Exron Exclusive Interview: Maddix at Ultra Miami 2023

Dutch DJ Maddix talks techno, Ultra, forthcoming collaborations, and more…

With more than 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify, European techno DJ Maddix is certainly an artist to watch. Although 2023 marked his debut Ultra set, he’s no stranger to the rave scene, having grown up in electronic dance music. In this Exron exclusive interview, Maddix gives us the tea on his forthcoming projects, exciting collaborations with Hardwell and Armin van Buuren, as well as his unique origin story.

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With more than 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify, European techno DJ @maddixmusic is certainly an artist to watch⭐️ In this Exron exclusive interview, Maddix gives us the tea on his forthcoming projects, exciting collaborations with Hardwell and Armin van Buuren, as well as his unique origin story. Who should we sit down with next? Comment below who you want to see in an exclusive interview ⬇️ #festivalseason #ultramusicfestival #edmlife #techno #ravelife #ravetok

♬ original sound – ExronMusic

Exron Music: You’ve referenced your percussive roots in some of your media. Could you better describe your musical background and how you began to develop your passion for music and this industry?

Maddix: I actually started before I was born. My mom, she plays percussion, so that’s where I guess the percussive roots are from. As a kid, when I couldn’t sleep, she would start playing the drums and I would fall asleep. So it’s, like, really in my veins. And then as a teenager I [became] interested in electronic dance music. I just loved it, the beats. And now? The techno sound just fits me better.

Exron Music: What are some of your favorite sets you’ve ever played?

Maddix: There [are] many. I think one of my favorites [would have to be] Germany [because it’s] always crazy to play. The crowd is insane, especially now [that] I’ve had more success with one of my songs. It has German lyrics so whenever I play it there, they just go insane. Japan is really, really cool. Three weeks ago I played Ultra Abu Dhabi. Yesterday, I played Story with Hardwell, which was really, really cool.

Exron Music: Can you tell us about a difficult moment in your career or life and how you overcame it?

Maddix: Actually, covid was pretty rough because I [just started] to develop a new sound, just before I was supposed to play at Ultra Miami as well. Everything got canceled a week before. It was stressful, being home for months. You want to put out new music, but you don’t know what to do [at the same time]. But right now? I’m happy again!

Exron Music: Can you share a little bit about your creative process over the last three years? From March 2020 to March 2023, the world has been through some changes. How has your creative process ebbed and flowed, changing with the times?

Maddix: So when I started on the new sound, I had gotten a bit tired of doing the same stuff. I realized, for me, I enjoy techno beats way more. So I realized, ‘If I’m going to techno shows, why not make this different kind of music?’ I wanted to involve more of a techno sound so I just let go of all fan expectations, went into the studio, and let my mind roam free, which made me much more creative and much happier too! It’s an ongoing process – the sound is still changing. I get inspiration from old songs (20-year-old songs). I love to get inspiration [from these older songs] and make [more of] a more modern vibe.

Exron Music: You just recently launched a new label EXTATIC? What was the most difficult part of that process and what was the most rewarding?

Maddix: Well, it’s just been announced – we actually have to do the first release still! But I’m so happy to be able to create a place for [the] producers that I know, a community specific to this type of music – to be able to develop a platform and connect with a community. The difficult part is, it’s been a dream for a long time but we never knew [when the time would be right]. It’s kind of scary to launch something yourself because you [must] start a new Instagram, a new everything, without any followers. But I think it will do well and I’m super, super excited for my first release.

Exron Music: As an internationally known DJ, you must travel constantly. What’s a favorite country/region you’ve visited and why?

Maddix: I love Japan. The culture is so completely different. [I’m] just walking around in Tokyo [and] I’m amazed. I can walk around for three hours and [I’ll still see] new stuff… It feels like you’re in the middle of a [new] world. It’s one of my favorites.

Exron Music: You’re currently on an international tour right now, with pitstops in the Netherlands, Germany, Thailand, Portugal, Austria, Australia, and more. What’s a destination you’re really looking forward to on the tour?

Maddix: I think Australia because I’ve never been… It’s going to be my first time. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a big first stop!

Exron Music: Ultra is one of the biggest music festivals in the world. What’s something about your Ultra experience that you’ve loved so far or something that you’re really excited about this weekend?

Maddix: Actually, I [was] here in 2018, just as a visitor. I wasn’t able to play so I sort of know what it’s like [to be in the crowd]. So I’m really looking forward to my set tonight. I just can’t wait! And tomorrow I’ll be here as well, just hanging out and watching Hardwell.

Exron Music: What’s the next stop for you? What’s your five-year plan for the Maddix project?

Maddix: I’m working on a lot of new music, a lot of collaborations as well. I can’t say too much but I know that Hardwell will play a new song of ours tomorrow on the main stage and Armin Van Buuren is going to play a new remix I did for him. So I’m looking forward to that! And then [for the] five-year plan, [I want to] build up the label. I’m working on a new plugin for music producers to make techno-plugin hits. It’s called “Maddix Rumble.” In five years, I hope to be on the main stage here! I mean, I hope to be there next year but let’s see what happens!

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