Mikkel Pederson takes the path to spectral enlightenment via Cosmo Festival 2012
Reported by Tara
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Submitted 30-05-12 17:29
Mikkel Pederson is a man who likes to wear many hats. He DJs and produces the tougher side of the psychedelic spectrum as Zoolog, plays chill and world music as Nelson Mandala and is also half of awesome live act AnnoyingNinjas with Oginok. Based in his native Denmark, he’s played in over 12 different countries since he started playing out in 2004 and has released 13 tracks since his first in 2005.
Signed to Parvati Records in 2010, he also organises events and is a major force behind Cosmo Festival this weekend, managing the Main Stage, where AnnoyingNinjas are playing live and he’s also DJing as Zoolog, plus he’s playing a set at Nelson Mandala on the Lunar Stage.
One of my highlights of Cosmo Festival 2011, AnnoyingNinjas describe themselves as “A sonic sect on the path to spectral enlightenment.” With just a matter of days left until Cosmo 2012 and the excitement mounting, I was keen to find out more about this multitalented maestro…
Hi Mikkel, thanks for taking some time out to answer a few questions when I’m sure you’d rather be making music — or getting ready for Cosmo!
Busy yes…
You’ve been messing around with music since 1998. How did you get addicted to trance and what inspired you to start DJing and producing?
Around the time of the mp3 revolution when music of all kinds spread like a wildfire, I encountered Goa trance and psychedelic trance. At that point I was mainly listening to rock, hip-hop and more traditional electronic music, mostly the stuff that you would find on MTV at that time — but also “hippie” music such as The Doors, Hendrix and Jefferson Airplane. I’m not sure what really got me hooked, but after listening to loads of Goa I eventually found something that inspired me to create my own. Brighton Trash Department’s ‘Devil’s Dyke’ was one of the tracks that gave me a strong wish to be able to create my own atmospheres.
You’ve got several interesting stage names — Zoolog, Nelson Mandala and AnnoyingNinjas. Could you please tell us a bit about each project and how their sound differs?
AnnoyingNinjas has always been my darling among these projects. Together with Oginok we create stories about madness and mayhem, love and eternal bliss. The synergy between two artists can be much stronger than that between man and machine and our connection has been strong for many years. Sound-wise the project is a bit full-on, a bit dark, a bit wacky, a bit fluffy — it’s the type of music that will take you through different states of mind.
Zoolog is today mostly used as my DJ name, as a DJ on Parvati Records, however I used to release tracks under this name and hope to do so in the future as well. Compared to AnnoyingNinjas the music is more aggressive, industrial and savage.
Nelson Mandala is the name I use when playing chill, world music etc.
On your FB page you list your influences as including John Wayne, beer and shamanism. How about your musical influences over the years?
As mentioned I’ve always been really picky about my music. Some of my favourite engineers must be: Paps (France), Parasense (Russia), Hux Flux (Sweden), Grapes of Wrath (Denmark), Texas Faggott (Finland), EvsY (Finland) and Digital Talk (France).
You’ve played in over 10 countries, produced around 14 tracks and organised, promoted and partied at loads of events. What have been the highlights of your musical career so far?
Fullmoon Festival 2010 had a really powerful line-up and endless amounts of nice people and Systo Festival in Russia in 2010.Generally 2010 was the highlight, as that summer I was also in Finland and Japan.
And what goals do you have for the future?
To help make more events and spread the best musical vibes possible... and hopefully in the end to become a wise old happy man.
You say that since 2008 you’ve been focusing on improving your skills as a DJ. What, in your opinion, makes a good DJ?
A great track selection, this was always the definition for me.
Were the DJs that made you tired and sad just playing music that was too cheesy for you?
No, it was basically in all categories, prog, dark, full-on, we reached a point around 2004 were festivals was dominated by LAME Israeli full-on with no psychedelic content nor any production. It was a sad time, luckily now it seems that is over.
In 2010 you were signed to Parvati Records. How did this come about?
