With almost three decades of experience under his belt pushing the boundaries of electronic music culture, long-standing Swiss-Italian artist EDX has the credentials, to match the very best in the business. Following a brief hiatus in his personal production output over the past six months to focus on other areas of his music businesses, the chart-topping hit-maker – and Switzerland’s most streamed artist ever – now returns to the fray, as he unveils his incredible new single, "Ecletric".
Out now via his iconic PinkStar Records imprint, "Ecletric" is another stunning slice of warm, blissful melodic house music from EDX, who marks his inaugural release of 2021 and his first original single since the critically acclaimed release of "Indian Summer" back in September. Road tested during his recent mini-tour of North America to universal approval, the record will finally see the light of day at the end of April, in time for the impending summer season.
Making his intentions known from the off, EDX’s tight rhythms, growling basslines and syncopated synth stabs commence proceedings, as the PinkStar head honcho lays down an exquisite introduction to pave the way for a breakdown of impressive proportions. Gradually introducing cascading euphoric leads and sweeping tones over the course of the rousing middle eight, the record eventually drops into progressive house euphoria and luscious melodic rapture as EDX opens his 2021 tally with another worthy addition to an incredible career discography.
Check out the interview bellow to find out more!
Hi, EDX! How’s 2021 treating you so far? What are some ways you’ve dealt with the pandemic?
2021 has been pretty good so far, to be honest. While large parts of the world have been under really strict lockdown measures, Switzerland has taken a slightly more relaxed and rational approach. Besides restaurants, bars and clubs being closed, other restrictions have been fairly minimal and I’ve still been able to go to the office, the studio, visit my mum, spend time with my family, and go about day-to-day life quite normally. In March I started to go back on tour thanks to the lifting of lockdown in certain parts of the United States, so I’m optimistic about the year ahead. I’ve also just released my first single of the year ‘Ecletric’, which has been getting some amazing feedback, so I’m super happy right now.
Please take us back to your early years. As a kid, what sparked your passion? What made you want build a studio to start creating your own music and how did you become EDX?
I actually started out as a hip hop DJ when I was a kid. When acid house became big in the late 80s, it was the first time I identified with a lifestyle and fashion culture connected to music since the hip hop and punk movements. I ended up going to a lot of raves in the late '80s and early '90s and I just remember those events being so different to anything I’d been to, or experienced, before. The music was so new and exciting. It was a new way of expressing yourself and meeting like-minded people. We used to go to these raves every weekend and the people I went with became almost like a family to me. The whole thing just felt very new exciting.
The turning point was when Street Parade in Switzerland took this movement from the dark underground clubs to the streets of my home country — that was when I realised that dance music was becoming huge and I realised that there was a career to be made, doing what I absolutely loved. Music has been a huge part of me ever since and I can't imagine doing anything else. I love seeing how the industry has evolved over the past thirty years and I’m looking forward to what’s next.
"Ecletric" is your first release of this year. How did you decide that now was the right time for a new release and how did the idea for the tune come to be in the first place?
It’s been a while since I've released some brand new EDX music, so I’m super excited to get this one out there. The last record I put out was 'Indian Summer', which was the lead single for my EDX No Xcuses 500 stream back in September, and a couple of other vocal records earlier in 2020. Slowly but surely, we are seeing the nightlife scene in some parts of the world start to open again, so I thought now would be a great time to release a new club record, made for the dancefloor. I wanted to explore some of the more progressive influences and signature sounds of my earlier career and bring them up to date and relevant to fans in 2021. I’m super happy with how 'Ecletric' has turned out and I can’t wait for you guys to check it out.
The name of the track is pretty self-explanatory. How does this release compare to some of your other releases? If you were to describe the vibe of "Ecletric" in 3 words, what would they be?
Old school EDX.
If you could only choose one song that you have made, to someone who has never heard of your music before, what track would you name?
EDX – Breathin’ (Extended Vocal Mix)
Obviously music is an important part of your life. How much of your personality do you put into your music and what drives you to continue the pursuit of this wonderful adventure?
Music really is a part of me. It’s in my DNA. It runs through my veins and is present in every aspect of my life. That’s what drives me every day to continue this incredible adventure.
How would you describe your workflow in the studio: what’s your mental process when producing? If you had to choose one element of your music that defines your music as a whole, what would it be?
It really depends on my mood and on the type of record that I want to make at the time. Even the label that I’m releasing on is taken into consideration. Above anything though, I just try to stay positive whenever I’m making new music. I really think your mood translates onto the page, and my goal is to make music that makes people smile.
