X-Coast

X-Coast’s latest project, The Riviera Collection, isn’t just an album—it’s a window into another realm. Drawing on an ethereal connection with a virtual island, this collection of nine tracks defies the traditional constraints of an album, instead offering a carefully curated assortment of dancefloor-ready beats.

“Some would call it an album for sure, but there is a feeling that an album sent to us by a virtual island we practically know nothing about would have to sound more conceptual than 9 tracks that work tremendously well on the dancefloor put together in a listenable order. An X-Coast album is expected to be written in one go, trying to weave an invisible thread that could keep it as a whole. I cannot say more; after all, I am just a mere representative of the island on planet Earth.”

This sonic odyssey was inspired by years of collecting ideas, memories, and sounds, and though the tracks are plucked from X-Coast’s vaults, the essence of the collection is anything but dated. Each track stands on its own, yet they come together in a way that is unmistakably X-Coast.

“No matter the style, these jams have that recognizable X-Coast touch—often imitated, never duplicated,” he shares.

The collection is a dedication to the dancefloor, with a mix of house, techno, tribal, and trance beats designed to captivate and move crowds.

Many of the tracks were born after a significant encounter with none other than Armand Van Helden. After a performance in Dublin, where the legendary DJ signed X-Coast’s arm, the moment became a catalyst for a creative explosion.

“We had instructed the vessel never to wash the arm again, because such scribblings by a legendary music craftsman bring immense power to the bearer,” X-Coast recounts with humor and reverence. “As a result, 31 heaters, 53 belters, 26 bangers, and 14 stompers were crafted—these are the best 9 creations.”

X-Coast’s ability to remix hits has garnered him widespread attention in the electronic music world. His takes on Shygirl’s 4eva and DJ Gigola’s La Batteria are standout examples of his creative process, one that involves identifying, extracting, and manipulating elements from the original recordings to build the quintessential X-Coast groove.

“The X effect—a process of identifying, extracting and manipulating a sample from the original recording in order to achieve an X-Coast groove. As a result, a portal to the island is activated. Sometimes it’s as simple as repeating a part of a vowel of the vocal track,” he explains.

His remix work, much like his original productions, has a distinctive touch, often transporting listeners to the enigmatic island that fuels his artistry. “Both of these originals were hits already, but also both of the artists are friends and supporters of the island since the early years when the first contacts were made. They knew which originals would work and what to expect after the treatment.”

X-Coast’s live performances are nothing short of legendary, not just for the music but for the unpredictable moments that unfold.

“Haha, like that time I played the main room at fabric for the first time and the island made me experiment a little with the track selection which resulted in emptying the whole floor. Or that time the island made me steal a bunch of beer from DC10 during Circoloco because they thought the prices there were through the roof,”

X-Coast’s stories reveal a sense of humility, playfulness, and a deep connection with his audience. It’s this mix of humor and spontaneity that makes his shows unforgettable.

His upcoming tour, which includes a packed schedule for ADE, promises more of these unique moments. While X-Coast remains tight-lipped about specific details, it’s clear that something special is brewing.

“Ah yes, we’re cooking something special on Thursday during ADE. They won’t allow me to say more for now. That week is gonna be packed with shows.”

The live shows are made even more vibrant by the X-Clones, diehard fans who dress up like X-Coast, and the quirky tradition of bringing hair clippers to the stage to give spontaneous haircuts.

“People love a good show in general, or anything that’s gonna spice things up during a set—it adds to the performance. But where would we be without the X-Clones and the X-Tribe—great things happen when all these energies collide and these folx want to be a part of it. Fedoras have become quite a common thing at X-Coast shows this year—makes everyone look stylish.”

At the core of X-Coast’s artistry is a connection with his fans.

“X-Coast island is not there for everyone to see. Those who see it, they understand it and get immersed by it and never want to leave. Those who don’t, well they’ll never understand what they’re missing out on. I don’t think there’s any personality left in this vessel, I am but a mere instrument of materializing X-Coast’s will on planet Earth.”

The island is alive, ever-evolving, and so is X-Coast. From quirky stage antics to immersive dancefloor experiences, there’s always an element of surprise.

Ultimately, The Riviera Collection is more than a collection of tracks—it’s a treasure trove for DJs who know how to wield it.

“In the hands of a skilled DJ, these are artifacts of immense power. Use them wisely.” Each track is a carefully crafted weapon, ready to ignite dancefloors around the world.

With future projects on the horizon and more tours to come, X-Coast’s journey is far from over. Whether remixing, performing, or producing, he remains a faithful representative of the island, channeling its will through every beat. “We shall see what the future holds,” he says, leaving us with a sense of anticipation for what’s next in the X-Coast saga.