DJ IXYALA talks new single "AfroTech", Electronic Music, & much more
London-based Producer and DJ IXYALA is stepping into a new artistic era - one where energy, emotion, and innovation converge. Having worked across the Electronic Music scene on a variety of different projects, IXYALA’s creative shift is marked by the arrival of his debut single ‘AfroTech:’ a track that channels ancestral undertones, modern sound design, and personal expression into a hypnotic, forward-thinking production. As he works to carve his own lane, driven by his passion and enthusiasm for music, IXYALA continues to hone a distinct approach, motivated to keep exploring and pushing the boundaries of his vision.
We sat down with IXYALA to explore the process behind ‘AfroTech,’ how his roots and musical journey are guiding this new chapter, and what listeners can expect next as he continues to evolve his sound and build his discography.
Hi IXYALA, thanks for joining us - how are you doing?
Hi, I am doing well thanks and thank you for having me.
To start off, can you tell us a bit about this new chapter in your musical journey? What has inspired this shift in direction?
Yes, so basically this chapter is about creating music that I feel is giving everyone all my emotions through sound. I truly am a fan of Electronic Music and all the subgenres, but in the past, I have struggled to fit fully into any of them. So, this is me saying IXYALA is me and I hope you like my music.
You recently released your debut single as IXYALA, ‘AfroTech’. What made this the right track to introduce your reimagined sound?
Well, it is pretty much, if not the first, track that I created with this type of sound creation in mind.
How did the track come together creatively, from the first idea to the final mix?
So, I really started off with the kick and baseline. My aim from there was to implement a drone sound to just keep it quite dark and minimal. Then I added the additional parts - variations etc of other sounds that come in and out to create a partially conventional structured song. However, with this and my future releases, I’m focusing really on the journey of the track and not being afraid to break moulds if it feels right.
In what ways has your musical background influenced your sound today?
I’ve released a lot of music in the past, over various musical aliases, and you never stop being influenced. However, a running theme through my musical journey has always been a strong invocation of emotions. So, I tend to create with the intention of making the listener feel the extremes of emotions.
How do you approach blending traditional African rhythms with modern electronic production? Can you walk us through how these ideas came to life in ‘AfroTech’?
To be honest I don’t intentionally do that. I’m of Nigerian Heritage but grew up in London. Production-wise I tend to always naturally gravitate towards drum patterns that give an African feel, yet my selection of melodic instruments is electronic in sound. So ‘Afrotech’ is really my take on the genre.
How do you want listeners to feel when they hear your music? What kind of sonic experiences are you hoping to create through your work?
I would love for listeners to feel energised, as I created it so they feel they are forever moving. It could be a tough gym workout or it could be reading an adventure novel. It adds suspense like a chase. That’s the feeling.
In what ways do you think the Afro-Electronic scene is evolving, and where do you see yourself within it?
It’s interesting as I feel there is a lot of music being released and that’s great. What I love the most is the underground Afro-Electronic scene is really bubbling, and I see myself as part of it.
What does artistic growth look like to you - and how do you measure that personally?
I see artistic growth as fine-tuning the art but having a theme that is ever-present. How I would measure that is by the number of artists that implement the same strategy and also the listeners that enjoy the art.
Finally, what’s next after ‘AfroTech’? Do you have any more releases lined up?
Yes, so after ‘AfroTech,’ I have my next release called ‘Canvas’ which will be released on the 30/05/25.
With ‘AfroTech,’ IXYALA has introduced a new direction that feels both personal and intentional, shaped by years of experience and a clear vision for the future. Through our conversation, it is evident that this chapter is about creative freedom, emotional connection, and building a sound that stays true to who he is. As he prepares to release more music, building his catalogue and presence on the scene, IXYALA emerges as a Producer and DJ to take note of, keeping connected with his journey by following him across social media.
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