The pair are back in Dunedin next week bringing their new album, Faster Than Light, with them.
In these days of conservatism, tightening the purse strings, lay-offs and recession, State of Mind has gone large and released a double CD.
The first disc is the album, while disc two is made up of what's described as "bonus features".
Producer Patrick Hawkins says the pair met about 10 years ago, and quickly established a musical bond.
"We're two certified audio engineers, and met in 1999 through the local drum and bass scene. We found both of our backgrounds were in hard rock music, and trip-hop."
But, he says, it is the type of music they play together that has been their strongest influence.
"It was drum and bass which was the most powerful link between us."
Hawkins says the pair keep ahead of the scene's trends by hosting the Drum and Bass Show on Auckland station BFM.
"We take an interest in following the careers of our local musicians, and are always thrilled by news from abroad of recognition and international achievement."
In fact, Hawkins believes the country's future is drum and bass.
"While New Zealand has produced an impressive number of successful rock and hip-hop artists, our strength also lies in turning out world-class drum and bass producers," Hawkins says.
New Zealand has a strong history in the drum and bass field, producing acts such as Concord Dawn, Bulletproof and, more recently, Wellington's The Upbeats. State Of Mind has been mentioned in similar circles.
State Of Mind's early singles Allow Me and Battle Circus gained radio play, and helped the pair to win support slots for some of the industry's heavyweights, including Pendulum, Klute, Teebee, Bad Company, DJ Friction, and Total Science.
Hawkins says the album is being received well. He says they have plans to tour to Europe, Japan and the United States this year.
Hawkins says people expect a full-on show.
"Every time we have played in Dunedin it has been a riot. This time around we are joined by legends Cause 4 Concern from the UK, Trei from Wellington and MC Twincam from Auckland, plus local Dunedin lads Premise and Mune.
"People can expect to hear cuts from the new album, along with tonnes of unreleased dnb from around the world."
On the web: www.myspace.com/stateofmindnz
See them
State of Mind play at Sammy's on Saturday, April 4.
