We recently connected with Jacob Burrola and have shared our conversation below.
Jacob, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
“I’ve largely learned entrepreneurship through a process of trial and error, driven by constant collaboration with friends and artists across the industry. Looking back, the one thing that could have significantly accelerated my growth was finding a dedicated mentor early on to help me navigate the complexities of the music business. Having that guidance would have clarified the ‘unwritten rules’ of the industry much sooner.
In my experience, the most essential skill you can possess is the ability to adapt and bounce back. In this field, things rarely go exactly to plan, so your resilience is what keeps the project alive.
The biggest obstacle I faced was initially trying to ‘fit into a lane’ instead of fully committing to my own vision. I hesitated to build something completely independent at first, but once I realized I needed to master the entire industry supply chain (from production to distribution), everything clicked. The more I educate myself on the global industry, the more value I can provide to the independent artists I work with through Mxke Noise.”
Jacob, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
“For those who haven’t followed my journey yet, I’m an artist and entrepreneur currently based in Downtown Los Angeles. I got my start in middle school with music and video production, but the real turning point came when I tried to enter my local DJ scene back home in Arizona. I quickly saw how difficult it was to get booked at traditional venues and noticed a frustrating trend that the industry often prioritizes ticket sales over actual musical talent.
I’ve seen artists with over a decade of experience, making some of the most mind-blowing music I’ve ever heard, get passed over because they didn’t fit the social media algorithm. I started Mxke Noise to bridge that gap. We provide a platform that focuses on the music first, offering artist management, music releases, and curated events that highlight these talented artists.
Right now, I’m balancing my final months of university with the growth of the business. Moving to LA in early 2026 and graduating this May has given me the foundation to take big risks without being scared to fail. Living in DTLA allows me to build genuine connections with the artists and creatives who share that same love for music.
What sets a Mxke Noise show apart is a relentless focus on the sound. Every detail, from the lineup to the promotion, is part of a vision to leave a legacy of forward-thinking electronic music. We don’t just book names, we highlight artists who have a unique, unmistakable sound.
I’m incredibly proud of where the label is headed, especially our upcoming international compilation album. It features over ten tracks from artists across the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan. This project is the first of many, and it perfectly highlights our new direction, moving beyond local events to become a global home for boundary-pushing electronic music. I want fans and collaborators to know that Mxke Noise is about the craft and the creator, above everything else.”
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
“The most rewarding part of being a creative is the freedom to fully immerse myself in my own world. Because of my background in both film and music, I’ve reached a point where I have the skills and resources to handle the entire creative lifecycle. I can produce the track, design the cover art, and edit a visualizer to match my exact vision. In an era dominated by generative AI, I believe the act of creating is more valuable than ever. AI can attempt to imitate the final product, but it can never replicate the internal spark that comes from making something you’ve never heard before. That specific rush of excitement, knowing you’ve brought something into existence that came purely from your own perspective, is a feeling that technology just can’t replicate. Creating isn’t just about the ‘output’ for me, it’s about that irreplaceable feeling from within.”
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
“I think many people struggle to understand the ‘why’ behind Mxke Noise because we live in a society built almost entirely on consumption. There’s often very little space carved out for artists who create simply because they have to, because it’s a fundamental part of who they are.
My vision is much bigger than myself. I’m not interested in chasing the next viral song or just generating income, I’m interested in legacy. Electronic music has been there for me since I was a kid, and I want to leave a permanent mark on the culture that raised me. Non-creatives might see the risks I take as unnecessary, but I see them as a responsibility. I’ve been fortunate enough to learn the business side of this industry, and I want to use that knowledge to protect the art. Mxke Noise is meant to be a space where the music speaks for itself and where artists are empowered to push boundaries without the pressure of having to fit into a commercial box.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mxkenoise.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mxkenoise/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MxkeNoise
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mxke-noise
Image Credits
Photo credits:
Ivan Pan
Shane Robertson
Jacob Burrola