Cover Story
Jessica Brankka on identity, groove and the path to Coachella shaping her global rise
The Brazilian artist shares her creative process, crowd connection and the evolution of her sound
Jessica Brankka moves naturally between aesthetics, sound and presence, building an identity that connects the dancefloor, image and narrative with precision. An expressive and authentic artist, she translates her essence into both her sets and productions, moving through different styles with fluidity while maintaining a dynamic and engaging signature. This dialogue between music and lifestyle also extends to fashion, a central element in her communication, which expands her connection with the audience and positions her beyond the booth.
This multidisciplinary vision has helped take her name to global stages and contexts, from iconic clubs to major festivals, spanning experiences that range from Tomorrowland and Burning Man to Lollapalooza, Pacha Ibiza, Warung, Greenvalley and Hï Ibiza. At the same time, her trajectory includes moments that reinforce this intersection between music and culture, such as performances during Milan Fashion Week and collaborations with international brands.
At the core of everything is a refined ability to read the crowd and a constant pursuit of real connection. Her sets explore atmospheres that move between the intimate and the expansive, always guided by striking, provocative grooves filled with personality. This same approach appears in the studio, where her ideas emerge organically, whether through melodies, rhythms or vocals, always with the intention of telling stories and creating meaning.
With a path that evolves consistently, without relying on isolated moments, Jessica builds a career grounded in identity, presence and artistic vision. Now, in a moment that includes milestones such as her Coachella debut, she expands her international reach while deepening her creative direction.
Next, she shares the processes, references and perspectives that shape this chapter.
Interview: Jessica Brankka
You are playing Coachella 2026. What does this moment represent for you personally and within your journey so far? How did this opportunity come about?
Coachella is one of the most prestigious festivals in the world and, without a doubt, it is the realization of any artist’s dream to be part of it. It represents, beyond international recognition and artistic validation, a great opportunity to expand my career in every aspect.
This opportunity came from a tour in Argentina, where the Framework team attended one of my sets and that was the moment we connected. Shortly after, they reached out and invited me to play in Los Angeles, and soon after Coachella came up.
It all happened very naturally and it was one of the most incredible pieces of news I have ever received. I could not believe it for a moment.
How would you describe Jessica Brankka’s sound at this moment and how has it evolved over the past few years?
I always try to bring a strong sense of personality and presence, with well-defined grooves that are sexy and provocative, drawing references from the fashion universe. I like to awaken this side in people, to provoke them in a positive way, bringing them into a place of total presence and real connection with themselves.
I believe the biggest evolution is that I have stayed aligned with what I truly feel when I play and what I want to convey to the audience, rather than simply following a formula that is currently working.
When you are in the studio, what usually comes first for you: rhythm, melody or atmosphere?
I do not have rules. Most of the time, ideas flow according to what I am feeling in that moment. Sometimes it starts from a more emotional feeling, so I begin with a melody. Other times it starts with rhythm, when I define the groove right away. Or everything comes from an interesting sample or vocal.
The most important thing for me is to make music with meaning. I like to tell stories or moments that are part of my life and that have a clear meaning to me.
Do you approach festival sets differently from club sets or do you try to keep the same energy regardless of the stage?
Absolutely. I love both energies precisely because they are different and challenge me, as an artist, to create different atmospheres that work for each audience without losing my identity.
I love being able to create a more intimate atmosphere, with the audience closer to me and more connected to the music, and also an atmosphere with a larger and more diverse audience, with more visual distractions, where I need to create moments that capture attention quickly and constantly. The energy always needs to be high.
How do you read the energy of a crowd when you are playing in a new place?
I like to arrive a bit earlier before my set to start feeling the vibe of the place and the people, and understand the predominant age group. Body language is very important. I try to stay attentive to the audience’s reactions and understand what kind of music they connect with the most. This helps a lot in creating a positive and receptive environment.
Brazilian artists are experiencing a strong global moment in electronic music. How did growing up in Brazil shape the way you approach music and the dancefloor?
Without a doubt, this is one of the best moments for the Brazilian electronic scene and I am very happy about all this recognition.
I think all of our rhythmic diversity, this vibrant and warm energy of Brazilian parties, and all this cultural background directly reflect who we are as artists.
What we bring to the stage comes a lot from the reality we live. Even in the midst of difficulties, through music we always try to bring that joy that only Brazilians have.
What is present in the Brazilian electronic music scene that the rest of the world still does not fully understand?
I think it is the “sauce”, right? They will never understand, haha. Joking aside, I would say it is this authentic rhythmic blend that comes from our cultural diversity and our ability to innovate within the genre.
Your visual style and fashion seem like an extension of your brand. How important is visual identity to you as an artist?
The way I dress is part of my personality, my mood, and how I want to express myself in certain moments. I think this is fundamental in building and communicating my personal brand. It strengthens the connection with the audience and brings recognition.
Was there any moment in the past year when you felt things really changed for your career?
I feel that things have been changing gradually. I have not had a hit or a viral moment in my career, but I know things are happening as they should. Each moment is part of a long journey that requires a lot of patience and consistency.
What was a show that completely surprised you? How was it?
Tomorrowland Belgium was very special. Besides fulfilling a dream, seeing the crowd, especially Brazilians, showing support under that 50-degree sun was truly unique and emotional. I did not expect much and I was surprised.
Touring can be intense. What habits or routines help you stay balanced while traveling so much?
Normally, I already have a very balanced life. I practice physical activities daily, I love sports, I eat well and try to sleep well whenever possible. I meditate, I stay in constant contact with nature and I seek to spend quality time with the people I love.
When I am traveling, I adapt this routine. Of course I cannot do everything, but I try to maintain at least the basics.
What was the first record that changed your life?
Discovery, by Daft Punk. I felt a different emotion, something timeless. It marked me and it still does.
A DJ you would love to do a B2B with?
Solomun.
What would a perfect day off look like for you?
I think a perfect day off has to do with returning to myself, something that balances silence, pleasure and inspiration, with no pressure.
Waking up without an alarm, to the sound of nature, with natural light coming in. No phone for a while. A beautiful breakfast, that silence, a moment just for me to breathe, feel and think about life.
Some physical activity to truly feel my body, good conversations and good laughs with people I love, or even alone, eating homemade food.
Watching the sunset and going to sleep with that feeling of being fulfilled. The most important thing in a day like this is to leave performance mode and enter presence mode.
Looking ahead, how do you envision the next chapter of the Jessica Brankka project?
The next chapter is always about thinking of the next track and trying to be more and more original, making more consistent releases and working more on my brand and aesthetics, so the project can expand and become part of an experience that is not only musical.
Creditos:
Stylist: Lu machado @luexquisitah
Fotógrafo: Leandro Franco @leandrofranco_
Maquiagem: Eduardo de castro @edu333
Assistente de maquiagem: Alan Gabriel @alangabriell_

