Her growth is refreshingly grounded. There is a humbling quality in the way she recounts her early days, starting with the simple act of playing music for friends at gatherings and evolving into a DJ who effortlessly captivates the energy of the room. The natural transition from casually experimenting with music to embracing a serious career reveals a profound truth: artistry is not always about a linear journey, but rather the openness to evolve with the flow of one’s environment. Joëlla embodies this evolution with grace.
This early exposure to a wide variety of musical genres is reflected in her sets today, where she blends elements of house music with influences that span decades. It’s a beautiful reminder of the depth of a true artist: that the past is never far behind but instead constantly informs the present, creating something timeless.
What truly
instinctive grasp of energy. She speaks of house music’s raw power—the kind of energy that can shift an entire room. It’s not just about playing tracks; it’s about harnessing that energy and weaving it into an experience. She has an innate understanding of this dynamic, one that speaks to both her artistry and her deep-rooted passion for music. This is what makes her rise in the DJ scene so compelling—she doesn’t simply play music; she brings it to life in ways that feel instinctive and true.
A Time of Reinvention: Egypt and Dubai during the Pandemic
When the pandemic struck, Joëlla decided to leave the Netherlands, embracing a chapter of self-reflection and musical exploration in Egypt and Dubai.
“During the pandemic, I chose to leave the country and build my DJ career. It was a time when the world stopped, and there was nothing fun to do, so I decided to seek my happiness and freedom.”
This period wasn’t just about staying afloat; it was a time to rediscover her musical identity.
“The time in Egypt was a perfect time for me to explore what sounds fit me. Instead of being busy with finding my sound while also building my career in Holland, I now had more peace to explore before getting booked for gigs at parties that weren’t my type.”
This introspective period allowed Joëlla to refine her artistry and prepare for the next stage of her career. Crafting the Signature Sound: Groove, Percussion, and Emotion
Over the years, Joëlla’s sound has evolved into a powerful fusion of groove-heavy house, intricate percussion layers, and emotional vocals. But it wasn’t something she consciously forced; it was a natural progression driven by experience.
“I think this just takes time and effort. I first had a full-time other job, so my time was limited. Now, with all my time dedicated to music, I can put more effort into refining my sound. I always say I don’t like to put music in boxes, just like you don’t like to put humans in boxes. It’s a universal thing—everyone has their taste.”
Joëlla’s current work reflects a commitment to constant growth, and her deep love for the craft is evident in the way she carefully builds her sets. She embraces diversity in her sound, recognizing that her style is always evolving.
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mixmagnl.com sets Joëlla apart, however, is her
“Maybe you get more attached to something because of an event in your life, or just because taste changes. But whatever the reason, the goal is always to create something authentic and unique.”
As Joëlla steps into the realm of music production, she faces the challenge of balancing expectations. While many DJs begin their careers as producers first, Joëlla’s journey has been the opposite.
“The biggest thing I struggled with was other people’s expectations. Since a lot of DJs started producing before DJing, people expect that if you DJ, you should also produce.”
Despite this, Joëlla is taking her time with the process, allowing herself the space to develop her production style. With an EP already out and new music coming pretty soon, she shares her thoughts:
“Making music is something I’ve always wanted to add to my career. It’s amazing when other DJs play your tracks, but I’m a perfectionist, and that’s not always helpful because a track is never really done. But I’m working on it, and soon, that’ll be my next step.”
Dreams Ahead: A Future Full of Possibilities
Joëlla’s trajectory has already taken her to some of the most iconic stages in the world, but she’s not done yet. There are still aspirations and dreams she hopes to achieve.
“I’ve already played a lot of dream bookings, and I’m super grateful for everything. My dream now is to play at ‘Space’ in Miami during MMW. If the time comes, I know I’ll be ready for it.”
Her goal for the future is clear:
“In the next few years, I just want to climb the ladder to get even better positions on the big line-ups and grow and keep doing what I love”.
Joëlla Jackson’s path to prominence is not merely the story of a DJ—it is the tale of a woman who, with deliberate intention, carved her place in the world of music. While many artists are content to ride the wave of success once it begins, Joëlla’s journey speaks to a different kind of resilience: one that embraces reinvention, introspection, and an unyielding dedica- tion to the craft.
When the pandemic abruptly halted the world, many were left scrambling. But for Joëlla, this pause was a moment of profound clarity, an invitation to reconnect with her roots and to push her artistic boundaries. Her decision to leave the Netherlands and spend time in Egypt and Dubai during this period wasn’t an escape from the world, but rather a reclamation of it. It was an act of agency, a decisive step toward aligning her musical aspirations with her personal growth. This moment of introspection allowed Joëlla to reconnect with the rawness of music, stripping away the noise to hone in on what truly resonated with her.
What has emerged from this self-exploration is a sound that is unmistakably Joëlla: a powerful, groove-driven house music intertwined with intricate percussion and emotive vocals. She is not interested in merely fitting into an established mold—she actively defies it, crafting a signature sound that draws from her diverse influences and experiences.
As she says, “I don’t like to put music in boxes, just like you don’t like to put humans in boxes.”
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