’t stick to one style, I think people will be surprised, listen track to track because we have lots and lots of different things.

‘Lamecoaster’ is the new album, how long had you been working on the album before you knew that the songs were ready?

We’ve been working together on this album for about one year. [check it out on Spotify here]

Mars AddictTwo of our favourite tracks are ‘Chainsaw Hedgemaze Mayhem’ and ‘In My Head’, what can you tell us about the two tracks?

They are amazing songs, both written by Capanga, I always said that he has a sort of wifi with the other side, because he nailed talking about ghosts, and zombies. ‘In My Head’ by the way, was the first song written on Mars Addict, and when he sent me the demo I saw that we were moving in the right direction. About ‘Chainsaw Hedgemaze Mayhem’, Capanga wrote this song as a tribute for the fourth level of a SNES game called Zombies Ate My Neighbors, and even more, he put a riff inside that’s exactly the same as that level’s soundtrack.

What goes through your head in the run-up to releasing new music, especially your debut album?! Are you excited? Nervous? – Both?!

I think we were pretty much excited, I think each one of us inside Mars Addict has played since we were kids. So we already passed the nervous part, and just get excited to show it to everyone.

Were you able to play the album live before the lockdown kicked in?

Yes. And it was great.

Covid-aside, what’s the local music scene like in Brazil?

In Brazil it comes and goes, we have a huge problem in Brazil with a shortage of venues to play, besides that is not odd when you have to play to 3 drunk guys and our girls. I think in 99/2000 the scene here in Brazil was better. But yeah, we still have some fun playing.

In what ways has the band grown over the last few years?

Growing up well, we [have] a label that manages to give us better support, and in addition to that, we love all the international blogs that came into contact with us. This has made us very happy, not only to show our music but to meet fantastic people around the world.

In terms of a similar audience: who would be the ideal act for Mars Addict to support?

I think people who like Green Day, Blink 182, Ramones, Screeching Weasel, and so on.

What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?

I think for me, and it can sound weird but was Rob Zombie, When I was a kid I wish so hard to be like him, and talk about horror-movie things and everything.

Personally, who has been the biggest influence on you becoming a musician? Would it be a teacher perhaps? A family member? A fellow musician?

It was a school friend when I was about 13 years old, he showed me how to play bass, after that I created my first SKA project called James Devil, we have played for about 4 or 5 years in Brazil in important places at the time.

What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?

Depeche Mode

What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?

In Brazil, we have lots and lots of issues, but I think the theme that we fight more even in one of our songs “One Heartbeat” is LGBTQ+ rights, I have one brother and one sister that are both gay, and I will protect them forever. I wish that every human being could experience the sense of freedom on their lives.

What album do you have in your collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?

I think that is the most difficult question because I have so many choices. But I think I would put Blind Fool Love, an Italian band that unfortunately is already over. But to name one that is still active, maybe Ic3pick.

Although 2020 was been a year to forget, there was some great music released; what would be your album of 2020?

I have a very peculiar taste for music so hope you don’t find it odd, but for me was J-ax one Italian Rapper, after that the new release from Ville Valo VV, and for sure one of the best was the last release from Screeching Weasel, for sure.

Who would you class as an underrated songwriter?

I will talk about 2 friends of mine, that are bands that I love, but the scene in Brazil should pay more attention to. The first one is Situation Nine, a project that once I was guitarist, but I love the songs, and the second one is another friend of mine Gabriel Vendramini, this guy is amazing, is pure DIY, he records awesome albums at home…

What are your plans for 2021 should COVID ever disappear?!

I hope covid disappears soon, it sucks to be off stage. Love to be in the studio, or creating, but playing a gig drinking a beer, there’s nothing best.

How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?

I am [personally] off social media, but you can find us on Instagram and we also have Facebook too.

 

Photo credit: Ana Montecinos

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