November Profile: The Mind Theory Website: Intermission, NY + Valence Entertainment + Mp3.com Contact: themindtheory@hotmail.com Real Audio: Listen to The Mind Theory Live!

When and how did "The Mind Theory" come about and why?
CJ grew up in New Zealand where she was exposed to early 80's Synth Pop and some Electronic. Her main focus had always been on electronic music. At the age of 12, armed with an Ensoniq Keyboard, she wrote her first Solo project. At the age of 18 CJ went on tour with several rock bands as a dj and keyboardist.

Stefan grew up in Germany where he also spent his childhood listening to early electronic music and 80's synth pop. In 1989 he was exposed to acid house during a three week trip to the UK. After moving to the US in 1991, he started djing in 1996 and soon thereafter began producing tracks. By the fall of 2000 Stefan had already played several live shows in Dallas and Houston.

Miss CJ and Stefan Anion met in July of 2000 at a houseparty where they became friends over a remix Stefan did of the Cure's "A Forest". Afterwards they decided to get into the studio and began work on their first track, Save Me.

Following their first live performance at Subtronic Theatre in September of 2000, they became inspired to continue writing music together, at which point CJ created the name for their new project: The Mind Theory. Their intense passion for Music has kept them going to this day. Not a day passes without them writing music in both their heads, and in the studio.

What kind of music can we expect to hear from you?
Miss CJ: Currently Progressive Breaks. All our songs have a story that comes from the heart.

Stefan Anion: We try to explore as much as we can with our music, which is why we don't listen to just one genre for inspiration. At the moment, we're very much into progressive and nu skool breaks, but have also experimented with some house and ambient/downtempo.

Who inspires you musically and why?
Miss CJ: Bjork and Hybrid

Stefan Anion: Kraftwerk, Miles Davis, Herby Hancock, Aphex Twin and Hybrid

Name two or more of your favorite tracks.
Miss CJ: Two of our own: See the Light and Save Me

Stefan Anion: The Cure - A Forest and one of our own: Fly with Me.

What are your thoughts on Dallas electronic music compared to the rest of the nation, do we have our own sound?
Miss CJ: I feel we are finally starting to get our own sound. Some of the best breaks come from Europe and they're finally recognizing us to show them what we can do.

Stefan Anion: We have a great diversity of music here without focusing on just one genre, which i believe is what makes Dallas unique in its own way.

Do you think Dallas producers get the recognition they deserve?
Miss CJ: No. It seems that the people we have met have been very supportive of our music but very selfish to help us get out there. They want to make it before they offer any assistance.

Stefan Anion: Not for the most part. It seems that attention is only given to those with money and a good marketing scheme, but no qualitative product to back that up.

Where can we go buy your music?
Miss CJ: We are in the process of getting signed at the moment. I can't say yet with whom until everything is in writing, but hopefully we'll have some records out everywhere soon.

Stefan Anion: what she said.

What do you think of the current state of the Dallas Scene?
Miss CJ: I feel that there is no support. Also you can't go anywhere really without being harassed by the Cops.

Stefan Anion: There's too much cheese. No one really enjoys a good local show anymore. Promoters expect locals to play either for free or gas money. Not many djs and producers here are getting the respect and recognition that they deserve. Like CJ said, too many good parties are getting busted…

When is your next release? Any gigs coming up?
Miss CJ: We are getting prepared for the North Texas New Music Festival, where we will debut some new material and play some old favorites.

Stefan Anion: We just finished a remix of Starfire's "Freq Out" and we are also working on side projects with Matt Meyer (Stamped Music) and Brian Soko. In addition we're very busy working with Starfire on Blue Plasma Music, our upcoming label.

Do you want to thank anyone?
Miss CJ: I want to thank Stefan for all his strengths and for keeping this thing going and staying focused. This has been an inspiration for me. We have been through some tough times and I know there will be more but we will get through them together.

Stefan Anion: I want to thank CJ for being a wonderful Inspiration and changing my life for the better. She is truly one of the most talented people I have ever worked with and I look forward to all the great music we'll write together.

Do you have anything else you would like to add?
Miss CJ: My Mother: She has been an Inspiration as well as a wonderful supporter.

Stefan Anion: I would like to thank my Mom for introducing me to electronic music ever since childhood and supporting my passion to this day. I'd also like to say thanks to Jeff K for inspiring me to become a DJ. We're always up for hanging out and sharing our passion for music with others. Come to Groundworks in Euless on Thursdays and we'll spin some Wax and chat it up. :-)