Mexico City’s electronic underground has long been a breeding ground for innovation, and few artists embody that spirit as seamlessly as Toxxic Project. Originally making waves as a DJ in the synthpop and EBM scene, Sebastián Cortez, better known by his stage name Toxxic, has since evolved into a full-fledged producer, crafting immersive synthwave and spacewave soundscapes that transport listeners beyond the stars. Drawing inspiration from sci-fi cinema, ‘80s nostalgia, and the ethereal realms of Jean-Michel Jarre and Tangerine Dream, his music fuses cinematic atmospheres with pulsating electronic rhythms.
With releases spanning labels like LNE (La Nueva Era), Purzynth Rekords, and RetroSynth Records, Toxxic Project is carving out his own interstellar lane in the synthwave movement. Fresh off the release of Cosmic Breeze and gearing up for a 2025 album, we caught up with Toxxic to discuss his creative process, inspirations, and the evolution of his sound.
Listen to ‘Voices of Void’ while reading this interview:
What first drew you to making Synthwave/Synthpop
It was during my time as a DJ. Being part of the underground scene and getting to know synthpop and EBM bands that came to Mexico to perform inspired me to learn how to create music. Honestly, I wanted to make music like C-LEKKTOR(Mx) or something in the French house genre, but after listening to my demos and the type of sound I was creating, I realized I was making something retro or nostalgic.
What does your current software/hardware setup currently consist of?
I use Windows and Ableton Live.MIDI Controllers: Novation Launchpad X, Akai APC Mini, Akai MPK Mini MK2, Akai MPK Mini Plus. Synthesizers: Behringer Crave, Behringer Model D, Behringer JT-4000. Audio Interface: Behringer. VSTs: I mainly use Spire and Diva.
Who are your biggest influences, both inside and outside of the genre?
Inside the genre, they would be Dynatron and Stilz. Outside the genre: Schiller, Tangerine Dream, Jean-Michel Jarre, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs.
Outside of music, what art forms or experiences inspire you the most? Are you pulling from sci-fi films, old video games, cityscapes at night?
I really enjoy sci-fi and technology films, everything related to life in space, aliens, and UFOs.
To mention a few: Terminator, Tron & The X-Files. All of that helps create my version of synthwave with a space touch. (Spacewave)
When you sit down to create, what’s the first thing that sparks the process? A melody? A feeling? A memory?
It’s curious, as there are tracks that contain movie samples, and from there I begin the creation process. But most of the time, it’s always a melody.
Do you have any personal rituals or habits when writing or producing things that get you in the right headspace? (e.g., late-night drives, dim lighting, a specific synth always within reach)
Producing at night is the best. I feel like you can really focus on what you’re doing since there’s less noise and distractions.
Please suggest an album for us to listen to.
I think right now the best recommendation I can give is the album Illuminate by Schiller.
Looking ahead, what’s next? A new album? A shift in sound? Something totally unexpected?
A new album is coming under Retro Synth Records in 2025. There is a change in sound, and a remix I created is also coming soon. I’ll let everything flow and let time be my guide.
If you could collaborate with anyone, from any era or genre, who would it be and what would that track sound like?
There are two groups I’d love to collaborate with: Kiasmos and Tangerine Dream. The spacey sound would definitely be a key factor in those collaborations, and it would be more about creating music to enjoy the moment.
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