Axel Cooper: From Keyboard Prodigy to Dance Music Sensation

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Axel Cooper, the Milanese DJ and producer better known as Andrea Cogliati. With an infectious passion for dance and pop sounds, Axel began his musical journey at just eight years old on the keyboard, quickly evolving into production by the age of eleven. His ascent within the electronic music realm took a significant leap forward in 2020 with the international hit ‘Te Boté,’ a collaboration with Alok released under Universal Germany. This was followed by additional successful tracks, including ‘Dernière Danse’ with Yves V & Shangy on Spinnin’ Records. As Axel continues to gain traction in the industry, fans can look forward to new music, with a fresh release on the horizon set for this upcoming Friday.

In a landscape where genre lines often blur, we asked Axel how he defines his unique sound and the influences that have helped shape him as an artist. “At the moment, I’m really into commercial music, but always with dance influences. I started making music by listening to EDM, and even today I’m still influenced by that sound,” he shared. His connection to music is deeply personal; growing up in an environment rich in diverse musical genres instilled a foundational love for music that he expresses both as a professional artist and a passionate creator.

Talking about his new release, ‘By Chance,’ Axel recounted the inspiration behind the track, explaining, “It was born one afternoon after finishing a studio session with a rapper I work with. I wanted to experiment by blending a more house-style melody with a more ‘rap-inspired’ chorus.” As he experiments with musical styles, it’s clear that he finds comfort in studio settings. However, Axel expressed his desire to produce music while on tour in the future, reflecting a keen adaptability in his artistry.

When discussing performance preferences, Axel stated, “My dream is to perform at festivals. I believe performing outdoors in front of a large audience suits my personality better.” This ambition has roots in his early days of performing in town squares, which helped build his confidence and stage presence. Despite recognizing the underground scene's importance, Axel finds major festival stages where he can connect with vast audiences particularly inspiring.

Lastly, we broached the topic of artistic rebellion in his music. Axel admitted, “I have several unreleased tracks that are more experimental, but the music I release to the public is generally more commercial. My goal is to reach as many people as possible and help more listeners discover my music.” With collaborations shaping a significant part of his career, Axel emphasizes the importance of connection in the industry, especially for emerging artists. Additionally, he believes that collaboration is vital for growth and recognition among peers, showcasing a blend of ambition and communal spirit in the constantly evolving landscape of EDM.