DJ Astrix has been making waves in the world of electronic music for over two decades, with his unique blend of psytrance, techno, and house captivating audiences all over the globe. But behind the music lies a fascinating story of a man who overcame personal struggles and cultural barriers to become one of the most renowned artists in the industry.

Born Avi Shmailov in Russia in 1981, Astrix moved to Israel with his family at the age of three. He was raised in a household that valued education and hard work, and he excelled in both, earning a degree in engineering and taking a job as a software developer after graduation.

But Astrix was always passionate about music, and he began experimenting with production software in his spare time. In 1997, he released his first track under the name “Astrix,” which quickly gained traction in his local music scene.

Over the years, Astrix continued to hone his craft, incorporating elements from different genres and collaborating with other artists to create tracks that were both innovative and accessible. He founded the music label “HOMmega” in 1997, which has since become one of the most influential psytrance labels in the industry. Additionally, in 2015, he started a record label “Shamanic Tales Records” focused on promoting artists in the psychedelic downtempo, ambient, and dub genres.

Astrix’s music has always been known for its emphasis on melody and positive energy, and he has become an ambassador for the psytrance genre, performing at festivals and events across the globe and bringing the sound to new audiences.

But Astrix’s journey has not been without its challenges. In a 2019 interview, he spoke candidly about his struggles with anxiety and depression, which he explained led him to take a break from touring and focus on his mental health.

“I needed to take some time for myself and figure things out,” he said. “It wasn’t easy, but I knew it was the right thing to do.”

Astrix’s honesty and vulnerability have earned him a dedicated fan base that looks up to him not just as a musician, but as a role model.

“He’s an inspiration to so many people,” said one fan. “He’s open about his struggles and he’s shown that it’s okay to take a step back and focus on your mental health.”

Looking to the future, Astrix shows no signs of slowing down. He has a new album, “Trusted Truth,” set to release in 2021, which he describes as a continuation of his exploration of different sounds and genres.

“I’m never satisfied with staying in one place,” he said. “I always want to push myself and see what’s possible.”

With his talent, creativity, and dedication to his craft, it’s clear that Astrix will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of electronic music for years to come.