Since 1996, Infected Mushroom has filled its fans with an eclectic mix of surprises both on and off stage. They started off as the duo comprised of Amit “Duvdev” Duvedevani (vocals) and Erez Eisen (keyboard), the group transformed into the full-on electronic band that fills out its sound with guitar and drums. Infected Mushroom is constantly evolving and pushing its music to bold new levels.

On March 26th, I sat down for a quick interview with lead singer, Dudev right before Infected Mushroom was about to hit the stage at the 2010 Ultra Music Festival in Miami.

So tell me about your new album, Legend of the Black Shawarma.
It’s much different than our other albums and a bit more aggressive on the metal side. We worked closely with Paul Oakenfold (our producer) and we had guest vocals from Jonathan Davis of Korn and Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction. It was a real good time.

How did the name Legends of the Black Shwarma come to be?
Well, the album was originally going to be dedicated to all foods we’re addicted to from places around the world, but then we got into more intense subject matter, and the album kind of shifted gears. However, as the title suggests, the album still involves some food.

Speaking of food, what is this I hear about Infected Mushroom having its own meal at the Mellow Mushroom restaurant?
Select Mellow Mushrooms featured a special pizza dedicated to our new album called “Legends of the Black Shawarma” which consisted of pizza topped with shawarma.
That’s quite the unique mix. Sounds delicious, but not too kosher.

So I hear you worked with Matisyahu recently.
Yeah, we did a remix with him to the new song “One Day.” He’s a nice guy and it was fun working with him. Have you seen him perform before?
Yeah, many times. I actually met him a few years back.
Awesome.

So you were born and raised in Israel, but you’re currently stationed out in L.A. What is your connection to Israel now?
I love everything about the country, especially the food and the plethora of hummus in it. All my roots are in Israel so I’m constantly traveling back and forth when I’m not touring or working on new music. I recommend for everyone who hasn’t visited Israel to travel there. Have you been there before?
I studied outside Tel Aviv back in high school; definitely my favorite country.

Unless it’s a touchy subject, can you tell me what inspired you to choose the name Infected Mushroom?
(Laughs) We actually took the name from a band who had recently broken up.

So tonight, what are you most excited about performing at Ultra?
Definitely just seeing the vibe of the crowd.

Well, the vibe of the crowd was for sure that of great excitement. As the band walked on stage, the crowd roared and instantaneously began dancing to Infected Mushroom’s non-stop dance beats. Playing both new and old music, Infected Mushroom took their audience into a complete dance frenzy which definitely set the right mood for the rest of the weekend at Ultra Music Festival.

Sarah Harper is a sophomore at the Univ. of Central Florida in Orlando. She enjoys writing, acting and performing either on stage or in front of the camera and is a member of the JTab.