Chicago-based producer Azzecca is riding a wave of momentum following the release of her latest track, 'Ego Death,' which has quickly become a standout project in her catalog. Released via REALM Records, the song has already garnered significant attention from listeners, signaling another milestone in a career that has seen her land successful releases on Higher Ground and Another Rhythm. As she balances studio time with a demanding international touring schedule, Azzecca—born Allie DeCastris—is quickly establishing herself as a formidable force in the electronic scene.
Speaking from her home base in Chicago just before heading out for Miami Music Week, Azzecca expressed deep satisfaction with the reception of her new music. The concept for 'Ego Death' was sparked by a vocal sample that anchored the entire creative process. For the artist, the track explores the intersection of darkness and euphoria—a theme she finds particularly resonant in electronic music. She suggests that the song mirrors the transformative experience of a dancefloor moment, where listeners can transcend their individual egos and find a sense of collective connection.
When considering the placement of such a track within a live performance, Azzecca notes its versatility. While it possesses the intensity required for peak-time slots, its funky elements allow it to fit comfortably in earlier stages of a set. Ultimately, she believes the track thrives most when the audience is fully immersed, willing to close their eyes and lose themselves in the rhythm.
Reflecting on her recent travels, the producer highlighted recent performances at iconic UK venues including Printworks and fabric. These experiences provided a unique perspective on the differences between international audiences. According to Azzecca, the UK scene allows for a greater degree of experimentation, noting that her British audiences are often receptive to eclectic selections, such as older tracks from 2013, which are only just beginning to gain traction in the United States.
Her creative workflow is rarely linear. Azzecca explains that she often builds tracks around a foundation of basslines, lead melodies, or vocal snippets. While she enjoys experimenting with funky arpeggiators, she admits that percussion remains the most challenging element of her production process. This methodical approach was also applied to her recent remix of TIBASKO’s 'Still Rushing.' For this project, she sought to infuse the original with a heavier, 4x4 production style to better align with her own live sets, viewing the remix as an opportunity to provide a darker contrast to the source material.
Looking ahead, the artist remains focused on a packed schedule of performances. Following a high-profile set in New York alongside Carl Craig, she is set to host a boat party in Miami featuring Skream and DJ Seinfeld, followed by a performance at the Factory Town closing party. With 'Ego Death' continuing to climb the charts, Azzecca is clearly poised for a significant year.