IN CONVERSATION WITH AZYR
Interview by Samo Šajn
Oliver Rowley, better known as AZYR, is a rising force in underground techno. From Blackpool to global stages, he went from an aeronautical engineer to a DJ celebrated for high-energy sets, viral performances, and his label Speed Limit, which supports undiscovered talent.
You went from working in aeronautical engineering to becoming a full-time DJ. Do you think your engineering background has helped you with music at all?
Making the switch from aeronautical engineering to full-time DJing was definitely one of the most unexpected things in my life. Before discovering DJing and music production, I felt stuck in the same repetitive cycle. Looking back, my engineering career taught me discipline, iteration, and problem solving, all of which influence how I approach music today. It was also the first time I lived away from home, giving me life and social skills that are vital in this industry.
During the pandemic, you really focused on DJing and producing. What was it about that time that helped you discover your passion for music?
Before the pandemic, I had always loved attending music events and festivals, so the passion was always there. But it wasn’t until lockdown that I realized this hobby could turn into something much bigger. With so much time off from work, I finally had the space to pour everything into music. Eventually, it became the thing I was willing to build a future around.
Your DJ name comes from your old Xbox gamertag. How did it feel to take something so personal and turn it into your professional identity?
My nickname from around the age of 15 has always been ‘AZYR’. It started as my Xbox gamertag because it looked and sounded cool, and I later used it for a YouTube channel in high school. Eventually, the name stuck. When I was thinking of a DJ name, there was really only one choice. I also feel it suits the music I play, so from the start, I had a solid identity.
Your Boiler Room set went viral and got a lot of attention. How did that feel, and did it change how you approached your music or performances?
Playing a Boiler Room set in front of my home crowd, in collaboration with Teletech, was one of the proudest moments of my career. I had no idea it would become such a defining moment, and the reaction after the set was released exceeded all my expectations. It didn’t change how I approach music, but it made me more intentional about carving out my lane and owning it. The response showed me that people understand what I’m doing and the type of artist I want to be.
Your label Speed Limit supports new artists. What kind of music or artists do you want to release, and how do you decide what fits the label?
Speed Limit was always something I wanted to build after my rise, and it’s honestly my way of giving back to the ecosystem that shaped me. Discovering up-and-coming, undiscovered talent is something I take pride in, and it’s exciting to watch these artists grow after releasing with us. The motto of the label is “There are no speed limits on the road to success”, which reflects how we select music and producers. Speed Limit isn’t tied to a single genre or sound. If your music stands out and you have a clear direction as an artist, then it’s Speed Limit material.
You’ve played all over the world but often talk about Blackpool and your UK roots. How important is it for you to stay connected to where you started?
Even though I’ve been fortunate enough to travel and play shows globally, Blackpool and my UK roots remain at the core of who I am. The first parties I ran were in a small venue in front of 200 people in Blackpool, that’s where it all started. Staying connected to where I come from keeps me grounded. It reminds me why I started, who supported me early on, and what I want to represent when I’m onstage in front of crowds who’ve never even heard of Blackpool.
Your sets are fast, bouncy, and high-energy. Why are you drawn to that style, and how do you keep it fresh for yourself and the crowd?
I think it’s the adrenaline rush that draws me to this style. When I’m on stage, I get completely lost, and the energy you see from behind the decks is just my passion for the genre. If a track doesn’t make me move or feel something, I won’t play it. It’s essential as a DJ to keep sets evolving and to constantly dig for new material that no one has heard before. Starting Speed Limit has made this even more enjoyable, as I’ve discovered so many talented artists creating amazing music.
You’ve achieved a lot already, big shows, viral sets, your own label. What’s next for you? Any new goals or projects you’re excited about?
This past year has been the craziest of my life and career so far. I’ve traveled all over the globe and been lucky enough to play on some of the biggest stages in the world. Right now, I’m on tour in Asia, which has been an amazing experience, playing for new audiences and connecting with new fans. Honestly, though, I feel like I’m just getting started. 2026 will be the year I focus on building something lasting, not just viral. I already have some massive releases scheduled for early in the year, and my ultimate goal is to produce an album, something that truly resonates with me as an artist. My team and I are also working on an A/V show, which I’m excited to debut next year.
