JOËLLA JACKSON

Joëlla Jackson’s path to the decks was never linear, but it was always bound by a magnetic pull toward rhythm and sound that she couldn’t ignore. Her story is one of self-discovery, fierce independence, and an unwavering passion for music. From organizing her club nights at a local club to becoming an internationally recognized DJ, Joëlla’s journey illustrates how curiosity and perseverance transform into artistry.

Her musical beginnings were not born in a studio or behind a booth at a festival, but rather in a humble setting where she was entrusted with curating Thursday nights at a club. But it wasn’t just about picking the right artists for the night; it was about the deeper connection she felt with music from a young age, a connection that would ultimately lead her to the decks. Over time, as she started learning the ropes, it became clear that her intuitive sense of sound, rhythm, and crowd energy would shape the distinctive signature style she’s known for today. Her approach to house music, which blends groove-heavy layers with emotional vocals and percussive rhythms, tells the story of an artist who is not afraid to explore, experiment, and evolve.

Joëlla Jackson’s introduction to DJing began in the most unassuming way—behind the bar of a local club.

“When I was 18, I was working in a club behind the bar, and in a short period, they asked me to organize my own Thursday nights. I was in charge of finding artists and marketing that night. Then, every Thursday, before the DJ arrived, I was putting on some music on the mixer. That was the first time I’ve touched it.”

But Joëlla’s relationship with music started long before that. As a teenager, she wasn’t immediately drawn to the decks—rather, she found herself the one who always seemed to be playing songs for friends at gatherings.

“DJ’ing was something that got my interest, also mainly by being always the one who was asked to put my phone on the Bluetooth speaker or share new bangers with friends. But I never thought of it as a job—just more for the fun of playing music.”

However, a pivotal moment came when she was invited to a house party, and what she saw changed her perspective.

“I remember clearly that I was sitting on a couch and just looked at the guy who was playing, and then I stood up and went to him to ask how it worked. He told me the very basics of choosing a track, clicking on it, and then how to mix that track into the other one. And so I played that whole night.”

“They told me I had to do something with it because I picked it up so quickly. After that night, I bought a USB and started playing at gatherings for fun.” It was the beginning of her DJ career, though she never imagined how quickly it would take off.

Growing up in a household steeped in music had an undeniable impact on Joëlla’s artistic development; music was a constant presence in her life. She explains:

“My mom listened a lot to soul & disco, Latin music, reggae. She was a fan of Earth, Wind & Fire, Luther Vandross, and Marvin Gaye. It’s hard to name all the artists because she just listened to all the legends from back then.”

It was this blend of sounds that shaped Joëlla’s understanding of rhythm and groove, which she would later incorporate into her own DJ sets.

“In my opinion, as a kid, if you grow up with such music and different genres, you just learn how to appreciate music differently. The influence it has on me today is that in house music, there are a lot of elements that are coming back, whether it's rhythm or vocals. It all comes back to the great music from back then.”

Besides her musical household, she was later on always busy with music herself. I would spend hours downloading songs and burning them onto CDs to go upstairs to my room and listen to them. On rainy Sundays, that’s all I would do.”

“I had a keyboard that I asked for as a birthday present, and my neighbors had a piano I used to play on all the time. I never took lessons, but I watched YouTube tutorials and taught myself. I always felt like I wanted to do something in the music industry. I knew I wasn’t a professional piano player or singer, so I figured it had to be something else. Even to this day, my mom always tells me she’s not surprised I ended up doing what I do—because I was constantly surrounded by music.”

As a young teenager, Joëlla’s musical tastes expanded even further when she stumbled upon DJ Chuckie’s “Dirty House” mixtapes.

“Just before I was going to high school, the era of LimeWire and MP3 players began, and I was downloading music to put on my MP3 to listen to when I was going to school. At some point, I got in touch with dirty house music, and I can’t explain what it was, but it brought me a certain energy.”

This raw energy resonated deeply with Joëlla, and it wasn’t long before she found herself sneaking into clubs where DJ Chuckie’s beats ruled the night.

“The first time I was in a big club with loud house music, I fell in love with it. From that moment on, I always wanted to go to big festivals and clubs with this music.” It was the foundation of her passion for house music—an energy she continues to channel into her sets today.

Joëlla Jackson's trajectory into the world of DJing is a masterclass in organic progression, marked by an almost poetic intertwining of fate and passion. Her story, rich with moments of serendipity, showcases how the unassuming beginnings behind a bar or at a house party can subtly propel a young artist toward a remarkable career. In her case, there is an undeniable elegance in how the craft of DJing seemed to find her, rather than the other way around. Her story feels not only personal but universally relatable, capturing that moment when you stumble upon something that feels destined, something that resonates on a deep, almost spiritual level.

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 sets Joëlla apart, however, is her 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.

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.

“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. There´s 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.”

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 dedication 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.”

This rejection of conventional boundaries is perhaps what makes her work so dynamic and refreshing. Her sound, much like her journey, refuses to be confined to any one genre or label.

What’s particularly remarkable about Joëlla’s evolution as an artist is the depth of patience she exercises in the pursuit of perfection. She acknowledges the natural progression of her artistry:

“This just takes time and effort.”

This is not a DJ looking for shortcuts. While many in her position may rush to produce, Joëlla has taken a more thoughtful approach, recognizing the importance of allowing her music to mature on its terms.

“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.”

This perfectionism, often viewed as a curse by some, is Joëlla’s strength—her relentless drive for excellence guarantees that when her productions do arrive, they will be fully realized, honed to reflect the depth of her vision.

Joëlla’s story is not just that of a DJ; it’s a narrative about growth, transformation, and the quiet confidence that comes from embracing one’s true artistic self. Her journey is a reminder that greatness is not built in the spotlight but in the quiet moments of self-reflection and exploration. She has not only shared her journey with her audience—she has invited us into her world, offering a glimpse into the heart of an artist who is not afraid to reinvent herself, who is constantly evolving, and who is deeply committed to the authenticity of her work.

Looking forward, Joëlla’s story is one of persistence, but it is also a story of patience, of trusting the process, and of creating music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. As she continues to share her journey with the world, there is no doubt that Joëlla’s best work is yet to come—and it will be worth the wait.