EDX Discusses Innovative Live Concept: XIRCUIT at Avalon, Hollywood [Interview]

One of the most dedicated and hard-working artists in the industry, Swiss-Italian DJ/ producer EDX has carved his name and work into the forefront of the electronic scene for the last 25 years. As time winds on, this powerhouse only continues his growth both on the musical side and the creative outlets to support his endeavors.

It turns out that amidst the excitement of his latest venture, (an entirely new and immersive live show known as XIRCUIT,) Maurizio Colella has another massive reason to celebrate – a 2019 GRAMMY nomination. Up for ‘Best Remixed Recording’ for his remix of Charlie Puth’s “How Long,” EDX has finally seen another dream come to life before his eyes.

The Nocturnal Times is delighted to have caught up with EDX to discuss the enthusiasm and production behind his new live concept, XIRCUIT, making its official debut this coming Saturday, December 15 at Avalon Hollywood. Read below for all the electrifying details we can’t wait to share with you.

We’ve also partnered with EDX to give away an exclusive meet & greet package to the show at Avalon. Don’t miss your chance to witness this magical debut! Enter here to win.

Nocturnal Times: First off Maurizio, Congratulations on being nominated for a Grammy for your remix of Charlie Puth! Can you tell us the story behind this remix?

EDX: It’s absolutely crazy and I’m so happy to have been nominated. It’s been a dream of mine, and my production partner Christian, for the last ten years to get a Grammy nomination and I can’t believe it’s finally happened. I’m so proud of my whole team and I’m very excited for the awards show in a few months time!

Nocturnal Times: We’re super excited to hear about the new show concept you’ll be launching December 15th at Avalon, LA. Share with us some of what will be included in the development of production style here. What exactly is going to be different than before?

EDX: That’s right. The new show concept is called XIRCUIT and I’m super excited about it. We’re trying to bring in a whole new experience for fans, and something more all-encompassing and experiential than I’ve ever done before at my shows. There are so many things you can use to augment the experience for the fans which, when combined together and used in the correct way, can really make a show into something very special. More than just lights and music, and an experience people will remember for a long time. This is what we are trying to achieve and something that I’m very excited about.

Nocturnal Times: We want to hear more about the sensory component to this as it’s particularly intriguing to us. Can you give us one or two examples of how this is going to play out?

EDX: I really want to urge people to come to the show as that’s the only way you’ll really be able to experience and feel XIRCUIT first hand. We are combining a lot of different tools from state-of-the-art visuals and lighting to kryo, confetti and a load of other things that will make this show very unique. I really think people will have this ‘WOW’ moment when they see and feel all of this being combined with the music.

Nocturnal Times: Technology in dance music and live sets in general are getting out of this world. You have events like Transmission Festival, Laserface by Gareth Emery, HOLO by Eric Prydz, the Paradox by Excision etc. Have any specific shows like these or others helped inspire you to create something new?

EDX: I haven’t really looked at or focussed on what other people are doing when coming up with this show. I know that Eric Prydz has always had a very forward-thinking approach to combining music with the whole experience, but I wanted my team and I to do something very creative and come up with something which works perfectly with the whole EDX signature sound and vibe. I wanted it to be unique to EDX so I wasn’t too concerned with looking at what other people have been doing.

Nocturnal Times: You have one of the most long-standing fan bases in the industry. Although we’re certain they’re going to love the new idea and live experience, what aspects do you think they’ll enjoy the most or be the most receptive to?

EDX: To maintain a career in the music industry for so many years is such a blessing and having fans that follow your music for such a long time is really incredible. This is my first new live concept for twenty-five years, and it’s something I’m really doing for my dedicated supporters. They have been so supportive over the years, and I really hope that they like what we have in store. I can’t wait for people to see it!

Nocturnal Times: Have you found it challenging over the years to still give a unique experience to fans at each show using the same visuals, lighting, etc. over and over again?

EDX: The music always lies at the core of everything I do, and this is constantly evolving with new records from myself, the label and new artists that I’m always discovering. I’m very thankful that I play a great mix of festival shows and club shows all over the world, with some amazing different promoters. This definitely keeps the different shows fresh and unique. Having said that, it was definitely time to make a change and mix things up a bit.

Nocturnal Times: Tell us a bit about how you came together with Alexander Hesse on the lighting design for this show. What in particular does he bring to the table that made you want to start this new venture together?

EDX: I have a big team that I work with every day and a lot of very enthusiastic people that I have been working with to come up with this new concept. I’ve known Alex for many years and he is one of these people that’s always thinking outside the box. He’s adding a lot of value and experience to this particular show and I’m looking forward to seeing it all come together.

Nocturnal Times: What’s the creative process like in developing a show like this? What’s included and what are some of the issues you’re facing during the process?

EDX: The only issue we’ve faced in the process has been time. I’m constantly on the road and working on new music, so that naturally leaves little time for anything else. Fortunately I have an amazing team and we are on schedule, so I’m very happy and excited for the launch.

Nocturnal Times: Why did you select Avalon to launch this new live concept? Will this new show call for certain types of venues, (for example intimate clubs, bigger theaters, etc.?) Do you envision bringing it to festivals at all in the next year?

EDX: Avalon is one of the longest standing clubs in the United States and one of the first after hours clubs around. It’s a truly legendary venue that ignited a whole new generation of after hours clubbers. There might have been one or two other suitable locations in the U.S., but Avalon just seemed like the right place to do what we wanted to do. Even without any special production inside, Avalon still looks great. The soundsystem is great and the audience is always very music-driven, which I love. The concept is something that can be scaled up or down depending on the venue so I think it will work well in lots of different clubs and festivals across different markets.

Nocturnal Times: Are there any artists that will be joining you for these shows that you feel will particularly add to its uniqueness?

EDX: We will definitely work on the talent side to make the shows unique and provide an experience that’s not just your typical DJ shows, but it’s still in its early stages and I can’t give away too much right now.

Nocturnal Times: To what extent does your vision for this go? Will you continue to vamp it up after 2019 or is that still to be determined?

EDX: The exact plans for rolling this out further down the line are still to be determined. At the moment I’m just doing what feels right and I want to make sure my fans have the best experience possible. Hope as many of you can make it as possible!