Few DJs have managed to bridge the lineage of Chicago house with the scale of today’s global electronic circuit quite like AZZECCA. Emerging from one of dance music’s most influential cities, the producer and DJ has built a reputation for sets and productions that sit somewhere between hypnotic intensity and emotional release, pairing rolling basslines with psychedelic textures and a darker, more mischievous edge. Since her 2022 debut, AZZECCA’s ascent has felt both rapid and carefully defined, earning releases on labels including Higher Ground, REALM Records, and Factory 93, while gaining recognition from BBC Radio 1 Dance and Beatport’s 2025 Next Class.
Now, with a return to Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival for a coveted Yuma stage slot following standout appearances at Do LaB and Quasar in previous years, AZZECCA is stepping into a new chapter of her career. Her performances — whether at major festivals like Lollapalooza and Movement or inside sweat-soaked club rooms from Space to Brooklyn Storehouse — are united by a refusal to settle into formula, constantly shifting between moods and genres while remaining unmistakably hers.
Alongside her artist project, AZZECCA has also been expanding COSIMEA, her party series and label dedicated to more immersive, left-of-centre club sounds. Conceived as a platform for experimentation and discovery, it reflects a wider philosophy that runs through both her music and approach to the scene: a belief that dance music should continue evolving rather than simply chasing trends.
You played Coachella again this year, how did it feel this time around? What’s it like moving between a stage like Yuma and more intimate club settings?
Coachella this year felt wildly different to years past. Getting the Yuma booking really felt like a massive milestone and a bit of assurance that all of the hard work I’ve been putting in over the past few years is paying off.
I wanted to showcase as much of my sonic range as I could in 1hr in the Yuma, so, unlike most of my DJ sets where I emphasize sharing music from smaller artists I love, I put together an almost entirely self produced set.
What pushed you to build COSIMEA — your party series and label — alongside your artist project?
I created Cosimea as an outlet to make and play music that doesn’t necessarily fit into the current commercial music landscape. I want to push boundaries in my productions and dj sets - but sometimes it feels like being different in this industry really hinders growth.
Cosimea is a space where I can create and play the sounds that you won’t hear on the top beatport charts or on every festival main stage. Cosimea is for the open minded dance enjoyers who want to discover new things.
How do you approach building up the energy in your sets, without locking yourself into a formula?
I definitely let the room guide my sets as much as possible. I approach every gig with a bit of an outline of how I hope the night will progress, with some tracks I know I really want to play, but keeping room for improvisation is really important. It’s all about finding the balance between giving crowds what they want and showing them what they didn’t know they needed.
What do you love most/struggle with most across both making music and DJing?
I think the biggest struggle for me is getting out of my own head and staying confident in my path and what I believe I should be doing. It’s really easy to compare yourself to others and to feel pressure to take the mainstream path to success once you see a bit of it.
Touring can be intense, what do you do to reset or switch off when you're on the road?
I read a lot. My kindle is everything to me. I also like to go on long walks as often as I can when I’m touring. I find it extremely grounding to walk aimlessly around cities without headphones or anything - just taking in the sights, sounds and smells of wherever I am.
What’s the most valuable networking advice you’ve learned from being in the scene?
I don’t know if anyone has ever given me networking advice that made me think “wow this is going to make a difference.” I find the networking aspect of this industry to be quite difficult to navigate because I struggle with disingenuous or forced interactions. My nervous system really freaks out when I have to “try” to make people like me.
I’ve learned that just being myself and setting my ego aside and really honestly telling people that I recognize and appreciate them and what they bring to the scene has helped me more than going out with the intention of networking.
I’ve made some really special friends in this industry and I think that’s because I don’t approach anything from a transactional mindset. I want to make genuine connections with people who I share passions with and I think that’s the best way for me to go about the whole ‘networking’ thing!
For producers coming up right now; what should they really focus on early on, and what tends to be a distraction?
I feel for anyone trying to kickstart a career in dance music right now. It’s all a bit overwhelming! My biggest advice has always been to really figure out what sets you apart from and stick to that.
It might seem like there’s a pretty obvious formula to success right now, but trends end as quickly as they start and the artists who are really passionate about bringing something new and fresh to the scene are the ones who last the longest.
Slow and steady really does win the race. Having a big moment on social media doesn’t necessarily translate to ticket sales nor does it set you up for longevity when you’re constantly chasing that next big moment. You should understand and respect the history and culture of dance music and figure out what you can do to help push it forward in a positive way.
What’s currently feeding your creativity?
I’ve been spending a lot of time gardening while listening to a wide range of music lately and it has really replenished my creative juices. Something about getting my hands dirty and creating something with nature while cycling though niche dance genres, nu wave rock and pop on my speakers at home has ignited a real excitement to make music and get back into the clubs.