We had the pleasure of sitting down with Axel Cooper, the Milanese DJ and producer whose real name is Andrea Cogliati. With an infectious passion for dance and pop sounds, Axel began his musical journey at just eight years old on the keyboard and was already producing by eleven. His breakthrough came in 2020 with the global hit ‘Te Boté’ alongside Alok on Universal Germany, followed by further releases like ‘Dernière Danse’ with Yves V & Shangy on Spinnin’ Records. As he continues to build momentum within the electronic music scene, fans can also look forward to new music, with a fresh release scheduled to arrive this Friday.
Many artists today move across and blend genres rather than fitting neatly into a single category. How would you personally define or label your sound, and what genres, subgenres, or underground scenes have most influenced and shaped your evolution as an artist?
At the moment, I’m really into commercial music, but always with dance influences. I started making music by listening to EDM, and even today I’m still influenced by that sound. 
How did the environment you grew up in shape you as an artist, and in what ways does it still influence your creative identity today?
My family introduced me to a lot of music from a very young age. From then on, it has always been a part of me, and even today, music is not only my job but also my passion.
Can you share a brief, compelling narrative or inspiration behind this new release?
‘By Chance’ was born one afternoon after finishing a studio session with a rapper I work with. I wanted to experiment by blending a more house-style melody with a more “rap-inspired” chorus
Do you prefer producing music in a studio setting, or are you more comfortable creating on the road/during touring?
So far, I’ve always produced my music in the studio, but on a future tour I’d really love to produce music while traveling
Do you feel more connected to the energy of major festival stages or the raw intimacy of underground warehouse parties and DIY spaces, or do you find inspiration equally in both worlds?
My dream is to perform at festivals. When I was younger, I played in many town squares, and I believe performing outdoors in front of a large audience suits my personality better.
What role does rebellion or counterculture play in your music? Whether through challenging commercial norms, experimenting with sound, questioning societal expectations, or simply creating from a place of pure expression, how do these ideas shape your artistic identity?
I have several unreleased tracks that are more experimental, but the music I release to the public is generally more commercial. My goal is to reach as many people as possible and help more listeners discover my music.
How would you evaluate the current state of the global EDM scene in terms of its overall health and creative direction, and how would you position it within a broader spectrum ranging from emerging challenges to strong creative growth?
I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with some major artists in the EDM scene, such as Alok, Yves V, Marnik, and many others. In my opinion, for an emerging artist, it’s essential to collaborate as much as possible in order to grow and gain recognition within the industry.
Do you see AI as a threat to musicians, a helpful collaborator, or something else? How do you plan to keep your music relevant as the industry changes rapidly because of these tools? By embracing AI, avoiding it, or taking a different approach?
In my opinion, AI is a useful tool for the following reason: not everyone has the opportunity to work with a team of songwriters or high-level singers (which I still greatly prefer). I believe AI can temporarily fill that gap for an emerging artist.
What’s one piece of advice you would offer to an aspiring DJ or producer looking to break into the music scene today?
PERSEVERANCE, PASSION.
What is the official title and release date of your latest or upcoming single, EP, or album?
By Chance, Out on June 26.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the next phase of your artistic journey, both creatively and personally?
To keep improving and eventually perform at the world’s biggest festivals.
Are there any upcoming festivals, tours, collaborations, headline shows, or major projects listeners should keep an eye out for over the coming months?
I have several collaborations in the works, but I don’t want to reveal anything yet—no spoilers, haha!
Listen to the exclusive mix HERE
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