The Element is a pioneering artist from Malta. With 30+ years of experience in melodic house & techno music playing with all the biggest artists in the world, he has taken his musical journey to new levels and become a key talent himself. After being signed to Afterlife in 2019 and finally recognized for his quality performances and productions, The Element has taken his show to the world stage and demonstrates what this experience brings.

Fresh off his latest EP, ‘Flames of Emotions,’ released on Citizen Kain’s UNSEEN Records, we sat down with the artist to discuss his career highlights, pivotal moments, and what lies ahead!

WWD: ‘Flames of Emotions’ is an evocative title. What is the main message or feeling you aim to convey through this EP?

The title reflects the duality of emotion — the intensity and vulnerability we experience when music truly resonates. With Flames of Emotions, I aimed to create a sonic journey that evokes passion and depth, blending powerful, driving energy with delicate melodies. It’s about translating life’s emotional highs and lows into sound.

WWD: Your career began in the early 1990s. What have been the most defining moments or experiences that shaped your musical style over the decades?

There have been several defining moments, but I’d say early exposure to pioneers like Sasha, John Digweed, and Laurent Garnier played a huge role in shaping my style. Another key moment was the evolution from vinyl to digital — it pushed me to experiment with new tools and production techniques. Lastly, releasing on labels like Afterlife and now UNSEEN Records helped me refine my identity and grow as an artist.

WWD: Being signed to Afterlife in 2019 was a significant turning point in your career. How did you experience that transition, and what did it mean for you personally and professionally?

Being signed to Afterlife was a dream come true and a pivotal moment for me. Professionally, it opened doors to a global audience and put my music on a platform alongside artists I deeply admire. Personally, it validated years of hard work and inspired me to aim even higher. It wasn’t just a transition; it was a new beginning.

WWD: Malta’s music scene is growing. How important is it for you to represent your country on the global stage, and how do you think your career has influenced the perception of Maltese artists worldwide?

Representing Malta on a global stage is something I take immense pride in. The island may be small, but its talent and passion for music are boundless. Seeing the scene grow over the years and knowing I played a part in inspiring the next generation of Maltese artists is incredibly rewarding. I hope my career has shown that no matter where you come from, you can have a voice and impact on the global stage.

WWD: You’re now part of the Zamna Soundsystem and signed with Zamna Record Label. How has this collaboration enriched your musical vision and future projects?

Being part of Zamna Soundsystem has been a truly enriching experience. Zamna has a unique vibe, blending cutting-edge music with incredible venues, and it’s a natural fit for my sound. Collaborating with their label has opened up new creative possibilities, and I’m excited to explore this further in my upcoming projects.

WWD: With over 30 years of experience, how do you keep your music fresh and relevant in an ever-evolving genre like melodic house & techno?

Staying curious and open to new ideas is key. I constantly listen to different genres and pay attention to how electronic music is evolving globally. Experimenting in the studio with both analog gear and modern tools keeps things exciting. Most importantly, I focus on creating music that feels authentic to me — timelessness over trends.

WWD: Your debut track on Afterlife, ‘Ryder,’ had a major impact. What do you remember about that moment, and how did it shape your creative path afterward?

Releasing ‘Ryder’ on Afterlife was a surreal moment. I remember hearing it in a live set for the first time and feeling the crowd’s reaction — it was pure magic. That moment gave me the confidence to trust my instincts and dive deeper into my melodic sound. It set a new standard for me and motivated me to push even further creatively.

WWD: What is your creative process like? Do you start with an emotion, an idea, or a particular sound?

It usually starts with an emotion or a feeling I want to express. From there, I build on a particular sound — sometimes a melody or a bassline will trigger everything. I let the music guide me, layering textures and elements until it feels complete. The process is organic, almost like telling a story where each sound has a role to play.

WWD: After so many years on the scene, what is your relationship with the audience during live sets? How do you perceive their energy, and how does it influence your performance?

The audience is everything. Over the years, I’ve learned to read the room instinctively — their energy, their anticipation, and their reactions. I feed off that energy and adapt my sets in real time to create a unique connection. It’s like a dialogue without words, and their response always inspires me to give more.

WWD: Looking ahead, what are your main goals as an artist? Is there a dream or milestone you still want to achieve?

The goal is to keep growing, evolving, and connecting with people through my music. I want to explore new collaborations, push my sound further, and maybe even curate my own events that reflect my musical vision. A dream milestone would be to perform in a legendary venue or festival that has yet to be checked off my list. There’s always more to achieve, and the journey is what keeps me inspired.

WWD: You have to dream big! Thanks for the chat 🙂 

The ‘Flames of Emotions’ EP is available  here