Exron Exclusive Interview: EDX

June 26, 2020

Italian-Swiss DJ and producer, Maurizio Colella better known as EDX, has been operating at the top of his game producing a myriad of dance hits across the spectrum. In 2019 he found himself Grammy nominated for ‘Best Remixed Recording’ for his Dubai Skyline Remix of Charlie Puth’s track “How Long”. Using influences from all parts of the globe, EDX produces music that is relatable and enjoyable from anywhere you listen.

His ‘NoXcuses’ radio show featured on iHeart broadcasts to over 40 countries twice a week. Today EDX releases his hot new club track, “Umoja” just in time for the summer. “Umoja” is intertwined with tribal-like beats to create a beautiful and energetic dance fusion. In our exclusive interview, Exron Music chatted with EDX about the creation of “Umoja” and a look into what he’s been working on during quarantine. Check it out below:

Exron Music: Your new track “Umoja” is a beautifully executed club banger. Can you tell us how your Swiss-Italian roots came to be inspired to create a tribal-like track?

Thanks very much, I really appreciate the feedback! That’s exactly what I was looking to create and I’m actually super excited to release this track. I always do one club track each year for the Ibiza summer season so I guess you could say this is the follow up to Ubuntu from last year. Working on this record, I wanted to keep it really tribal, groovy and fresh for people just to dance to. It’s obviously a very strange time at the moment and we’ve just heard the news that the clubs in Ibiza won’t be opening this year, but hopefully people can still enjoy Umoja over the course of the summer at house parties, beach clubs and smaller events.

Exron Music: I understand that “Umoja” is like the sequel to your other popular hit “Ubuntu”. Where do the names originate from and are they connected?

Yes for sure. Umoja is the 2020 follow up to Ubuntu, and it’s maybe a bit more club driven and less conventionally arranged, so I’m really excited to hear the feedback from DJs and fans all over the world. ‘Ubuntu’ is actually an ancient African word that means ‘humility towards others’ and is often described as reminding us that ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’. ‘Umoja’ is the Swahili word for ‘Unity’ and is also the name of a village in Kenya that is founded on the principles of women’s rights.

Exron Music: As an artist that draws inspiration from a spectrum of sounds, what is the key to your music that allows an experience for everyone to enjoy?

For me, I think it’s very important to make music that is both sexy and groovy, but also emotional and that touches the senses when you listen to it. We live in a crazy world right now, and one where people experience hardships and struggles on a day to day basis, so if I can make music that makes people smile and transports them to a better place, that is a huge blessing. Music is there to lighten up your day and get through the hard moments in life. If I had to describe my sound in three words, it would be sexy, groovy and emotional.

Exron Music: So 2020 hasn’t gone quite the way we expected for anyone. How has your time in quarantine affected your ability to make new music? Do you feel more inspired or set back from it all?

Well 2020 has definitely been a very unforeseen year and a crazy experience for everybody. This is something that nobody in the world has really experienced before so we’re all in it together. In terms of touring we’ve had to cancel 95% of the plans we had for the year, which has given me much more time to spend in the office with my team, planning for next year and also in the studio writing new music. It’s also been great to spend real quality time with the family, which has been priceless. It’s been a crazy few months, but I’m sure we’ll come through it together stronger.

Exron Music: Besides making music, what other hobbies have you been doing to occupy your time during quarantine?

I’ve spent a lot of amazing time with the family, but also working at management HQ with my team in Zug and also at the label HQ in Zurich. It’s actually been a great opportunity for us to make plans and strategize for next year, so whilst this year has not been what any of us had planned it’s actually managed to be very productive. We’ve also developed a lot of ideas around livestreams, and there are a couple of very exciting projects coming up very soon which I can’t wait to share with you guys.

Exron Music: Congratulations on being a Grammy nominated artist! How does it feel and did you ever think you would get to this point?

Being nominated for a Grammy was always a career goal of mine, and it was a dream come true when I found out! It was an amazing experience going to the award ceremony in LA and I just want to thank everybody for all the support on this record over the past few years. It really means a lot to me.

Exron Music: We can’t wait to hear your set for Tomorrowland’s Around the World digital festival! How will you try to curate an experience from your house that mimics magic from playing a live audience?

Yes I’m really looking forward to this too! Tomorrowland is known around the world for its incredible production quality and attention to detail, so I can’t wait for you guys to see how the digital festival will turn out. I’ve been shown a few behind the scenes renderings of what’s in store, but there will be a lot of surprises, which I’m super excited about. I’m obviously sad that Tomorrowland in its original form had to be postponed until next year, but this live event will still bring people together from all over the world, under the umbrella of great quality electronic music. They are an incredible team, so I’m sure it will be a very special event. Hope you all manage to tune in and enjoy my set!