Q&A: Rising Maltese Star Edd on Genre Bending Sounds, BBC Recognition, and His New Release “Dancing Together”

With a musical journey that started at just 10 years old, Maltese DJ and producer Edd has spent the past decade refining a sound that is impossible to box in. Fusing house, techno, tech house, and left field electronica with the melodic sensibility of a multi instrumentalist, he is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new names in club music. A resident at Malta’s iconic District parties, Edd’s performances are known for their explosive energy, a trait that has earned him the support of tastemakers like Jamie Jones and Denis Sulta, plus recognition from BBC Radio 1 as one of their Top 10 Future Stars.

After the release of his new single, “Dancing Together”, we sat down with Edd to talk early influences, breakthrough moments, and why blending genres will always be at the heart of his sound.

You started producing music at just 10 years old with your uncle. Can you tell us a bit about that first CD and what inspired you to make it?
Funnily enough, the first CD I ever produced had metal, rock, and blues style tracks on it. I was so obsessed with all that music at the time, and what inspired it was jamming out with my dad to some great bands he used to enjoy back then. That, paired with the fact that I had learned to play guitar, naturally led me to want to create my own songs.

Growing up in Malta, how did the local music scene influence your sound?
Even though Malta is such a small island, there is quite a good music scene out there. I was definitely influenced by the local events DJs used to put on, from disco to house to obscure minimal parties. I soaked in all these influences going to parties when I was younger. A special mention also goes to my two older sisters, who played the music they heard at parties back at home, which definitely influenced me as a kid.

Your music spans multiple genres from house to techno and beyond. How did your eclectic taste develop over the years?
I would attribute that to just being a music lover in general. I really appreciate all styles of music and love creating lots of different vibes. I go through phases of different musical obsessions, and that inspires me to create different things. I am not interested in sticking to one specific sound because my love for music is so much broader than that.

Being named one of BBC Radio 1’s Top 10 Future Stars in 2022 is a huge achievement. How did that recognition change things for you?
It was such a huge honor. Being recognized by influential artists like Sarah Story, Pete Tong, and Danny Howard was an amazing feeling. It also gave me even more fuel to keep chasing this dream of living my life through music, and it reassured me that I was on the right path.

You have played some incredible venues like Ushuaia, Hï Ibiza, and Ministry of Sound. Are there any shows that stand out as particularly memorable?
Ibiza is such a magical place. Every time I play there, it is always so much fun. I have been playing Hï and Ushuaia for about four consecutive years now, and I have truly never had a gig that did not leave me buzzing afterward. I absolutely love playing there.

Who have been some of your biggest mentors or supporters along the way?
Definitely my manager and one of my greatest friends, Nick Mizzi. He has been by my side since the very beginning. I tell him all the time that there is nobody I would rather experience this journey with because he really believed in me from the start. I also have to mention my family because they have supported me day in and day out, and I am so lucky to have that.

Your music is often described as genre bending. How do you approach blending different styles in your productions?
The key is simply listening to lots of different styles of music. It is important because you pick up little bits of inspiration from all genres, and they eventually blend into a unique and special sound of your own.

Mama Used To Say has over a million streams and features in FIFA 23. What is the story behind that track?
I made that track a few years ago and forgot about it for a while. Then I added it to the bottom of a promo playlist I sent to Denis Sulta, and a few days later, I saw an incredible video of him playing it on his feed. Shortly after, my manager was contacted by Pete Tong to sign it to ThreeSixZero Records, and the rest just snowballed from there.

When starting a new track, do you have a particular process or ritual that helps you get into the zone?
I would not say I have a specific process or ritual. Inspiration can hit at any time, and it is important to act on that burst of creativity quickly. I like to jump straight into producing an idea and stay excited throughout the process, and for me, that means working fast.

Tell us about your upcoming release, Dancing Together. What was the inspiration behind it?
With this track, I wanted to create something with a deeper, more housey vibe while still being tailored for the club. After making the instrumental, I remembered an acapella I had downloaded before. Once I placed it over the instrumental, I immediately knew it was the perfect fit.

Is there a particular emotion or story you want listeners to take away from this track?
I just want people to feel the groove and have a moment of happy vibes when they hear it. It is a deeper track, but it is still happy music to me, and I hope others feel that too.

How does this release differ from your previous work, and does it hint at the direction your sound is heading?
I think this track is a different flavor from my usual style, but it is still within the range of what I would typically release. My current sound is driving house music with a strong vibe, and I feel like Dancing Together fits right in.

You recently launched your brand 999. How does this tie into your musical identity and the experience you want to create at your shows?
My brand 999 was a way to start putting on events exactly how I believe a rave should go down. It allows me to express my creativity in a different way from producing music while still staying in the music world. It is also so much fun to see all my friends enjoying the crowd, venue, and music, and hopefully I can join them when I am not too busy running the event.

What is next for you after Dancing Together? Are there any new projects, collaborations, or performances you are excited about?
I have so much unreleased music and some really cool collaborations coming up over the next year. I cannot wait to share these tunes. I think next year will be one of my busiest in terms of releases, and I am so excited to see it all unfold.

You have achieved so much at just 25. Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next five years?
If I continue to work hard, I believe I can be living a happy life working in music. I love both producing and DJing so much. I just want to keep sharing music that makes me feel a certain way and try to pass those vibes on to other people. What an honor that would be.

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