Know Your DJ - Arxxin

Interview

1. How did you get started in DJing? What’s your journey been like so far?

I started when I was about 15, just getting into electronic music. I was fascinated by how DJs could transform a playlist into something greater than the sum of its parts. I wanted to do the same with my favorite tracks and create mixes tailored exactly to my tastes. That passion has been the driving force behind my journey. Ten years later, I’ve improved technically, but the goal remains the same: to make mixes I love listening to.

2. What genres do you usually play, and which ones are your personal favorites?

Uplifting trance was my first love—it had such high-energy catharsis that teenage me couldn’t get enough of. My early mixes were heavily trance-focused, and while I still enjoy playing it, I’ve developed a taste for organic and progressive house in recent years. That’s what I listen to and play the most now. I also enjoy a bit of techno for more fun and carefree parties.

3. What does DJing mean to you? How would you describe the role and its responsibilities?DJing is about connection—both with myself and with the audience. I work with tracks that resonate with me emotionally and create sets that reflect who I am. Playing gigs has taught me to balance staying true to my style while reading and engaging the crowd. Every set feels like solving a unique puzzle of moods and energy. When it all clicks, it creates an incredible shared experience between me and the audience.

4. Who are some of your favorite producers right now, and why do they inspire you?

I’m a huge fan of GMJ and Matter, both individually and as a duo. Their ability to blend hard and soft sounds and manipulate energy is mesmerizing. Their tracks always get me dancing and feeling deeply. I’m also into modern trance artists with retro vibes, like Enigma State, Alan Morrow, and Activa. Their sound is unmatched. I could go on about artists I admire for hours!

5. If you could only play one track for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

That’s such an unfair question! But if I had to pick, the Pure Mix of Solarstone’s Seven Cities comes to mind. It’s pure bliss—the way the elements interplay and build energy throughout is just phenomenal. It’s been a favorite since the first time I heard it.

6. What’s the most bizarre situation you’ve encountered while DJing, and how did you handle it?

At Future Forest this year, I played a sunrise psy/acid trance set. Some tracks from Bandcamp wouldn’t load on the CDJs, even though they were 16-bit WAVs. My meticulously prepared tracklist was unusable! I stretched out my remaining tracks, improvised with intros and outros, and turned the set into a long, melodic outro. It ended up working beautifully, and I’m so proud of how I handled it. Now, I always convert tracks to AIFF.

7. Can you share some of your favorite memories from past gigs?

My first gig ever was a trance set at Indulge. I was so nervous I was seeing stars, but once I dropped a track that got an amazing reception, I snapped into the moment. Sharing my favorite music with others was electrifying. That feeling hooked me, and I haven’t looked back.

8. Have you ever had a set go completely wrong? How did you manage to bounce back?

See Question 6! 😊

9. How do you stay connected with your audience and fans outside of your sets?

I use SoundCloud and Instagram for my online presence. Beyond that, I love attending local shows and connecting with the amazing people in the scene.

10. When you’re not behind the decks, what kind of music do you usually listen to? Any guilty pleasures?

I mostly listen to the same music I DJ. I’m always curating tracks, tagging them, and planning my next mix.

11. What’s your current DJ setup? Any favorite tools or gear you swear by?

I use a Traktor S4 at home and VirtualDJ for recording edits and working with stems. VirtualDJ’s stem separation is incredible—it lets me isolate vocals or remove basslines cleanly, making my livesets much smoother.

12. How do you go about discovering new tracks and shaping your sound?

I follow hundreds of accounts on YouTube, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp. I keep up with labels, artists, and curators that align with my taste, diving deeper when time permits.

13. If you could host your dream party anywhere in the world, where would it be, and what would the vibe be like?

A warm beach setting would be perfect. It’d start with organic sounds, transition into progressive house at sunset, and move into acid-heavy trance for the night. Bliss!

14. What’s something unexpected or surprising about you that fans wouldn’t guess?

I get so anxious about performing. Before my first gig, I almost passed out from nerves. Even now, I still experience stage fright, but I trust my passion for the music to carry me through—and it always does.

15. Are you a cat or dog person?

Cat person, 100%! I’ve got two cats, and one of them is probably on my lap as I write this.

16. Favorite cuisine?

Homemade pie is unbeatable—pumpkin, blueberry, and apple are my top favorites.

17. Favorite drink?

English breakfast tea in the morning and vodka cranberry on the dancefloor.

18. Favorite place or travel destination?

I haven’t traveled much, but Stereo Montreal is at the top of my list!

19. What advice would you give to someone just starting their journey as a DJ?

Play what makes you happy and resonates with you. Even when stepping outside your usual style for a show, add your unique touch. Audiences can feel the difference between genuine passion and playing just to fit a vibe.

20. What’s something exciting or new that’s happening in your life right now?

It’s close to New Year’s, which means my organic/progressive house retrospectives are on the way! These are my favorite mixes to create, featuring only my top tracks from the year. Keep an eye on my SoundCloud—they’ll be up soon! 😊