News ENG – MIKA JAXX || Official Website

“DON’T SLIP AWAY”: Where the story of FOREVER truly begins

MKKJXX — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 21:13:00 +0000

“Don’t Slip Away” reveals the beginning of the emotional storyline later explored in Forever.
The music video shows the first encounter between the two characters — a moment that feels accidental yet quietly inevitable. It captures the fragile start of their connection before the events shown in Forever.

Directed by Plinio Scambora, the video builds the same narrative universe with subtle visuals and emotional continuity, letting the audience understand how the story begins before witnessing what comes after.

Any support through posts, reels, reactions, or mentions helps a lot in boosting the release.

AREA 55 — UNREAL (Official Music Video)

MKKJXX — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 21:08:56 +0000

The first single of a new era.

Directed by Plinio Scambora,
Cover art by Gustavo Sazes,
Mixed & mastered by Brendan Duffey.

“UNREAL” marks the beginning of a heavier, darker and more cinematic chapter for AREA 55.

Watch the full music video now.

Area 55 releases new album, ‘Unlocked’

MKKJXX — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:46:40 +0000

Released as a surprise, ‘Unlocked’ was preceded by five singles: “Never Too Late,” “Unbreakable,” “Time Has Come,” “Forever,” and “Tomorrow.” The new album from Area 55, ‘Unlocked’, is now available on streaming platforms. Produced by the band, ‘Unlocked’ was recorded at Greenhouse Studios and Daga Music Studios in São Paulo. The mixing and mastering were done by renowned producer Brendan Duffey, who recently won four Grammy Awards and works with artists like Bruce Dickinson. With artwork by Richard Villa, the album marks the departure of bassist Gui Bodi, who left the band at the end of last year.

Vocalist Julio Federici comments that the challenge of composing harmonies, melodies, and lyrics with styles and elements different from what they had been doing previously was crucial to the evolution of their sound. “The album marks a new phase in our careers, precisely because of the challenge of composing harmonies, melodies, and lyrics with styles and elements different from what we had been doing. Still, we were very concerned with maintaining the vocals with the characteristic weight, drive, and plenty of backing vocals.”

Guitarist Mika Jaxx, in turn, reveals that ‘Unlocked’ was created during a songwriting session in São Paulo. “Unlocked was born in São Paulo when Julio and I decided to compose together. We created 10 tracks by exchanging files, despite all the logistical complications. When I returned to Los Angeles, I finished the guitars and Julio, always versatile, added the final touch with his vocals.”

Resurrecting the essence of what many post-grunge and new metal bands bring, the single “Tomorrow” conveys an optimistic message of resilience and hope, clearly showing that despite the difficulties, it is possible to find strength within oneself to move forward. “It’s one of the most beautiful and exciting songs, both in terms of message and harmonies and melodies,” Federici evaluates.

Check out the music video for the ‘power-ballad’ “Forever,” directed by Plinio Scambora, at https://youtu.be/fJd2SxGvd5E.

“Our first ‘power-ballad,’ ‘Forever,’ is part of the Area 55 video trilogy. It was very interesting to see how Julio interpreted it. I knew it would be something new for the band, which until then had only recorded heavy songs. The electronics gave the song a more contemporary feel,” said Mika Jaxx.

Tracklist:
01 – Never Too Late [04:15]
02 – Tomorrow [04:12]
03 – Unbreakable [03:54]
04 – Time Has Come [04:12]
05 – Forever [04:47]
06 – Stand Up Again [04:07]
07 – Afterlife [03:56]
08 – Power Of Love [04:46]
09 – Show Me The Way [04:18]
10 – Somewhere In The Middle [03:40]

The material was recorded by Julio Federici, Mika Jaxx, Gui Bodi, and Boll3t. ‘Unlocked’, which was released as a surprise without being scheduled for a specific date, is available for streaming through Sun7 Label. Listen to it here: http://tunelink.to/Unlocked_Area55

• Contact: info@area55official.com

Area 55 looks to the future and releases single

MKKJXX — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 19:39:27 +0000

“Tomorrow,” the new single from the band Area 55, created in Los Angeles (USA) by Brazilian musicians, conveys an optimistic message of resilience and hope, clearly showing that, despite the difficulties, it is possible to find strength within oneself to move forward. “As the title itself indicates, it refers to the ‘future,’ something that perfectly fits our current moment. It speaks about highs and lows, about diving headfirst into the storm knowing that the sunlight will come, as long as there’s hope for tomorrow. It’s one of the most beautiful and exciting songs, both in terms of message and harmonies and melodies,” says lead singer Julio Federici (ex-King of Bones).