How would you describe the EDX touch to remixes? How do you invoke your personal touch?
I always try to add what I call ‘that special touch’. I want to make people happy with my music, and I really want to warm the listeners hearts with each and every production. This is how I want my music to sound. Emotional and touching.
Should someone be well versed in music theory to be a good producer?
I don’t think so, no. Of course you need a good ear for music, in the same way that a chef needs a good palate, but I don’t believe you need to be classically trained in music theory.
Can you recall one or two events you’ve played that really stand out and what was special about them to you?
The last time I toured in The Philippines really stands out to me. The people were so welcoming and the vibes I got were just magical. I can’t wait to return one day.
Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer? Any dream collaboration?
I love both, but if I had to choose I would say performing. It’s on the dancefloor that you really connect with people. This is where all the hard work in the studio and behind the scenes pays off. Seeing people enjoying my musical in the flesh is a feeling that I just can’t explain. It’s the best part of what I do. In terms of a dream collab, I would have to say Madonna. I’ve been a lifelong fan.
What was the most memorable feedback you’ve got for your music and by whom?
I’m so lucky to get such amazing feedback from my fans. It’s hard to pick a particular moment, but when I get messages from people telling me they met their future husband / wife in a club dancing to one of my tracks, that’s very special indeed.
Is there a special motto that you have in your mind for your label - Sirup Music - and what kind of tracks are you searching to release on it?
I started Sirup twenty years ago because I wanted to create a platform for all the amazing Swiss talents that were bubbling up in the early 2000s. In terms of a remit, we really are open to releasing music from any producer – even up and coming artists who have zero profile. All that matters is the music. If we hear something that is on brand and has potential, we will use all of our resources to push it worldwide.
What is your opinion about the DJ/ label based radio shows and the contribution of web radio stations in the progress of the EDM. How your own radio show "No Xcuses" is going and do you have any plans to change anything on it?
I love our weekly radio show and it’s something I’m incredibely proud of. Espeically during covid times, it’s been a great way of connecting with a global audience when everybody is stuck inside. We actually celebrated the 500th episode (and tenth anniversary) of 'No Xcuses' in September with a very special livestream from the cliffs of Positano and the feedback was incredible. Here’s to the next ten years!
What’s your studio setup like and what’s your favorite piece of kit?
My DAW of choice is Logic, but I’ve got a big collection of vintage hardware, which I’ve been collecting since the early '90s. I’ve recently re-found my love for the classic Roland TB-303, which I love playing around with.
In terms of DJing I’m quite old school. I used to DJ vinyl on Technics 1210s, however I moved to CDJ’s and then to USBs, as it’s so much easier when you’re travelling from continent to continent each week. I don’t think I’ll ever make the transition to a laptop as I think you really lose the organic feel of mixing two records together. I just got a pair of the new CDJ3000 Nexus delivered to the office and they’re amazing. All the new technology is really incredible.
What would you like to see developed in terms of studio technology?
It would be cool for somebody to create a software programme where people can have virtual jam sessions via video conference, with different plugins and sample packs stored in the cloud. Then you could make music with your friends on the other side of the world.
Do you think it's harder to keep your fans involved without shows?
Yes, of course. But with the radio show, livestreams and new music, we’re trying our best to keep fans as involved as we can.
Over the years, what advice have you picked up from working in the music industry that you can pass on? What’s your crowning achievement?
Keep it original, follow your passion, and work harder than everybody else around you.
What’s a book you’ve read or film you watched that has left an impact on you, and why?
I absolutely love Wild Style – it’s an amazing hip hop movie from the early '80s. You should check it out.
When life gets back to normal, are there things you’re going to do differently?
I don’t think I’m going to be doing anything differently, as such, but I will definitely cherish those special dancefloor moments more than ever.
Thank you for your time, EDX! What’s on your agenda for 2021 and what are you currently working and focusing on?
It’s my pleasure! In terms of the rest of 2021, there is a lot of new music coming up that I can’t wait to share with you guys. The next record is a vocal record on Spinnin Records with Australian vocalist and singer songwriter Jess Ball, who you guys will remember from our debut collab ‘I Found You’. I’m also really excited to release some more club records, which I will put out as and when the clubs start opening again this year.
Connect with EDX:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | Spotify | Beatport
Interview made by Adriana-Laura, DJ's Arena 2021.