Inside the Cosmic Girl EP: Andrew Azara on Sampling, Sound, and Staying Inspired
Andrew Azara Returns to Cécille with Cosmic Girl—Digging for Inspiration, Finding Balance, and Pushing the Underground Sound Forward
Welcome back, Andrew! It’s great to have you with us again. Your latest release, the Cosmic Girl EP, marks another exciting milestone in your journey with Cécille. Featuring five original tracks that showcase your signature sound, this EP follows your well-received Right On Time release from 2024.
Born in Ireland and now based in Barcelona, you’ve been making waves since 2019 with standout performances across Europe and South America, along with releases on respected labels like DJEBALI. Cécille Records, founded by Nick Curly and Marc Scholl, has played a key role in your journey, and we’re excited to dive into your latest work and what’s ahead for you.
Let’s jump in—how did Cosmic Girl come together?
The EP came together through a lot of sample digging. I dedicate a few hours each week to trawling through Discogs, YouTube, and other sources, searching for that little spark of inspiration to kickstart a fresh idea. That’s been my process for the past couple of years—once I find something that resonates, I build on it, infusing my own signature sounds to shape the track.
How was your experience working with the Cécille team? By your second release, did you find a creative rhythm? And what impact did your last EP with Cécille in 2024 have on you?
Following up a strong first release is always a challenge because there’s a certain expectation that comes with it. The impact of Right On Time was huge—it dropped in May 2024, and I’m still getting tagged in videos and seeing support from some of the world’s biggest DJs. Just last week, Hot Since 82 played it, which is amazing to see.
Working with Marc and Nick has been a dream from the start. They really understand the sound and the culture behind it, so it’s been a great experience. I’m hoping to continue building on this relationship for future releases.
You’ve had an exciting run of releases and gigs lately. How do you balance studio time with a packed touring schedule?
Right now, I’ve found a great balance. Since my touring schedule is still growing, it’s very manageable. But for me, there are always enough hours in the day. I’ve also streamlined my workflow—these days, I can finish a track in just one or two hours, so I make the most of any studio time I get.
You’re originally from Ireland but now based in Barcelona. How has living there influenced your sound and artistic approach?
Definitely! I get influenced by a lot of different places—whether from traveling, playing gigs, or just experiencing new environments. In Barcelona, the good weather and open-air parties bring a different energy to house music compared to Ireland, where the scene is more centered around dark, late-night club settings. That contrast has definitely shaped my sound in some way.
The underground house scene is always evolving. What trends or shifts are exciting you right now?
I’m seeing a lot more genre-blending and DIY events, which is really exciting. The modern artist today has to think outside the box—not just making music but also building a brand, a community, and a unique presence. There’s a shift happening where independent artists are taking full control of their careers, and that’s something I really resonate with.
Looking ahead to 2025, what’s next for Andrew Azara? Any big releases, label showcases, or other projects you can share?
I’ve got some exciting releases lined up for the summer! One is coming out on George Smeddles' South Records, and another will be on Josh Butler’s Origins, which includes a collab with Josh himself. Stay tuned for those—really looking forward to sharing them with everyone!