Me and Giuseppe go quite a long way back, and know each other from the underground scene in Denmark. When that is said, I wasn’t added to the label because of that, but basically because I had something, another angle to add to the roster. Compared to other DJs on the label my style is more forest related and also I’m one of the few who still delivers that good ol Aarhus sound — two styles that has great importance for the history of the label.
You’ve been a big part of Cosmo since the first festival and helped it grow organically over the years. Do you have a favourite Cosmic moment from the last two festivals?
Derango 2011.
This year you’re managing the main stage. What are you looking forward to the most about Cosmo 2012?
To work with a great crew of artists, organisers, and happy trancers and achieve a flawless exchange of good energies, perhaps even better than last year! And of course the GREAT weather 
What are the three essential things you always take to a festival?
A jacket, my CDs and smiles.
Some hippies are saying that the world is going to end later this year. If that’s the case, what would be the last thing you’d do?
Hippies often talk too much, but I guess I would wave them goodbye.
Assuming it doesn’t end, what are you plans for the rest of the summer? And beyond?
Tribes Connection in France, Freqs of Nature (FMF) in Germany, Metsafestival in Finland, Voltron Festival in Turkey... after that I hope to go to Goa.
And finally, a few quick fire questions…
2012: the end of the world or the start of a new beginning?
I think its time for tea.
Forest or warehouse?
Foresthouse.
Sunrise or sunset?
Sunrise (Tequila)
Beer or Jack Daniels?
The combination.
Occupy or riot?
Riot.
McDonalds or organic?
Organic Mcdonalds (if only...).
Backpack or 5 star hotel?
Backpack.
Edam or brie?
Gorgonzola
Revolution or evolution?
Synchronicity... and a bit of revolution too if needed.
Thanks for your time Mikkel! Looking forward to seeing you again at Cosmo!
All images courtesy of Mikkel Pedersen and Cosmo Festival. Not to be reproduced without permission.
Cosmo Festival 2012: 1-4 June
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On:
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Friday 1st June
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At:
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Taunton Race Course [map]
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From:
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Gates open 12 noon Friday 1 June, music starts 2pm
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Cost:
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Phase II tickets £60 until end of March; Phase III tickets £76 until the end of May; £85 on the gate.
Weekend Passes: Saturday to Monday: Adv: £50 +bf; At the gate: £60; Sunday to Monday - Adv: £22.50 + B.F; At the Gate: £30
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Website:
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www.cosmofestival.org/
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Ticket Info:
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Access All Areas: 2nd Floor, 30c Camden Lock Place, London, NW1 8AL.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7267 8320 & +44 (0)20 7267 6148
Opening hours: Mon – Wed 12pm - 7pm / Thur – Sat 12pm - 8pm
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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Cosmo Festival is the UK’s only purely psychedelic electronic music festival. This gathering of the tribes began in 2009 with a vision to create self-awareness and joy through dance. We are celebrating our third anniversary from 1–4 June 2012 with a cornucopia of world famous musicians, fire performers, workshops, healing therapists, market stalls, restaurants, licensed bars and lots more going on to keep you thrilled and entertained – over three nights of camping in a beautiful southern country location surrounded by panoramic views.
At Cosmo, the Main Stage is designed for you to visualise and enjoy the intelligent depths of psychedelic trance: twilight, forest, full-on, groovy full-on, Goa and progressive. We’ve handpicked a fine selection of live artists from all over the globe, including Kox Box (DK), Flooting Grooves (SA), Electrypnose (CH), Grouch (NZ), Arjuna(IT), Sensient (AU), Hoodwink (UK), Tantrix (UK/IT), Ianuaria (AT), Digitalian (JP), Annoyingninjas (DK), Deviant Species (UK) – and many more.
Hosted by Planet Bob’s+Chai Emporium, the Lunar Stage presents you with a unique feast of eclectic international talent from the realms of progressive, house, minimal techno, chillout, ambient and acoustic. Australian label Zenon Records will be showcasing the likes of One Tasty Morsel, Reactant and Pspiralife – all making their UK debuts – and there’s rare live sets from Aes Dana (FR), ISHQ (UK), Radioactive Cake (DE), Sattyananda (IN), Hypogeo (IT)[b] and [b]De Fuego (HU/ESP) as well as local legends like Lemon Tree, Kained & Able, Sprocket, Liquid Ross, Spindrift, Mr Mush, Lorraine, Andy Force and many more.
