IN CONVERSATION WITH X & IVY
interview by MARIE-PAULINE CESARI
Numéro Netherlands Digital presents X & Ivy, the Australian-American duo making waves with their debut EP What Is This Sound, out 13 June via underground label Life and Death. Across two tracks — Bust It and What Is This Sound — they channel Chicago house, Detroit techno, and ’90s UK rave with raw grooves and breakbeat energy. Early plays from Jennifer Loveless, Roza Terenzi, and DJ Tennis prove they’re onto something. We caught up with them to talk about their journey, the new release, and what’s next.
You met back in California in 2016 — what were you each doing then, and how did music become the glue?
Ivy: In 2016, I was juggling a retail job at a clothing/skate brand while studying music. One of my best friends from high school happened to be Xavier’s roommate at university and thought we’d make a solid DJ/producer duo. We met up on a whim and immediately clicked — it felt like we’d known each other for years. Music brought us together, but it’s the friendship and shared curiosity that really became the foundation of everything.
X: I’d just moved to L.A. from Australia and was in my first year of university. I told my roommate I wanted to start producing and DJing, and he said, “You’ve got to meet Ivy.” A few weeks later, we met outside the Shrine Expo during summer break, and within minutes we were like, “Yep, let’s do this” — even though we had no idea what “this” was going to become.
You’ve lived and made music across three continents. How much of that travel and movement shaped the sound of this debut EP?
Ivy: Our travels have shaped more than just this EP — they’ve shaped the whole sound of the project. We’re both into so many genres beyond dance music, and moving between cities and scenes helped us absorb different energies. That constant exploration helped us develop a style that’s always evolving but still uniquely ours.
X: Southern California was where it all started — that era had a heavy tech house and bass house influence, especially with Dirtybird peaking. Later, London exposed us to a whole new rave culture — I still remember how game-changing Angel D’Lite’s set at Corsica was. Then spending time in Australia in 2023–24 brought a tougher, more intense sound into the mix. It wasn’t a holiday, it was fieldwork. What Is This Sound hits hard but feels loose, almost instinctive.
How do you know when a track’s done, especially when working remotely?
Ivy: Honestly? Tracks never feel fully done. That’s the perfectionist in me talking. But having each other to bounce ideas off is key — if one of us feels it’s ready and the other agrees, that’s when we know it’s time to let it go. That trust makes the process smoother.
X: I agree — you get to a point where adding more would take away that raw, DIY energy we love. It’s not about perfection, it’s about capturing a moment that feels real and honest to us.
Was there a moment when you knew Bust It or What Is This Sound had something special — like, “okay this is going to do damage”?
Ivy: It’s always unpredictable. Sometimes you pour your heart into a track and it flies under the radar. Other times you make something in an hour that takes off. With these two, it felt like we struck the right balance — and maybe that’s why they’re connecting.
X: When Jennifer Loveless dropped it unexpectedly in a set, that was a big moment. Then when DJ Tennis said “instant sign,” it really hit. That kind of support felt like confirmation that we were onto something.
The EP’s not even out yet and it’s already been played by Jennifer Loveless, Roza Terenzi, DJ Tennis… did you expect that kind of early support?
Ivy: Not at all. We loved the tracks, of course, but you never know how people will react until you put it out there. The support so far has been incredible — we’re genuinely so grateful to everyone who’s championed it. Huge love to all of them.
X: Same here — seeing those names supporting it has been surreal and beautiful.
You’ve worked with Todd Edwards, released on Nervous and Big Trouble — how does this release on Life and Death fit into the bigger picture for you?
X: Todd’s been a huge influence on both of us. Having him believe in the project early on was unexpected but life-changing. We’ve built a friendship and mentorship that we really value. As for Life and Death — it’s a label with real legacy. To have DJ Tennis say we’re part of the family was surreal. He’s incredibly selective, so that kind of affirmation, especially at a time when we felt overlooked, meant everything.
Ivy: That really sums it up. To be seen and welcomed by someone we respect so much gave us a second wind.
What’s one track you always come back to in your sets, no matter the vibe or the crowd?
Ivy: Hector’s House – Come & Get My Lovin’. It’s just such a beautiful, timeless record. Always hits right.
X: Dominica – Gotta Let You Go. Not a deep cut by any means, but it always connects — pure emotion and energy.
From digging records to playing shows — has there been a scene, party or city that shifted how you think about dance music?
X: 100% — London. Dance music in the UK isn’t just subcultural, it’s everyday life. It’s built into the fabric of the city. The history, the diversity, the energy — it shaped how we see the music, and how we show up.
Ivy: Same here. I’d add Dekmantel too — going there opened our minds. The curation, the variety of sounds, the crowd… it showed us that we don’t need to stay in one lane. We can experiment and still keep people with us.
What’s your relationship to style and fashion — do you see it as part of how you show up creatively, or more in the background?
X: It’s definitely part of it now. I didn’t pay much attention to fashion before meeting Ivy, but over time it’s become another way to express who we are offstage. We’re both drawn to looks that are comfortable but cool — it’s about being ourselves without trying too hard.
Ivy: Fashion’s always been huge for me. I worked in retail for years and have been collecting clothes for over a decade — honestly, it’s a bit ridiculous how much I have. But getting dressed is a creative outlet. It’s about deciding who you want to be that day and owning it.
After this first EP drops, what’s next? Are you already sitting on more music, or taking time to see where this one lands?
X: No slowing down. We’ve got a packed release schedule this year — Forever Days, Rhythm Section, a project with Urban Soul Orchestra (they worked on Octave One’s Blackwater), plus a few dream labels we’re finalizing. It’s been a year of “pinch me” moments.
Ivy: We’ve made close to 100 demos over the past year, so we’re in a good position to be intentional. We’re figuring out where each track fits, but we’re also taking our time — we want the next wave to be even stronger.