London-based DJ and producer Mario Cee, known professionally as Badbox, represents a compelling fusion of musical innovation and cultural heritage. With his Cypriot roots and three decades of experience spanning jungle, garage, and D&B, Badbox has evolved from underground radio beginnings to become a globally recognized force in electronic music.
Photo credit: Badbox – Official
His collaborations include work with Black Coffee and performances at major venues like Hï Ibiza and Blue Marlin. His African-inspired rhythms and energetic sound have led to releases on Armada, Nervous, and Defected’s sub-labels.
Fresh off his remix of CamelPhat and Audio Bully’s ‘Bugged Out’ and recent collaboration with Afrokillerz, Badbox continues to push boundaries in electronic music. Drawing from his experience working alongside legends like Leftfield, Massive Attack, and Chemical Brothers during his time at Rollover Studios, he maintains a distinctive approach that balances innovation with respect for musical heritage.
EG had the chance to sit with Badbox to discuss his recent releases, creative process, and perspective on the evolving electronic music landscape.
EG: Hi, Mario! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
Badbox: Thank you for having me. I’ve been really good. I’ve taken some much-needed time off for Christmas and spent lots of time with my family in London.
EG: First of all, congratulations on your brand new remix of CamelPhat and Audio Bully’s 2018 single ‘Bugged Out’! How does it feel to remix such an iconic track? What has the initial reaction been like?
Badbox: It feels amazing. Being given the responsibility to create an official remix for both sets of artists made me feel like I had to do both the artist and song the justice they deserve. When working on a remix of a track of this magnitude, it was important to respect the origins of the track, and it’s been rewarding to put my own spin on it. The initial response has been well received and everyone involved is excited with how it’s landed. We hope the track will continue to grow in popularity and I can’t wait to play it more and see who supports it.
EG: For the ones that haven’t heard it yet, what can your fans expect to find on the new remix?
Badbox: They can expect the usual Badbox high-energy dance floor sound. It’s a track that’s big on the beats and bass to complement a club vocal.
EG: Your previous collaborative single ‘Erro PT II’ saw you linking up with Afrokillerz. What was that experience like? How did you guys connect? Did you start with a clear horizon in mind?
Badbox: I initially reached out to them. I took an existing Afrokillerz track and offered them a collaboration so I could put my own stamp on it. It’s something I really enjoy doing and have done with other artists such as Bun Xapa and Dr Feel. When I hear a track I like, I seem to visualize my own version of that track. I think it’s a pretty common trait of producers and DJs. I like hearing my own versions of these tracks as I’d say I have some A&R experience so I can hear when I may be able to take the track.
“Music constantly evolves and as artists and producers we have had to evolve with it”
EG: How would you describe your sound by now? Are you making the music you thought you’d be making when you first got started?
Badbox: On the whole, my sound is all about Beats & Bass, hence the word BAD (BEATS AND BASS). It goes without saying that music constantly evolves and as artists and producers we have had to evolve with it. I feel that at the heart of everything I do, I want to ensure that my music is high energy and impactful, full of grooves and feel-good vibes, which is in my opinion the Badbox signature sound.
EG: Can you tell us about your origins? What were your first interactions with electronic dance music like? What was it that drove you to DJing and producing?
Badbox: In my teenage years, I was lucky enough to grow up in a busy tourist area in Cyprus as my origins are Greek Cypriot. I always had an interest in the music scene and was able to land some jobs DJing in cocktail bars and nightclubs throughout the summer tourist seasons. This is where my passion for music and DJing really started. Then in my early rave days, I used to watch the DJs on the big stages performing and living out their passions and that was so inspiring and I knew that’s what I wanted to become.
My first real interaction with production in electronic dance music was when I worked as an Assistant Engineer at Rollover Studios in West London. I worked with artists such as Leftfield, Massive Attack & Chemical Brothers who in my opinion were at the top of their game for sound creation and production. Working with these artists at the height of their careers was such a valuable and inspirational experience.
EG: On to a hot topic now… how do you feel about the current state of the scene? Is social media too closely related to one’s ascension in this industry? What’s your personal relationship with social media like? Are we caring about the wrong things?
Badbox: You can’t deny that social media is a powerful tool and platform for artists to use to reach a wider audience and build momentum. Whilst it’s an exceptional tool, I do feel that sometimes it’s not necessarily just about the music and the craft. In many cases, it’s about creating interesting content that is outside the scope of the actual music. I enjoy using social media and all the benefits that come with it; however, I probably wish it was purely about the craft, the music, the talent.
EG: And what about the massive screens? Are we becoming too reliant on them to aid the narrative? Or do you believe they enhance the overall experience?
Badbox: Electronic dance music has evolved since the early ’90s to a point where we are expanding the experience of the music. Technology has played a major role in all our lives including the electronic dance music scene. The visual experience that the big screens create when synced well with the music can be epic and I’m a real fan of synchronized visuals and music, but I don’t think we’re becoming too reliant on them. Ultimately, what matters most is the music. You can have the best visuals in the world, but that will never outweigh the actual music being played by the DJ.
“I enjoy using social media and all the benefits that come with it; however, I probably wish it was purely about the craft, the music, the talent”
EG: Finally, what can we expect from Badbox in the next few months? Where can your fans catch you next?
Badbox: Expect some fantastic new music with release dates on the horizon! Expect some of the usual Badbox material as well as some crossing over to other genres. Catch me at various London venues such as Blue Marlin and Sheesh on Dover Street in Mayfair on Thursday nights. I will also be playing at a number of European venues and will be heading to Dubai, India, and mainly many European cities. Really excited for 2025.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Mario! We wish you all the best for the future. Take care!
Badbox: Thanks very much for having me. It’s been a pleasure and happy new year to you all.
Badbox’s ‘Bugged Out’ is now available on eViVE Records. Stream and download here.
Follow Badbox: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram | Facebook