This year for our third anniversary we’re extremely happy to announce the introduction of a third stage in association with our good friends at Jacks House. Featuring the perfect summer soundtrack to chill to in the sun with your friends, Jacks-house Stage will cover underground house, electro, minimal, tech-house and all things in between to give another dimension to this celebration of electronic music.
But Cosmo is not just all about the music. The beginning of a world consciousness is dawning and a new realisation of our cultural roots as human beings has begun. With our extended capacity brings more décor, visionary art, workshops, documentary films, fire performances and a healing area for the body and soul.
Cosmo 2012 is also very excited to see a momentous change in our festival's age group profile. Children under 12 will be allowed at the festival for free when accompanied by adult parent/guardian. Children between the ages of 12-18 are not allowed to attend Cosmo Kids Zone will feature games, performances, crafts workshops, circus performances and many more fun family activities. Detailed info for children's entry procedures and helpful tips for parents will be up on our website very soon...
With the economic downturn affecting everyone, we’re keeping our ticket sales as low as we can in 2012. Our Phase II saver tickets are just £60 until the end of March and Phase III are £76 until the end of May!
Check out www.cosmofestival.org for full line-ups, news and regular updates and join our FaceBook page.
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Flyer:
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Region:
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SW England
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Music:
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Psy Trance. House. Deep House. Prog House. Tribal House. Electro House. Tech House. Minimal Techno. Electro. Rare Groove. Chillout / Leftfield.
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DJ's:
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► MAIN STAGE ► ► LIVE ACTS
❖ KOX BOX ❖ (Twisted Rec.)
❖ ELECTRYPNOSE ❖ (2to6 Rec.)
❖ SENSIENT ❖ (Zenon Rec.)
❖ EVSY ❖ (Ektoplazm)
❖ JAHBO ❖ (Parvati Rec.)
❖ DEVIANT SPECIES ❖ (Ambivalent Rec.)
❖ IANUARIA ❖ (Blue Hour Sounds)
❖ GROUCH ❖ (Zenon Rec.)
❖ ONKEL DUNKEL ❖ (Parvati Rec.)
❖ ARJUNA ❖ (Parvati Rec.)
❖ FLOOTING GROOVES ❖ (Peak Rec./ Blue Hour Sounds)
❖ DIGITALIAN ❖ (Phreex Networx/ Parvati Rec.)
❖ HOODWINK ❖ (Wildthing Rec.)
❖ ANNOYINGNINJAS ❖ (Sanaton Rec.)
❖ BACKGAMMON ❖ (Phreex Networx)
❖ DOHM ❖ (Forest Freaks)
❖ WHRIKK ❖ (Sanaton Rec.)
❖ ANKUR ❖ (Lost Theory Rec.)
❖ GU ❖ (Phreex Networx)
❖ HYPNOCOUSTICS ❖ (Liquid Rec.)
❖ LOOSE CONNECTION ❖ (Free Radicals Rec.)
❖ MARK DAY ❖ (Blue Hour Sounds)
❖ SHIVA CENTRAL ❖ (Audio Aashram)
❖ TANTRIX ❖ (Blue Hour Sounds)
❖ SPROCKET ❖ (Catawampus Rec.)
► DJ SETS
❖ GIUSEPPE ❖ (Parvati Rec.)
❖ ZOOLOG ❖ (Parvati Rec.)
❖ TREVOR PIXIE ❖ (Planet Zoid)
❖ FORDY ❖(Cosmo Festival)
❖ LIQUID ROSS ❖ (Liquid Rec.)
❖ Djane JAZZMINE ❖ (Blue Hour Sounds)
❖ LUCA ❖ (Blue Hour Sounds)
❖ PURPLE WIZARD ❖ (Cosmo Festival)
❖ WHICHDOCTOR ❖ (Psynon Rec.)
