Los Angeles-based artist blklght discusses his passion for producing diverse music, the influence of Twitch and Discord on his career, and his aspirations for 2025 and beyond!

In today’s dynamic music landscape, many emerging acts are shaping its future, and blklght is certainly one of them. His project is characterized by an unwavering work ethic and a love for music, drawing inspiration from genres such as classic trance and drum and bass. Recently, blklght celebrated significant milestones, including performances at EDC Las Vegas and the Zedd in the Park after party last year.

While captivating audiences at clubs and festivals, blklght has also embraced the digital space through regular Twitch streams and a vibrant Discord community. This digital engagement has helped him build a dedicated fanbase that extends beyond Southern California, showcasing his dynamic sound to listeners in distant places like South Africa and Australia. Additionally, he has utilized Twitch for charity streams, with his latest event raising over $3,000 for wildfire victims in Los Angeles.

As blklght looks ahead to 2025, we caught up with him to discuss his recent accomplishments and future plans. Listen to his exclusive guest mix and read on for our full conversation!

Stream EDMID Guest Mix 453 || blklght on SoundCloud:

Hi blklght, thanks for joining us today. I hope you’re safe in Los Angeles given the wildfires. How has the start of the year treated you?

Hello EDM Identity! Thanks for having me. I truly appreciate the positive energy and influence you’ve contributed to our scene for over a decade—it’s inspiring.

January is usually one of my most creative periods. December was chaotic, with numerous live shows, multiple eight-hour livestreams weekly, music production, social media content creation, and balancing my personal relationships. Plus, I was promoting our new track, “Harder,” with Lain Roy. Overall, January has been a refreshing reset, allowing me to reflect on the past year, redefine my goals for 2025, initiate new music projects, and reconnect with my routines.

The LA wildfires were shocking and heartbreaking. Having lived in Los Angeles my whole life, this feels personal. My heart goes out to everyone affected, as losing a home is unimaginable.

Last week, I hosted a nine-hour charity livestream on Twitch, and my amazing community raised over $3,100. I’m grateful for their support during this difficult time.

Before we dive deeper, let’s talk about your early influences in electronic music. Can you recall the first track that captured your heart?

I was introduced to dance music through video games like BeatMania and Dance Dance Revolution. A track called “Butterfly” by DJ Mystik really resonated with me. I spent countless hours gaming, much to my parents’ dismay! [Laughs]

In high school, I snuck out with a friend to attend my first rave, which was unforgettable. The energy, vibe, people, and music felt perfect, like I had found my community.

As I delved deeper into music, I fell in love with Trance. Artists like Tiesto, Paul Oakenfold, Ferry Corsten, and Armin Van Buuren were major influences. Tracks like Ferry Corsten’s “Punk,” Armin Van Buuren’s “The Sound of Goodbye,” Paul Oakenfold’s “Southern Sun,” and Tiesto’s “Traffic” defined my early journey.

Your sound is incredibly dynamic, spanning various genres. What do you find appealing about genre-bending? How do you choose your direction in producing tracks?

I love pushing boundaries in my sets. As artists, it’s our role to take audiences on a journey—mixing familiar songs with new styles. I enjoy the creative challenge of blending elements that seem incompatible or reimagining familiar sounds in unique ways. It’s about creating memorable experiences for listeners.

My sets often evolve organically. I usually have a rough idea of my first two tracks, but I let the energy guide me. That spontaneity is where magic happens.

When producing, I draw inspiration from whatever resonates with me at the moment. I experiment until something clicks and then dive deep into that feeling.

A mentor of mine, Steve Duda, taught me to ask, “What is this song trying to be?” This question helps me assess the track’s natural direction, rather than forcing it into a specific mold.

You describe blklght as a concept built on passion and work ethic. How has this approach fostered your creativity?

Understanding my “why” is crucial. I love music and the impact it has on people. This clarity drives my efforts and keeps me grounded, even during challenges.

I also view music as a craft to be honed. A strong work ethic yields long-term results. We often overestimate short-term achievements but underestimate what’s possible over time. Consistency and daily growth lead to surprising results.

My journey as a producer started with no knowledge of music production, but through dedication, I’ve transformed my ideas into something substantial. This blend of passion and persistence fuels my creative evolution.

