Meet Axela | Artist & DJ

We had the good fortune of connecting with Axela and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Axela, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always been surrounded by music, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized this is the path I’m meant to take. Society often tells us our dreams are too big, and that we should stick to the safe route. But life is too short to settle. No matter how far I separate myself from music, I’m always pulled back. I can’t stay away from something I love and why would I? It’s where I feel my most authentic self.

Growing up, I was lucky to be raised in a home filled with music, creativity, and technology. My parents created an environment where artistic expression was part of everyday life. I was constantly surrounded by instruments, live music, and people who just loved to create. That foundation shaped the way I see the world.

As a kid, I was always drawn to acting, singing, and dancing. I wanted to perform. But I doubted myself and struggled to really pursue what I wanted. Around Covid, during a time when the world felt very dystopian, I reconnected with the parts of myself I had pushed aside. That’s when I started my journey into DJing and making music. DJing became my creative outlet, a space where I could blend sounds, curate a vibe, and connect with others. I started going to underground raves in LA and was completely enamored by the scene. It inspired me to dive into my craft. Through my musical journey, I’ve been able to reconnect with myself and most importantly connect with others, and that is what I love the most.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My sound lives in the world of groovy, sassy techno, with a heavy influence from pop. I love the driving energy of techno, but I’ve always had a soft spot for pop music, so I gravitate toward punchy high energy beats with strong vocals and melodies. I want my sets to make people feel confident, sexy, energized, and free. Creating a space where people can let go and be fully in the moment means so much to me. I want every set to feel like a shared experience where we leave feeling empowered and connected.

What sets me apart is the intention I bring to my sets. I’ve grown so much technically and creatively, and I put a lot of care into keeping things unique every time I play. I’m constantly exploring new sounds, and over time I’ve really expanded my musical palette. I’m also deeply inspired by the golden era of EDM, especially the emotion progressive house and trance brings. I love incorporating moments of nostalgia, high BPMs, and groove. I’m proud of how much my sets have evolved, and how I now approach DJing with full creative expression.

Getting here wasn’t easy. After Covid, I moved to the Bay Area from Southern California and was basically starting over. I didn’t know anyone and had no connections in the local scene. I was just a bedroom DJ trying to break in, and for a long time, I reached out to promoters and clubs and heard nothing back. The silence was tough and I doubted myself a lot and would wonder if pursuing this was even possible. But I knew I had to keep going for myself, and because music has always been my passion.

That’s when I created Casa de Axela, a DIY series of DJ sets I filmed at home or in unique locations, often featuring fellow DJs. I released the sets on SoundCloud and YouTube as a way to keep working on my craft and provide a platform to showcase other DJs. I believe if you aren’t getting booked, you can create your own opportunities and that’s what helped get me started.

Since then, things have changed. I’ve gone from playing empty bars on weeknights to performing for packed rooms full of energy. I’m now playing regular gigs in San Francisco, and recently co-hosted my first event, Sequence Party, with my partner Matter Trix and my brother Ekstra, both incredible producers and huge inspirations in my life.

Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned: don’t wait and don’t stop. Keep putting yourself out there, even if it feels like no one’s listening. Don’t let rejection or silence stop you. Believe in yourself so fully it borders on delusion. This belief is what will carry you through. Manifestation works, but only if you put the work in. Support your local music scene. Uplift other artists. There’s space for all of us to thrive.

And most importantly, I want people to know it’s never too late to chase your dreams or start something new. I especially want to empower more women to get into DJing and producing. We need more feminine energy and more diverse curators behind the decks. I’m just getting started but I feel my purpose isn’t to just play music but to help shape the kind of scene I want to be part of. One that celebrates and uplifts each other. I’m so excited for what’s to come.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh wow I’m about to reveal all my favorite spots.
If we feel like hitting the beach, we’d definitely stop by Tito’s Tacos, then head to Venice Beach for a walk or cruise around Abbot Kinney for some shopping. I’d keep an eye out for a movie night at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. We’d spend hours walking down Melrose, hitting all the vintage shops and boutiques. I’d have to take them to Erewhon in Silverlake for a cold-pressed juice and then go to Echo Park to ride a swan boat and maybe grab a blanket and hang by the lake. For a casual food stop, we’re either hitting 8oz Poke or Poquito Mas in Studio City then getting ice cream and walk around more. I’d take them to a lookout of the city. We stay a night at the Chateau Marmont and get dinner. We’d go to Musso & Frank for the cheesecake. Most importantly, we’re looking for live music. Whether it’s an intimate show at Whisky a Go Go, a bigger show at the Hollywood Bowl, and of course a last-minute underground rave or afters. If we stay up all night maybe we can hit the line early at Courage Bagels.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. I wouldn’t be where I am without the love, inspiration, and support of the people around me. First and foremost, I want to shout out and thank my family. My parents gave me a strong creative foundation and a musical upbringing that shaped who I am. Their love and encouragement mean everything to me and I wouldn’t be where I am without their support.

A huge shoutout to my partner Matter Trix and my brother Ekstra, both incredibly talented producers and artists. They’ve been constant sources of encouragement and inspiration. We’ve grown together musically and creatively, and I feel so lucky to be surrounded by them.

I also want to recognize the local music scenes in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and the promoters who took a chance on booking me when I was just starting out. To all my friends who show up to my gigs, your support means the world to me. And to the new people I’ve met along the way: fellow DJs, collaborators, and music lovers, thank you for welcoming me and inspiring me.

Lastly, shoutout to all the women and artists breaking boundaries in spaces that still lack diversity. You inspire me to keep going and to help make this scene more inclusive and more reflective of the communities and cultures that shape it.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelamusic

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/axela_music

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AXELAMUSIC

Image Credits
Juan Ramirez
Edgar Miranda