No Hype, Just Heat: Raxeller’s Rise Without the Algorithm
From self-made beats to global stages—Raxeller proves intention beats hype.
Hailing from Alkmaar, Raxeller is a fiercely independent artist whose journey from bedroom producer to international headliner reflects over a decade of dedication. Known for letting the music speak louder than the persona, he’s built a loyal following through a steady stream of self-releases and powerful live sets across Europe and South America. With major appearances at Free Your Mind, Verknipt, Teletech, and more, his 2025 schedule includes an 8-hour solo night and a debut UK performance—each show a reminder that impact doesn’t require algorithms, just intention.
Raxeller talks to 6AM on his decade-long grind from bedroom producer to international headliner, staying true to his sound through self-releases, artistic independence, and a refusal to chase algorithms.
Hi Raxeller! Thanks so much for talking to 6AM. How are you?
I’m good, thanks for having me. Focused, busy, and grateful to be where I am right now. Appreciate you having me.
You’ve been releasing music since 2010, but your DJ career really took off around 2022. What was going on in those 12 years that helped shape your path? Was there a moment you realized things were shifting—or did it feel like a slow buildup?
Those 12 years weren’t quiet. I was building musically, technically, mentally. I grew up with Hardcore, but also dove into hardstyle, drum & bass, dubstep… all of it shaped me. I failed a lot, learned even more. There wasn’t one big “aha” moment. It was a slow and messy grind. Things started shifting when I let go of perfectionism and just started putting stuff out. That’s when the momentum came.
You’ve built a serious name off self-releases and raw, industrial sounds without leaning into the usual social media antics. Was that a conscious choice from the start, or something that evolved as your music gained traction? How do you balance visibility with your desire to stay grounded in the art?
Yeah, that was intentional. I see myself as an artist, not an influencer. I don’t want people to follow me because I post funny videos. If you like the music, amazing. If not, all good. The music should speak for itself. I know visibility matters, but I try to show up without losing myself in all the online BS. I post when I have something real to say, not to please an algorithm or some industry standard.
You’re known for doing things mostly on your own, no big label backing and tons of self releases. What made you choose that route, and what have been the biggest pros and cons of keeping things so independent?
I wanted to stay in control. Labels often have their own agenda and ways to make money off talented people, and I’m stubborn when it comes to my sound. The biggest pro is full creative freedom. I make all the calls. The con? You do everything yourself: artwork, distribution… it’s a lot. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
You’ve been given the nickname “King of Unreleased.” What’s stopping those tracks from seeing daylight—is it perfectionism, strategy, or just chaos in the vault? And have you ever dropped something spontaneously just to surprise people?
Haha yeah, that nickname stuck. It’s a mix of all of it. Perfectionism, chaos, and sometimes strategy. I’ve got a hard drive full of tracks I love, but maybe the world’s just not ready for them yet. I’ve definitely dropped stuff out of nowhere. No promo, no plan. Just felt right in the moment.
You’re about to play some massive events this year: Free Your Mind, Teletech, ADE. When you walk into a space like AFAS Live or an 8-hour solo day at Hemkade, what’s your process to get in the zone? Is it preparation-heavy or more instinctive?
It’s mostly mental. I don’t prep a strict set. I just throw hundreds of tracks in a folder and go with what feels right at the moment. I tune into the space, the crowd, the energy and let that guide me. It’s instinct over structure.
Thanks so much for talking to us again. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Yeah, big love to everyone who connects with the music and with me without needing an explanation. That’s what makes it special. You can’t have dark without light. I’m still here and will always be.