The Making of AIRRICA

AIRRICA’s path into music was not linear. Before committing to DJing and production, she was studying oncology and later working in tech sales, building a life that looked very different from the one she leads now. The shift was not impulsive. It came from constantly questioning what felt aligned and having the self awareness to change direction when music became more than a side pursuit.

Today, she is known for long sets that stretch past three hours, often landing in peak festival moments or sunrise slots where energy and pacing matter most. Her selections reflect both curiosity and nostalgia. She still keeps Junior Jack’s “My Feeling” close, credits disco as the era she would time travel back to, and leans on edits like Airwolf Paradise’s take on “Smack My B*tch Up” when she wants to lift a room instantly. Ibiza remains a place she feels deeply connected to, both for its history and its atmosphere.

Outside of music, structure plays a major role in her life. Gym sessions, climbing, hiking, and a daily vanilla oat milk latte are constants. She speaks openly about faith, growth, and learning to accept the highs and lows that come with building a career in music. There is self reflection in how she talks about her early material, her mindset, and the reminder to step back and recognize progress.

In the conversation ahead, AIRRICA discusses changing career paths, the records that shaped her, what keeps her grounded, and the perspective that continues to shape how she moves forward.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I’m really good at picking up languages just from being around them often. Italian and Arabic, for example. Spanish is my second language, and I speak it fluently.

If you weren’t a DJ/Producer, what would you be?

I think about this all the time. I was in school studying oncology, then moved into tech sales before becoming a DJ. But honestly, I think I’d own a few restaurants because I love dining experiences.

What’s the most memorable moment of your career?

I thought a lot about this question. I can’t choose just one moment because every show, conversation, and release has been a memorable building block on my journey.

Who’s an artist that inspires you right now?

Billie Eilish. I’m still obsessed with the Hit Me Hard and Soft album and the way it’s structured artistically.

What’s a track you play when you want to get the crowd hyped?

I have a “Smack My B*tch Up” edit from Airwolf Paradise that I think I play more than he does. It always creates an insane surge of energy.

What’s your go-to snack or drink before a show?

Always a vanilla oat milk latte because I need the caffeine, no matter what time of day. The Italians are probably cursing me. And some fruit, preferably mango or Sun Gold kiwis.

What’s your favorite city to play in, and why?

I’ll forever love playing on the magic island of Ibiza.

How would you describe your sound in three words?

Really good music.

What’s one non-music-related thing that makes you happy?

A sunset and an açaí bowl. That’s the recipe for happiness.

What’s a track that always brings you back to your roots?

Junior Jack – “My Feeling.” I will forever play this record. It’s full of nostalgia and happiness.

If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?

This is such a hard question, but I’d have to say Bob Marley.

What’s your favorite non-music-related hobby?

The gym, climbing, hiking. I love sports.

If you could time travel to any era of music history, when would it be and why?

Definitely the disco era. I yearn to be feral in Studio 54.

What’s a record that never leaves your crate or USB? Junior Jack – “My Feeling.”

If you weren’t touring or in the studio, where would we find you?

Probably at the gym.

What’s a fun fact or hidden talent that has nothing to do with music?

I pick up languages quickly just by being immersed in them.

What is something simple that makes you smile?

My morning coffee. At night, I literally think about the coffee I’ll have in the morning. I guess I’m addicted.

When do you feel most at peace?

At the beach, somewhere isolated. Costa Rica, Goa, or somewhere in Mexico.

What are some things you forget but feel better when you’re reminded of them?

That the journey has highs and lows. You ride the highs, grow with the lows, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.

What’s something meaningful to you, but not necessarily to others?

Having God in my life will always be the most meaningful thing to me.

What personal prison have you built out of fear?

I don’t know. I should probably ask my therapist that one.

What’s something normal to you that other people find weird?

I’m not sure.

If you could compliment yourself, what would you say?

Get out of your head and look at how far you’ve come.

As someone who works with technology to write music, have you ever had a gut-wrenching moment where you lost a track?

Ironically, as I was answering this question, my external hard drive stopped working and I went into panic mode. It turned out to be just the cable. Thankfully, I’ve never had a serious technology issue.

What makes you cringe when you listen to your early material?

How obvious it is that I had no direction and was just trying everything while learning.

What do you find yourself obsessing over most in the studio?

Every perspective of building a track.

What is your favorite set time and duration?

I love playing over three hours. If I had to choose, peak festival time or after-hours. I love sunrise energy.

If you had the power to erase one musical genre, which would it be?

Even if I don’t like a certain genre, I think all music relies on each other. You travel, you’re exposed to new sounds, and influence grows from that.