Liverpool-built and now Tulum-based, ESSEL’s ascent has been infrastructure-driven, not hype-led.
In seven years she’s entered Beatport’s Top 30 Female Producers, surpassed 100 million streams, and landed BBC Radio 1 Track of the Week with The Edge, earning support from Dom Dolla to MK.
Her sound is precision-calibrated: driving low-end, peak-time intent, and nostalgic vocal hooks engineered for lift. With releases across Sony, Universal, Virgin, 3Beat and Toolroom, plus collaborations from Alex Mills to Marshmello, her move from Liverpool to Tulum signals expansion, not reinvention.
In this FM PRO TECH conversation, we break down origin discipline, the Toolroom framework, career architecture, and the intent behind Activate, plus the launch of her forthcoming label, The Drop.
The legacy of iconic venues and legendary DJs created a vibrant atmosphere that shaped my musical taste and ambitions.
What first pulled you into electronic music, and when did it become clear this was something you wanted to pursue seriously?
I was first drawn to electronic music through the energy and creativity I experienced at local clubs and festivals. The way electronic music could transform a space and connect people fascinated me. It became clear this was more than just a hobby when I started experimenting with production and realized I could express myself uniquely through sound. That moment of creating my first track and seeing people respond to it made me want to pursue it seriously.
Liverpool has a strong club lineage. How much did that environment inform your early taste and ambitions?
Growing up in Liverpool, the city’s rich club culture was impossible to ignore. The legacy of iconic venues and legendary DJs created a vibrant atmosphere that shaped my musical taste and ambitions. It instilled in me a respect for the craft and a desire to contribute to that lineage with my own voice. The community and history here gave me a solid foundation and a sense of belonging in the electronic music world.
Thinking back to the start, which experiences did the most to shape your resilience and sense of direction?
Early on, facing the challenges of balancing creative passion with the realities of the music industry taught me resilience. Rejections, late nights, and self-doubt were part of the process, but each setback pushed me to refine my sound and stay focused. Collaborating with other artists and receiving honest feedback helped me develop a clearer sense of direction and purpose.
Your rise has been steady but decisive. What habits or beliefs helped you build that momentum early on?
Consistency and discipline were key. I committed to producing regularly, learning from every release, and staying open to growth. I believe in the power of patience—building a career is a marathon, not a sprint. Staying true to my artistic vision while adapting to feedback helped me build momentum without losing authenticity.
You are now based in Tulum. Has the change in surroundings influenced your perspective as an artist, even subtly?
Absolutely. Tulum’s vibrant, creative energy and natural beauty have offered a fresh perspective. Being in a place that values art and community has inspired me to experiment more and embrace a more holistic approach to my music and life. It’s subtle but definitely expanded my creative horizons.
Your relationship with Toolroom has become a defining part of your story. How did that connection originally come about?
The connection started when I submitted a demo that resonated with the team at Toolroom. Their support and belief in my sound opened doors I hadn’t imagined. It was a natural fit because their ethos aligns with my approach to quality and innovation in electronic music.
What did the Toolroom Academy give you that you suspect you might have struggled to learn on your own?
The Academy provided structured guidance on the business side of music, from marketing to networking, which can be overwhelming to navigate alone. It also offered mentorship and a community of like-minded artists, which accelerated my growth and helped me avoid common pitfalls.
Has working within that ecosystem affected how you think about longevity and career architecture?
Definitely. Being part of Toolroom’s ecosystem has shown me the importance of building a sustainable career—focusing not just on hits but on developing a brand, diversifying skills, and nurturing relationships. It’s about creating a legacy, not just momentary success.
Support from established names arrived relatively quickly. Did that external validation shift your confidence, or your expectations of yourself?
It boosted my confidence significantly, affirming that my work resonated beyond my immediate circle. However, it also raised my expectations—I felt a responsibility to keep pushing boundaries and maintain the quality that earned that support.
Turning to Activate, what did you want this record to communicate about you at this stage of your journey?
With Activate, I wanted to showcase my evolution—both sonically and personally. It’s a statement of confidence and maturity, blending my roots with new influences. The record communicates my commitment to growth and my readiness to take on new challenges.
Do you have any specific goals for your career in 2026?
In 2026, I aim to expand my reach globally, collaborate with artists who inspire me. I will also be starting a label very soon called ‘The Drop’ where I will help other artists have a platform if they need it. If the music is a fit we make it a hit!
This is the drop everyone’s been waiting for.
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