Interview: EDX talks “Desire,” creative chemistry with Jess Ball, and staying inspired

Swiss DJ and producer EDX recently released "Desire," and we can't get enough of it. Teaming up once again with vocalist Jess Ball, the track blends EDX’s signature melodic house sound with an emotive edge, following the success of their past collaborations.

We sat down with EDX to talk about the inspiration behind “Desire,” his creative chemistry with Ball, and what’s next as he continues shaping the future of house music.

EARMILK: “Desire” taps into a more emotive side of your production. What exactly inspired that shift in tone for this track?

EDX: I got that amazing top-line sent over by Jess Ball's team, which I had worked with huge success in the past, and I immediately loved the lyrics and indeed Jess' super unique voice over again. It was not such a huge effort to make it sound strong and deep once the vocal was loaded into the scoring software and the magic was all there, written over this song.

EARMILK: What was it like collaborating with Jess Ball again? How has your creative chemistry evolved?

EDX: I became quite good friend with a Melbourne-based team that writes together with Jess. In 2023, they all came over to Miami for Miami Music Week and we were all able to connect better in person and definitely had a great time. These days, the writing happens in separate studio set-ups, which sometimes is difficult but also gives you a lot of peace to just play around without compromising too much from what you have in your mind. In general, collaborating with team Jess and her is always very exciting. I personally really believe she has a huge yet to be explored, potential in her own musical field.

EARMILK: How does “Desire” reflect where you’re headed musically in 2025 and beyond?

EDX: This year will be over again about EDX, deep melodic and progressive with a fresh edge. I probably will release another two vocal records apart from some classic instrumental EDX tunes. I love to work with vocals. I probably just should do it more often.

EARMILK: How do you stay inspired and connected to the pulse of electronic music?

EDX: It's not easy, the new generations are pushing on all corners harder than ever before, everything is becoming super short-term and faster. For myself, it's probably a little easier since my musical identity was created for over three decades and I always can return to my homie roots and feel safe while I keep exploring different corners of my musical journey. Being on the road all the time and meeting with younger and older folks definitely helps to stay inspired. I must say, going back to my 12" cage once in a while and listening to some older Vinyl brings back a lot of memories that can influence your present.

EARMILK: With nearly 30 years in the industry, what still excites you most about being in the studio/behind the decks?

EDX: I just love to make people smile and come together on the dance floor. Electronic Music has its roots definitely in Europe, which has influenced sound and music throughout all continents. It's a unique tool, probably the only one that reunites all cultures, nations, and religions happy together on one dance floor.