Meet elx, also known as dj elixir – an award-winning producer and DJ whose roots in the underground dance scene stretch back to the late ’90s. With a sound steeped in techno, UK bass, and breaks, his music bridges cinematic depth and club-ready energy. Whether in the studio or behind the decks, elx crafts immersive sonic journeys grounded in emotion, rhythm, and rave culture.
Introduce yourself in one paragraph:
I’m elx, an electronic music producer and DJ who’s been immersed in the underground dance scene since the late ’90s. Whether I’m behind the decks as dj elixir or in the studio crafting hypnotic grooves, my mission is the same—channel emotion and energy through sound. My music blends techno, UK bass, breaks, and a touch of nostalgia, all driven by deep rhythms and late-night moods. With a couple of FVMA Electronic Artist of the Year awards under my belt, I’m continuing to push into new sonic territory while staying rooted in the rave spirit that got me here.
Were you connected with music from a young age, or anyone in particular inspired you?
Yeah, music has always been part of my life. Growing up, I was that kid recording late-night radio mixes to cassette and digging through old records. My parents were deeply involved in musical theatre, which had a big influence on me early on—everything from dramatic storytelling to sound design left an impression. I’ve been drawn to electronic music ever since I got my first synthesizer. The idea of using samples, cutting tape, and building your own sound from scratch fascinated me. When I discovered the rave scene in ’96, everything clicked. Artists like Fatboy Slim, Pablo Gargano, and Marino Stephano had a huge impact on how I approached music and energy.
What first kickstarted your musical career?
Seeing a group called Link in the late ’80s was a turning point. They had about seven members, each on different gear, building immersive soundscapes live. It was the most incredible thing I’d heard or seen, and it planted the seed. Later, discovering tracker software in the mid-’90s lit the fuse. That, combined with a growing obsession for the rave scene, led me to DJing and eventually to building out my own studio.
Tell us more about your sound and how it has evolved.
My sound is rooted in groove techno, breaks, UK bass, drum and bass, and house—all filtered through a cinematic, emotionally driven lens. Early on, I was drawn to high-energy breakbeats and trancey builds. Now, it’s more about layering textures, bending sounds in unexpected ways, and finding hypnotic rhythms that carry meaning. It’s still about movement, but now there’s a deeper undercurrent.
Any words you want to share to encourage other artists and producers?
Don’t wait for perfection. Just start. Finish projects. The more you make, the more you learn. And don’t forget: your weirdest idea might be your best one.
Networking, consistency, character—how do you approach industry relationships?
I show up with honesty, humility, and a solid body of work. I stay active in the local and online scenes, always ready to contribute and support others. Real relationships come from shared values, not just shared stages.
Is there anyone specific you’d like to thank?
Massive gratitude to the crews I came up with—Hullabaloo, Destiny, PureRave, and the broader Canadian rave scene. They gave me stages, support, and a sense of community. And to my wife Camille, who’s been my anchor through every high and low. Also, shoutout to all the friends who listened to my half-finished tracks and gave real feedback—you know who you are.
Name 3 albums or labels that have inspired you most:
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Meo Lorenzo – Dream’s
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K90 – Deliverance
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Anything on Telica or React
Favourite piece of studio gear or software?
FL Studio is my go-to DAW. I use VST synths like Massive, Sytrus, and Hive, but the Access Virus B is a standout—bass-heavy and bold. I also love the Future Retro 777 for its acid soul and modern control.
Favourite club or festival in the world, and why?
Lakes of Fire in Michigan, and Mooseman, Boreal Canoe Trip, and Harvest Festival in Ontario—they’re community-driven and grounded in connection. Burning Man also left a deep impression on me with its openness and creativity. On the flip side, WEMF (World Electronic Music Festival) helped shape me—massive, but still full of magic.
Name an outlandish rider request:
Pablum rice cereal with a side of brown sugar. Comfort food, always. Oh, and Aussie-style Lemonade Monster Energy drinks—gotta balance the weird and the wired.
If you could play any venue, where would it be and why?
The main stage at the 2012 Time and Space Festival in Tulum, Mexico. It was held at an abandoned beachfront resort under the ruins—unreal setting, amazing crowd, and perfect sound. One of the most inspiring environments I’ve ever experienced.
Music is…
…a portal. A place to escape, connect, and return with something new. It’s memory, emotion, and possibility all wrapped in rhythm.
One song you couldn’t live without:
The Orb – Little Fluffy Clouds
Name drop your favourite tunes, artists or DJs:
Meo Lorenzo, Pablo Gargano, Marino Stephano, early Tiësto, and Fatboy Slim. All brought different energy—melodic, emotional, rhythmic—and all left a deep mark on my journey.
What was your first real music opportunity and how did it fuel your fire?
Early ambient gigs with the OM Festival crew in Ontario let me experiment with samples, tape decks, and synths. A booking agent once told me, “If you want to play more, play something with a beat.” That pushed me into hardcore and eventually trance. Joining Hullabaloo taught me how to pivot and stay hungry—every challenge became part of the story.
Tell us more about your future plans.
With Groove Echoes out now, I’m working on a remix EP and a new live show that blends DJing with hardware performance. I’m also looking to get into scoring indie games and short films—bringing stories to life through sound.
Any final advice you’d like to share?
Stay curious and adaptable—both in music and life. Be open to change, trust your instincts, and build real connections. Most importantly, create for the love of it. That passion is what lasts.
The post Get To Know: elx, the Prolific Producer Recreating 90s Rave Soundscapes appeared first on Electric Mode.
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