Charlene Broy is a rising EDM artist based in Southern California, blending high-energy electronic production with emotive, genre-crossing influences. Known for her dynamic sound and immersive style, she creates music that bridges underground club culture and futuristic electronic-pop. Beyond the studio, she is active in live charity shows and artistic music video productions, using her platform to connect music, visuals, and meaning. With a growing presence and a distinctive creative vision, Charlene Broy is quickly carving out her space in the EDM scene, delivering tracks that are both powerful and deeply engaging. We sat down with her to chat all things music influences, her approach to networking and her favourite club memories.
Were you connected with music from a young age, or anyone in particular inspired you? Yes, I was deeply connected to music from a very young age. I grew up surrounded by music through my family—my aunts, uncles, mother, and grandfather all sang and played instruments. Two of my uncles and my grandfather played guitar while we were growing up, and my aunts and mother were always singing. Two of my cousins also began singing at a very young age and eventually performed at church and in choirs, which further shaped the musical environment I was raised in. I spent a lot of time reading and singing along with Song Hits magazines and listening to my uncle’s cassette tapes, especially The Cascades and Crystal Gayle.
In the 1980s, I started listening to cassette tapes of Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, which really expanded my musical world. My first record albums were Michael Jackson’s Thriller and an Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas record. As a kid, I was always playing “director” with the neighborhood kids, creating dance choreography to songs like “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” and “Beat It,” which sparked my early love for performance and creative expression. I eventually learned how to play piano in college and earned a Fine Arts associate’s degree. Music continues to run in my family as well—one of my cousins plays guitar, violin, and piano.
What first kickstarted your musical career? In 2021, my musical career was kickstarted through an unexpected but meaningful experience. I became involved in a romantic online relationship with a content creator and YouTuber, and we stayed connected through WhatsApp and YouTube, sharing music and ideas. He is also an artist, releasing his own albums in 2017, and plays the electric guitar. He led a band for a few years before leaving the band to pursue TikTok and YouTube. He encouraged me to sing by sending songs and artists that complemented my natural voice, and his feedback and critiques helped me truly begin to find my voice. That encouragement gave me the confidence to take the next step, and I went on to enroll in a local vocal coaching school, where I started developing my skills more seriously and intentionally. In 2022, I officially started writing my first songs: Take My Love Back on December 30, 2022, followed by Never Gonna Stop and others that came after. I’ve always had a love of writing and poetry, dating back to 1987, at the age of 13, when I wrote my first official children’s poem, Are Clouds Soft?, which is now registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
Tell us a more about your sound and how it has evolved. My sound is a fusion of danceable beats and heartfelt storytelling, rooted in personal experiences. Many of my songs reflect the heartbreak I endured after the online relationship with the YouTuber ended unexpectedly—I poured the emotions of that lost love into music that tells my side of the story, expressing the unfairness I felt and the hope I had for something more serious. To bring my vision to life, I connected with a DJ/Producer on the Fiverr platform who is now the co-producer of all my music. He’s based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and while his style is more underground, I guide the production toward an electronic-pop sound that fits my vision. We collaborate really well, blending his unique edge with my melodic and lyrical ideas.
Living in Southern California for the past 35 years, I’ve also been influenced by the Latinx community, translating many of my lyrics into Spanish and building a following in El Salvador and Mexico. Artists like Selena have inspired me not only musically but also through my work as a Dance Fitness Instructor, where I’ve choreographed many of her songs. Overall, my sound continues to evolve as I combine electronic-pop, danceable rhythms, storytelling, and cross-cultural influences to create music that moves both the body and the heart.
Any words you want to share to encourage other artists and producers? I started Charlene Broy Music, Inc. in 2022, after realizing that I had something special when I began writing my own songs. Since then, I’ve learned how to earn my own royalties, write my own music, and manage dual songwriter and publisher licensing with BMI. My goal is to grow as an artist and producer to the point of being an opening act or part of the lineup at an EDM festival or mini-concert.
For future artists and producers, my advice is to take control of your music, understand the business side, and treat yourself as a partner in the industry—not someone “looking for a break.” Owning your creative process, your label, and your music gives you freedom with zero creative risk. I also offer support to emerging artists through Zoom calls via my website, CharleneBroyMusic.com, to share insights, mentorship, and guidance on navigating the industry.
Networking, consistency, character, approach… what and how do you initiate your Industry relationships? When it comes to networking and building industry relationships, I approach every connection with professionalism, consistency, and integrity. I don’t want to be seen as someone “looking for a break”—I want to be recognized as a potential partner who understands both the creative and business sides of the music industry. My experience running my own mental health facility for over 13 years has given me a strong foundation in corporate management, business accounting, and independent financial planning, which I now apply to running Charlene Broy Music, Inc. This background allows me to operate my label with clarity, responsibility, and no risk to collaborators.
Even though I’m relatively new to the music business, I bring a high level of professionalism and discipline to every interaction. I’m focused on building meaningful relationships with artists, producers, and industry professionals, and I aim to attend music conferences and events representing Charlene Broy Music, Inc., rather than just as an artist. I prioritize clear communication, preparedness, and follow-through in all professional settings, which helps establish trust and credibility. By approaching relationships as partnerships and bringing both creativity and business acumen to the table, I ensure that every collaboration is mutually beneficial and built on trust, transparency, and authenticity.