According to guitarist Mika Jaxx (ex-Sioux 66 and React), “Tomorrow” recaptures the essence of what many post-grunge and new metal bands bring. “It recaptures a sound filled with weight and emotion, with lyrics that touch on deep aspects of life. Internal changes can be decisive for the band to rediscover its true essence. These twists, like the departure of Boll3t, can be crucial for reconnecting with the band’s original sound, especially when creative divergences begin to affect the musical direction.”

“Tomorrow,” now available on streaming platforms through Sun7 Label, features artwork by Gustavo Sazes. The single, recorded by Julio Federici, Mika Jaxx, Gui Bodi, and Boll3t, was produced by Area 55, with mixing and mastering by Brendan Duffey, and vocal recording engineering by Adriano Daga.

Area 55: releases new single and music video “Forever”

MKKJXX — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 10:24:52 +0000

Now available on streaming platforms through Civil Alien Records. With cover by Gustavo Sazes, the single was produced by the band, with mixing and mastering by Brendan Duffey, in addition to audio engineering in capturing the vocals by Adriano Daga.

“Our first ‘power-ballad’, ‘Forever’, is part of the trilogy of Area 55 videos. I can’t believe we’re already on the second album and third video! It was very interesting to see the way Júlio interpreted this single. I knew it would be something new for a band that until then had only recorded weight. The electronics brought a more contemporary look to the music”, declared guitarist Mika Jaxx.

Vocalist Júlio Federici states that recording “Forever” was “a big challenge” from recording the vocals to interpreting the clip. “Firstly, by choosing a different path, which each member of the band records in a separate environment, precisely to bring the effect of isolation. This meant that each one had to seek inspiration from within, alone, and the result was fantastic. Secondly, for involving actors and performances, as if my presence didn’t exist there. This was essential to raise the necessary atmosphere.”

NEW SINGLE ALERT: Time Has Come

MKKJXX — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:09:10 +0000

Area 55, created in Los Angeles (USA) by Brazilian musicians Julio Federici (vocals, ex-King of Bones), Mika Jaxx (guitar, ex-Sioux 66 and React), Gui Bodi (bass, Disciples of Babylon and Artur Menezes ) and Boll3t (drums, ex-Aboleth and Hecatombe), presents their new single, “Time Has Come“, available on streaming platforms. With a cover by Nestor Rosales, the single was produced by the band, with mixing, mastering and reamp by Brendan Duffey, in addition to audio engineering in capturing the vocals by Adriano Daga. “Time Has Come” speaks of inner confrontation. “When I wrote the lyrics, I was going through a very complicated moment, it seemed like the world was conspiring against me, but I’m not one to give up and accept easily”, commented Julio Federici, who had the artistic intention of conveying the message to the public, as many go through the same situation. “We need to face obstacles and draw strength from nothing, even if you no longer have strength, but without ceasing to be yourself. The past is gone, ‘the time has come’ (‘Time Has Come’) to react. It’s one of my favorites, both in terms of message and music. The melodies are strong and very deep, which makes this composition special.”
Drummer Boll3t points out that “Time Has Come” was an interesting song to write. “It’s heavy, rhythmic and, for these reasons, we had a lot of space to work on the arrangements. When I started writing the drum lines, I wanted to go outside the box. I explored the electronic aspect a lot, giving space and dynamics to the riff and the melody, always seeking to increase the impact of the chorus. I wanted it to be that ‘explosion’ when the band came in, and this variation in dynamics makes ‘Time Has Come’ one of my favorite songs on the album. The melody that Júlio created is very catchy. Mika played two beautiful solos, Gui’s bass line makes it all harmonize and the music pulsates.”

The band also plans to release the lyric video for “Unbreakable” and two more singles, one of which has a music video. “All these singles are part of the new album, which will be released at the beginning of the second semester. We will soon reveal the title and cover art”, concluded Mika Jaxx.

AREA 55 NEW SINGLE , ‘UNBREAKABLE’

MKKJXX — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 14:29:18 +0000

The lyrics were motivated by the war between Ukraine and Russia, but also apply to the conflict between Palestine and Israel.

After presenting “Never Too Late”, the first single after the album “One Ocean” (2020), Area 55, created in Los Angeles (USA) by Brazilian musicians Julio Federici (vocals, ex-King of Bones), Mika Jaxx (guitar, ex-Sioux 66 and React), Gui Bodi (bass, Disciples of Babylon and Artur Menezes) and Boll3t (drums, ex-Aboleth and Hecatombe), releases “Unbreakable”.

