EDX: "The inspiration came from a simple need: independence"

EDX is a Swiss DJ, producer, and label owner who has been active in electronic music for nearly three decades. He founded Sirup Music in 2001, a platform that has supported and released music from some of the genre’s most recognized names, including Avicii, Armin van Buuren, Steve Angello, and Tiësto.

Beyond his work as a label head, he has built a strong catalog of original tracks and remixes that have reached a global audience, accumulating over 2 billion streams on Spotify. He also hosts the NoXcuses radio show, broadcast in more than 40 countries, and regularly performs at clubs and festivals around the world, from Ibiza to Las Vegas.

Alongside his touring and releases, EDX has been involved in developing new artists and projects such as Helvetic Nerds, helping shape a distinct sound that has gained international attention.

After nearly three decades in the industry, what still motivates you to create new music every day?

Honestly, it's the same feeling I had when I started: that little spark of joy when a new melody or groove makes me smile. The difference now is that I've learned to trust my instincts more and care less about trends. I still get excited walking into the studio, especially when I discover a new way of shaping sound – like chopping up audio into tiny pieces and rearranging it into something completely fresh! That opens up new emotional territory and keeps things super interesting. As long as I feel that childlike curiosity, I'll keep showing up.

Your sound is often described as "sun-soaked house" — how has it evolved over time while maintaining its identity?

The core has always been melody, groove, and warmth – that feeling of a perfect sunset on a dancefloor. But the tools and textures have definitely evolved. In the early days, I was more focused on big trance leads and harder edges. Over time, I learned that space and subtlety often hit harder. I've incorporated more organic elements, deeper basslines, and lately, more intricate, shimmering textures that add movement without losing that uplifting spirit. The sun hasn't set… it's just changed its angle.

2019 was an incredible year for you, with a GRAMMY nomination and five Beatport number ones — what was the most defining moment of that year?

I have to be honest… the GRAMMY nomination was surreal, and those Beatport chart-toppers felt like validation from the scene I love. But the most defining moment for me was actually a small, personal one. I was playing a club in a city I'd never been to before, and after the show, a young producer came up to me and said one of my tracks had inspired him to start making music. In that moment, all the numbers and awards faded, and I remembered why I started – to connect, not to compete.

You founded Sirup Music in 2001 — what inspired you to start your own label, and what do you look for in new artists today?

The inspiration came from a simple need: independence. Back then, major labels were pulling away from dance music, and I saw an opportunity to build something on my own terms with DJ Tatana. I wanted a home for music that didn't fit the mainstream mold. Today, what I look for hasn't changed much… I want artists with a distinct voice, not someone trying to copy what's hot. I also look for character and patience – because building a career takes time, and I've learned that the best talents are the ones who trust the journey, not just the quick win.

You’ve been connected to some of the biggest names in electronic music — how has the industry changed since you started in the early ’90s?

The biggest change is access. Back then, you needed a pressing plant, a distributor, and a lot of luck just to get your record into a shop. Now, anyone with a laptop can reach the world in minutes… which is beautiful, but also overwhelming. The flip side is that the human connection has thinned out. We used to spend hours in record stores talking to people, building relationships. Today, everything is fast and transactional. I miss the slowness sometimes, but I also love that talent can rise from anywhere without a gatekeeper.

With over 2 billion streams, how do you view the shift from club culture to the streaming era?

Streaming has made music more accessible than ever, and i'm grateful that my catalog can reach someone in a small town who may never see me live. But a stream is not a dancefloor. Club culture taught me how to read a room, build tension, and create a shared moment - things you can't learn from an algorithm. I see streaming as the front door, but the club is the heart. My goal is always to make records that work on headphones and on a Funktion-One system. Both matter.

Your NoXcuses radio show reaches over 40 countries — how important is it to you compared to performing live?

They feed each other. Live performance is the rush… the immediate energy exchange that nothing else can match. The radio show is different: it's a conversation that lasts longer. I can introduce deeper cuts, new talents, and tell stories between the tracks. It reaches people who may never see me in a club, and that feels like a responsibility I take seriously. If live shows are the fireworks, the radio show is the steady glow that keeps the connection alive week after week.

Your touring schedule is intense and global — how do you maintain balance between your personal life and career?

I won't pretend it's easy. For years, I didn't balance it well! I was always chasing the next flight. What changed was learning to say "no". I protect my time at home fiercely now. When I'm with family or close friends, I'm fully there, not on my phone planning the next set. I also prioritise sleep and quiet moments on the road… sometimes just an hour diving into a completely out-of-the-box topic, like history or technology, or a walk in an unfamiliar city. Balance isn't about equal hours; it's about being present wherever you are.

The Helvetic Nerds project brought together several talented artists — what makes that collaboration special?

The magic of Helvetic Nerds is that it was never forced. Christian Beat Hirt and I started it as a creative playground – no egos, no rigid rules. We brought in producers like Nora En Pure, Croatia Squad, and Daniel Portman because they each had a unique sonic fingerprint. What makes it special is the mutual trust. We share samples, ideas, and feedback without competition. It's a reminder that music is better when it's a collective conversation, not a solo monologue. That spirit lives on in everything we do together.

Looking ahead, what new musical directions or projects are you most excited about?

I'm genuinely excited about diving deeper into that progressive club sound I mentioned - the one that connects my early roots with fresh energy. The track coming in May is just the beginning. I'm also exploring more vocal collaborations after Atmosphere; there's something about a human voice paired with a driving groove that hits differently. And on the label side, we're celebrating 25 years of Sirup Music in 2026, which has me revisiting old catalog gems and thinking about how to reimagine them for today. The journey isn't slowing down - it's just finding new paths.

Follow EDX

Instagram / Facebook / Soundcloud / YouTube / Spotify