We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Daniel Erro. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Daniel below.
Alright, Daniel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
In 2017, I stood on the edge of a decision that would change the course of my life. With a group of close friends in San Francisco, I decided to take a leap of faith and start a record label, the XILE Collective. We were all passionate about riddim and dubstep, genres that pulsed through our veins and echoed in the underground clubs of the city. But starting a record label? That was a whole new beast.
We didn’t have much—just a love for the music, a few connections, and a shared dream. We spent countless nights in small, dimly lit apartments, working on tracks, perfecting our sound, and pushing each other to improve. DJing and mixing in front of crowds was nerve-wracking at first, but we knew that to get our names out there, we had to face those fears head-on. So, we started small, performing at local events and house parties, slowly building our confidence and honing our craft.
The early days were tough. San Francisco’s music scene is vibrant but fiercely competitive, and getting noticed wasn’t easy. But we believed in what we were doing. We began producing tracks that caught the attention of local promoters and DJs. Word spread about our collective, and soon enough, we started getting booked for bigger gigs. It wasn’t long before we were known as the new kids on the block, the ones to watch.
As our reputation grew, so did our ambition. We wanted more than just to be known; we wanted to create a brand that represented our vision, our style, and our music. We started printing shirts and designing merchandise, creating a visual identity that resonated with our audience. The XILE Collective wasn’t just a label; it was a movement, a community of like-minded individuals who lived and breathed the music.
One of the proudest moments in our journey came when we began giving emerging artists their first big breaks with some of their first label releases. We saw potential in artists like Sisto, BAW, and Humansion, and we knew that with the right support, they could go far. We took a chance on them, just as we had taken a chance on ourselves, and it paid off. Their success became our success, and the XILE Collective grew in stature within the scene.
Now, years later, we’re still pushing boundaries, still striving for greatness. The journey has been anything but easy, but every risk, every late night, every setback has been worth it. The XILE Collective has become a name that people recognize, respect, and rally around. And we’re just getting started.
Our vision is clear: we want to make the XILE Collective the most prominent name in the game. We want to continue discovering and nurturing talent, pushing the envelope with our productions, and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. The road ahead is long, but with the passion and drive that brought us this far, I know we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As the owner and founder of XILE Collective, I go by the name Gold UZI. My journey into the EDM industry began in 2017, though my roots in music run deeper, with a few years of DJing and producing hip-hop under my belt. While I enjoyed hip-hop, it was the electrifying energy and inclusive community of EDM that truly captured my passion, prompting me to make the switch. XILE Collective was born from that passion, not just as a record label, but as a movement dedicated to uplifting emerging artists. We provide them with a platform to release their music while ensuring they receive 100% of the royalties—a commitment to their growth and success.
Our vision at XILE is clear: to nurture new and upcoming producers, giving them the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. Beyond just releasing music, we’re deeply involved in our community, organizing events that showcase local talent and help them gain the recognition they deserve. What truly sets us apart is our love for the music and the culture surrounding it. We’re not driven by profit but by the desire to contribute something meaningful to the EDM scene.
Reflecting on our journey, I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come in just a few short years. We’ve surpassed half a million streams across all platforms, a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with XILE Collective. But this is just the beginning—we’re committed to pushing the boundaries even further, continuing to achieve our goals, and making XILE a name synonymous with quality and passion in the EDM world.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Society can do much more to support artists by increasing community programs and government funding dedicated to the arts. The creative potential of many is often stifled by the pressure to conform to a 9-to-5 grind, leaving little room for individuals to pursue their dreams. The arts are frequently overlooked, despite their profound impact on culture and well-being. By emphasizing community support for local events and artists, and encouraging younger generations to chase their creative ambitions, we can foster a more vibrant, innovative society. Public educational courses on music production and other artistic disciplines should be made widely accessible, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to explore and develop their talents.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is fueled by a deep commitment to fostering a sense of community and togetherness. Through the XILE Collective, my goal is to provide new and emerging artists with a platform where they can learn, grow, and thrive together. By releasing their music and hosting events, we create spaces where artists can connect, collaborate, and inspire one another. It’s about more than just music—it’s about building a supportive community that nurtures creativity and encourages everyone to pursue their dreams, knowing they have a place where their talents are valued and their voices heard.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://xilecollective.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/golduzi.wav
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/xilecollective
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/xilecollective
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/xilecollective
Image Credits
Images were all captured by in house XILE Collective creative members.