The new single, with a cover by Gustavo Sazes, was produced by the band, with mixing, mastering and reamp by Brendan Duffey, in addition to audio engineering in capturing the vocals by Adriano Daga. “The production of ‘Unbreakable’ was truly unique, as we decided to try an alternative tuning for the first time. Exploring this approach allowed us to uncover new nuances of the band’s identity, expanding our musical horizons”, details drummer Boll3t. “During this process, and because of the new possibilities, we were able to delve into a variety of synthesizer tones and effects, at the same time as we managed to make the drum sound denser, deeper and more serious. I think this song will mark a new phase in Area 55’s trajectory, as it opened new paths for us to explore our creativity.”

Focusing on weight, the lyrics of “Unbreakable” were motivated by the war between Ukraine and Russia, but also apply to the conflict between Palestine and Israel. “This song is one of the heaviest we’ve ever written, both musically and lyrically: war. At the time, the lyrics were motivated by the recent war between Ukraine and Russia, and it saddens us greatly that it also applies to the recent war between Palestine and Israel”, reveals bassist Gui Bodi. “As in all wars, the true heroes and heroines are all the survivors affected by them, who have no say over the geopolitical and economic decisions of the countries involved, simply fighting for their freedom and their right to life”, he adds.

Area 55 begins new era with single ‘Never Too Late’

MKKJXX — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 14:20:03 +0000

Our second album is ready and I feel like we’ve found our sound! We had the freedom to include new electronic elements and synthesizers, and think outside the box, both the band and the production. We tried new tunings and many other things”, declared Mika Jaxx. “The second album for any band is always a greater responsibility, as it is the time to reaffirm and complete all of your work. I feel that our new album is very strong and, without losing the roots and essence of Area 55, it brings new and current elements”, added Federici.

Mika Jaxx releases new single, ‘I am Myself’

MKKJXX — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 10:59:49 +0000

Experienced guitarist Mika Jaxx, known for his solo career and for currently joining the band Area 55, presents his new single, “I am Myself”. The instrumental track, marked by an exciting energy and energetic drums, promises to captivate those who enjoy instrumental music. The production of “I am Myself” was an international collaboration. Jaxx recorded based in Los Angeles and envy for São Paulo, where drummer Lexxi Souza (Inluzt) added his skills in the Purosom studio, with editing being handled by Adriano Daga (Malta). For the bass part, Gui Bodi, also a member of Area 55, contributed his talent, adding a tasteful touch to Mika’s creation. The final mix was handled by the experienced Brendan Duffey, who has collaborated with the guitarist on several occasions.

Watch the video for “I am Myself”, directed by Ivan Copelli.

One of the main challenges faced by Mika Jaxx was balancing the fragmented melody in the middle of time, creating engaging themes, while presenting fast solos without losing the essence of his creation. The guitarist was worth the importance of developing his own musical language, leaving aside the excessive influence of his youth idols. For him, every guitarist has something unique to express, and that’s exactly what “I am Myself” represents. “When you’re younger, you always want to follow in the footsteps of your idols, but at some point, you have to leave your idols behind and create your own language. Every guitarist has something to say, and that’s what ‘I am Myself’ is all about. ‘”, explains Jaxx, who seeks to remain one of the main exponents of contemporary instrumental music.

“I am Myself” is now available on streaming platforms. Check it out at JULY 7TH

Director: Ivan Copelli
Editor: Leonardo Gaffo Martins
Executive Producer: Plínio Scambora
Photos: Ale Moraes
Bass: Gui Bodi
Drums: Lexxi Souza
Engineer: Adriano Daga
Studio: Purosom
Mix, Master and Re-Amp: Brendan Duffey
Label: Doasom | Newmusic

Watch Now: https://youtu.be/o-d7WhLzEAE

“The Fall” single and music video is out now.

MKKJXX — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 10:45:29 +0000

“The Fall” single and music video is out now. Check the official music video for the latest Mika Jaxx & Friends single.

Director: Plinio Scambora and Ivan Copelli
Production: Company Pier 66 Production
Design: Raquel Tejada
Producer Assistant: Paula Luppi
Color and Edition: Plinio Scambora
Producer: Gus Soularis
Mix and Master: Brendan Duffey
Vocals: Igor Godoi
Guitars: Mika Jaxx
Bass: Arthur Foster
Keyboards: Richard Lintulahti
Drums and Synths: Boll3t

The video shoot took place in São Paulo and Los Angeles, exploring the cities and the story of the band that put together for the recording session.

Watch now: https://youtu.be/LRwuj6ixkOM