If you think her studio productions are otherworldly, just wait until you experience an AZZECCA DJ set.
AZZECCA has befittingly launched herself into the electronic music stratosphere with a sound that refuses to exist within rigid genre boundaries. The Chicago native’s tracks are firmly rooted in the traditions of techno and house music. But her capacity to create something that feels both familiar and refreshingly new is mystifying.
Aspiring dance music producers have a universe of knowledge-sharing resources at their fingertips, and AZZECCA’s production methodology should be offered up as an add-on to any mixdown or sound design tutorial. Rumbling basslines and sustained 808s clearly mark her affinity for trip-hop and funk. Though one could argue that her emphasis on emotional echoes and acid-infused sound design has helped her captivate the saturated industry, landing her in this year’s Beatport Up Next cohort.
On a chilly winter night in Columbus, multi-genre live music venue Forum was transformed into AZZECCA’s psychedelic acoustic space. Beneath the vibrant, chasing lights of the nightclub, fans detached from the stresses of reality and took to the dancefloor in unison as they were caught in her spell.
As she kicked off the set with the techno-tinged “Who’s That Girl,” an alluring smile spread across AZZECCA’s face.
While, at times, the sound system seemed to have difficulty capturing the full feeling of the bass, it was ultimately more than sufficient for the dynamic atmosphere to remain consistent in the intimate setting through the night. The venue’s simplified architectural design bolstered the high-frequency reverb and delays that shaped the tone and energy of the set. Amplifying the impact of each drop with well-timed strobes, CO2 cannons, and modest visuals, the production team remained in sync with AZZECCA’s cadence as she shifted through moods and tempos.
Bartenders kept the lines and drinks flowing smoothly with most patrons magnetized to the dancefloor. On the second level, spectators took some time away from the herd to experience the journey with an optimal view, never escaping AZZECCA’s hypnotic pull.
By the halfway point, AZZECCA casually dropped her remix of Kino Todo and Sima Noon‘s “Translator.” I would argue that it’s one of her strongest productions to date despite being overshadowed by the sheer catchiness and popularity of her other bangers. The ethereal sound bath is mixed to sonic perfection, its tightly pocketed Latin groove underpinned by a rhythmic arpeggio of fleeting acid plucks. It was at this point in the set that we were culled into her vision: a carefully welded fusion of traditional house elements and cosmic textures.
AZZECCA’s set balanced many of her well-known earworms with hidden gems, unreleased IDs, and edits.
By championing artists like not without friends and their track “Mwah!,” she showcased a passion for unearthing raw talent and elevating it just above the surface of the underground, ensuring it reaches the ears most eager to discover new sounds. Her enthusiasm extends to established artists as well, including tracks like Gorgon City‘s UK garage-flavored “5AM at Bagley’s,” notably a staple in her set and quickly climbing the charts.
After 90 minutes of welcome anticipation, the Cosmic Kitty closed the night with her mega-hit, “Other Side.” Its namesake lyric, “I’ll see you on the other side,” echoed throughout the venue like a lingering promise.
The tech house scene, while popular for its accessibility, is plagued by an overabundance of producers churning out similar-sounding tracks, resulting in a lack of originality and innovation. Amid this oversaturation, AZZECCA stands out. As we eagerly await the release of her debut album, it’s safe to assume the tracklist will be played on repeat.
AZZECCA certainly orbits the tech house scene. But make no mistake, she is in a galaxy of her own.
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