Reflecting on 2024, you reached significant milestones such as closing the official Zedd In The Park afterparty and performing at EDC Las Vegas. What did these achievements mean to you?

In the moment, it’s easy not to grasp the significance of events. It wasn’t until I looked back at 2024 that I realized all that happened within a single year, which still amazes me.

I’ve adopted a stoic approach to this industry, learning to protect my energy amidst rejections and setbacks. This mindset has kept me grounded.

I’m focusing on celebrating my wins more intentionally. Playing EDC Las Vegas, performing at Alesso’s Block Party, closing the Zedd afterparty, supporting Steve Aoki, and touring—each moment reflects years of hard work. While I avoid dwelling on the past, I take pride in my accomplishments and use them as motivation for the future.

Your Twitch and Discord presence has grown significantly. How have these platforms contributed to your success?

Twitch and Discord have revolutionized my connection with my community. Before, interactions were limited to live shows or social media, but now I’ve formed genuine friendships. The support from my community is overwhelming.

During my tour with Paul Oakenfold, many fans traveled from afar to catch my shows. We organized meetups, and one of our largest gatherings took place during my EDC performance. These moments of connection are invaluable.

Thanks to my Twitch community, I’ve shifted focus towards my personal projects. Previously, I dedicated time to producing for others, but now I can prioritize my own brand while still collaborating on selective projects that inspire me.

As Twitch has evolved, how has it impacted your DJing experience?

The launch of Twitch’s official DJ Program has changed the landscape. DJs previously operated in a gray area, performing without additional fees to labels, which created friction. The new program provides a legitimate way to perform, but it also means sharing earnings with labels, posing new challenges for creators.

Nonetheless, it signifies the growth of the DJ community on Twitch, and I’m optimistic about the platform’s future improvements for creators and rights holders.

What advice would you give to DJs balancing streaming and live performances?

Streaming and live shows complement each other beautifully. Streaming allows me to connect with fans in real-time, while live performances amplify that energy for larger audiences.

Community is crucial in streaming. It’s about creating a space where people feel valued. This sense of connection also translates to my live performances.

Consistency and authenticity are vital. Have a streaming schedule, engage with your audience, and show your true self. At the same time, continually work on your live performance skills. Authenticity attracts fans, both online and at live shows.

Streaming is also an excellent platform for testing ideas and gauging audience reactions before translating them to live settings. For instance, some mixes I’ve done on Twitch later became highlights in my live shows.

This industry is ever-changing, so adapt and embrace new technologies, vibes, and platforms. My sound has evolved through exposure to diverse music on Twitch, which has opened new creative avenues.

Looking ahead to 2025, what are your goals? Any upcoming shows or releases to watch for?

Building on the momentum of 2024, my main goal for 2025 is to continue evolving as an artist, producer, and performer. I aim to push my craft, create inspiring music, and collaborate with artists I admire.

Strengthening my community connection is another priority. They’ve been instrumental in my journey, and I’m exploring new ways to nurture our bond. We’re planning a private event to celebrate our achievements from last year. Expanding my presence in the festival circuit is also a key goal. I thrive on larger stages with high-energy audiences and aim to return to EDC Las Vegas and explore other fitting festivals.

Currently, I’m handling my bookings independently, which has been a valuable experience. However, I’m actively seeking a booking agent who aligns with my vision and can help me reach more clubs and festivals.

One long-term aspiration is to create a live show that offers an immersive experience, going beyond a traditional performance. While this may take time, I’m eager to begin laying the groundwork.

In terms of upcoming projects, I’m excited about my cover of “Lean On Me” with Drew Raine, set for release on Valentine’s Day. It’s an emotional track we’re eager to share. On February 8, I’ll perform at NOVA San Diego alongside Bassjackers, and on February 14, I’ll make my debut in Boise, ID, headlining Illuminated Events’ Affinity show.

On the production front, I’m finalizing my DNB remix of Kaskade and John Summit’s “Resonate,” and I’m thrilled to release it soon. I have several unreleased tracks lined up for this year that I can’t wait to share.

With everything on the horizon, I’m inspired and motivated to make 2025 unforgettable. Stay tuned for more updates—I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you!

Follow blklght:

Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | SoundCloud | YouTube | TikTok | Twitch