❖ HAWAIIK ❖ (Chillum Tribe)
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► LUNAR STAGE ► ► LIVE ACTS
❖ AES DANA ❖ (Ultimae Rec.)
❖ FLOOTING GROOVES ❖ (Peak Rec.)
❖ SENSIENT ❖ (Zenon Rec.)
❖ SATTYANANDA ❖ (Audio Aashram)
❖ ISHQ ❖ (Interchill Rec.)
❖ FRANK E ❖ (KoxBox Music)
❖ ONE TASTY MORSEL ❖ (Zenon Rec.)
❖ PSPIRALIFE ❖ (Zenon Rec.)
❖ HYPOGEO ❖ (Zenon Rec.)
❖ GROUCH ❖ (Zenon Rec.)
❖ DUBTEK ❖ (Dubmission Rec.)
❖ RADIOACTIVE CAKE ❖ (Glitchy Tonic Rec.)
❖ REACTANT ❖ (Zenon Rec.)
❖ BRUJO'S BOWL ❖ (Zenon Rec.)
❖ PIRATE VISION ❖ (BrainWaves)
❖ ELECTRYPNOSE ❖ (2to6 Rec.)
❖ LEMONTREE ❖ (Blue Hour Sounds)
❖ DE FUEGO ❖ (GuitarPro)
❖ EDINA BALZCO ❖ (spanish Jazz)
❖ AKASHA EXPERIENCE ❖ (Free Spirit Rec.)
❖ ASHTOZ ❖ (Independent)
❖ KALYUG ❖ (Audio Aashram)
❖ SKYHIGH 'N' TING ❖ (Catawampus Rec.)
❖ ZEITGEIST ❖ (Glitchy Tonic Rec.)
► DJ SETS
❖ LILL'LI ❖ (Zenon Rec.)
❖ NOLAN SHMOLAN ❖ (Zenon Rec.)
❖ ADD SIMEON ❖ (Something Groovy)
❖ IAN DUB ❖ (Something Groovy)
❖ IMPULSE RESPONSE ❖ (Cosmo Festival)
❖ LORRAINE ❖ (Psilosybe Tribe)
❖ LUCA ❖ (Blue Hour Sounds)
❖ MR. MUSH ❖ (Free Spirit Rec.)
❖ ANDY FORCE ❖ (Mutagen Rec.)
❖ NELSON MANDALA ❖ (Cosmo Festival)
❖ PAUL BACON ❖ (Planet Bob)
❖ PLUMSTEAD ❖ (Kamouflage)
❖ PURPLE WIZARD ❖ (Cosmo Festival)
❖ RODRIGO ❖ (DMT Tribe)
❖ SPINDRIFT ❖ (Planet Bob)
❖ SPOONA ❖ (Planet Bob)
❖ SPROCKET ❖ (Catawampus Rec.)
► ART VILLAGE ►
❖ CLASSICAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE
❖ LECTURES & WORKSHOPS
❖ VISIONARY ART EXHIBITION & WORKSHOPS
❖ ART INSTALLATIONS
❖ HEALING AREA
❖ FOOD MARKET
❖ MARKET STALLS
❖ INDEPENDENT MOVIE CINEMA SPACE
❖ FIRE SHOWS BY PROFESSIONAL FIRE TROOPS
❖ FACE PAINTING
❖ DRUMMING CIRCLE
❖ MULTIMEDIA AREA Featuring VJ shows & documentaries
► COSMO KIDS AREA ►
❖ KIDS ARTS & CRAFTS WORKSHOPS
❖ KIDS DESIGNED PERFORMANCES
❖ CIRCUS STAND UP"S
❖ KIDS ZONE
❖ INTERACTIVE GAMES#
❖ UV DECOR ❖ ART INSTALLATIONS ❖ LASERS ❖ LIGHTING SHOWS ❖
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Other Features By Tara:
Dance music sage Robin Triskele brings the Astral Circus back to Brixton
Life’s a blast with Master Blasters Zephirus Kane & Pogo
Mebjar returns to London for Halcyon's international trance celebration at MOS
Jay OM re-builds London's Tribal Village
Infected Mushroom unveil their Army of Mushrooms at Halcyon
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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