Is there anyone specific you’d like to thank that has helped you evolve and why? I’d like to give special thanks to a few incredible people who have helped me evolve as an artist. DJ Jordan from Hi5 Music has been instrumental in helping me find and refine my electronic sound, pushing me to explore new creative directions. Levi Downey from Levi Downey Music Production has been invaluable in helping me lay my vocals on tracks and bring my songs to life in the studio. I also want to thank my personal assistant, Norma Interiano, who has gone with me to the ends of the earth—whether it’s studios across Los Angeles or even helicopter rides—to capture that perfect footage for my music projects. And I am deeply grateful for my mother, Edna Broy, who has always encouraged me to keep singing, helped me find my voice, and supported all my financial and creative endeavors. Their support, expertise, and dedication have made a huge difference in my journey as an artist.
Name 3 albums or labels that have inspired you the most. Three albums and labels that have inspired me the most are Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Prince and The Revolution’s Purple Rain, and the Sony Music label, particularly for their handling of Mariah Carey’s career. These albums and the label have shaped my understanding of artistic vision, production quality, and the importance of strong industry support in building a lasting music career.
What’s your favourite piece of studio equipment or software? My first experience with studio equipment was actually a DJ turntable I bought with my ex-boyfriend, which I eventually sold on OfferUp. That was my introduction to mixing and understanding how different sounds come together, and it sparked my interest in exploring electronic music and production more deeply. Even though I don’t currently use specific studio equipment or software, that early experience gave me a foundation for collaborating with producers and shaping my own sound.
Name your favourite club or festival in the world, and how does it makes you feel? One of my favorite festivals is Coachella, because the energy and diversity of music make it such an inspiring experience. I also love smaller, more intimate venues like Exchange LA, where the connection between the DJ, the music, and the crowd is electric. Being in these environments makes me feel fully alive, creative, and connected to the music community, which fuels my passion for producing electronic-pop and danceable tracks.
Name an outlandish rider request? One of my rider requests is that I always have the brightest lights possible during performances or photoshoots, so my natural blonde highlights can really shine. My father has blonde-reddish hair, and my siblings and I all have hair that changes color depending on the light—from red to auburn to blonde—so good lighting really brings out the unique tones in my hair and adds to the overall visual experience of my performance.
Favourite clubbing memory, who or what did it involve? Some of my favorite clubbing memories come from my time living in military housing in Virginia and Hawaii. I loved going out to dance with friends, feeling the music pulse through the crowd, and just losing myself in the energy of the night. Those experiences weren’t about any one person—they were about the connection to the music, the joy of dancing, and the sense of community you feel when everyone is moving to the same beat. Those nights helped shape my love for electronic and dance music and inspired me to create tracks that make people feel that same energy.
What quote represents you best? “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them”. (Walt Disney)
If you could play any venue, where would it be and why? If I could play any venue, it would be Fabric in London. Known as one of the world’s most iconic electronic music clubs, Fabric has an incredible reputation for underground beats, high-energy crowds, and a truly immersive sound experience. Performing there would be a dream because it’s a space that celebrates the kind of electronic-pop and danceable music I create, which is heavily influenced by Europe—thanks in large part to DJ Jordan from Hi5 Music in Rotterdam, Netherlands. I also lived in Italy for a year and a half, so I’m familiar with the European music scene and culture, which has shaped my sound and performance style. Playing at Fabric would allow me to connect with a passionate, global audience while sharing my own sound on an international stage.
Music is….. (explain more): Music is a part of my family and lineage—it’s in my blood. My great-grandparents were both singers and actors in the Zarzuela, where they met in the 1800s, and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have all carried on that tradition, singing, dancing, acting, and playing instruments. To me, music is more than just a skill or a hobby; it’s something passed down through generations, a combination of genes, talent, and passion. It’s a legacy that connects me to my family, shapes my identity, and inspires me to create and perform.
One song you really couldn’t live without? One song I really couldn’t live without is “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson. It was one of the first songs that made me fall in love with music—the rhythm, the energy, and the way it makes you move are timeless. That track has inspired me not only in dance and performance but also in understanding how a song can tell a story, connect with people, and leave a lasting impact from an icon.
Name drop your favourite tunes, artists or DJs (past or present): Some of my all-time favorite tunes are “When Doves Cry,” “Billie Jean,” “Borderline,” and “Lucky Star.” My favorite artists from the 1980s include Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Prince, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and Crystal Gayle. These artists shaped my early musical tastes and inspired my love of both performance and songwriting. In terms of modern music, some of my favorites are The Weeknd, Mariah Carey, Sabrina Carpenter (“Espresso”), and Birds of a Feather. I also admire DJs like Paris Hilton and Hi5 Music for their work in bringing energy and creativity to the dance and electronic music scene.
What was your first music opportunity and how did it fuel your fire? My first real music opportunity came when I connected with Marc Lawrence, the mix engineer from Rock Stars of Tomorrow. He gave me his phone number and invited me to his studio in Pomona, where I laid down my very first tracks. Marc helped me arrange, mix, and master the songs, giving me invaluable guidance on how music comes together in a professional studio setting. That experience fueled my fire because it gave me my first taste of what it’s like to create polished, professional music, and it inspired me to write more songs and launch Charlene Broy Music, Inc., and fully commit to building my career as an artist and entrepreneur.
Tell us more about your plans for the future. Looking ahead, I have several exciting projects and goals in the works. I’m preparing for the 2nd Annual Books for Africa Charity Event on May 31, 2026, which will be live-streamed across all my social media platforms, with proceeds going directly to the nonprofit. My second official music video for “This Time” is scheduled for January 26, 2026, and will feature unique helicopter footage of me as the student pilot during my flight lesson.
Musically, I’m recording a Spanish version of “Never Gonna Stop (EDM Remix)” along with several of my other tracks, continuing to explore my electronic-pop sound. I’m also collaborating with DJ Jordan from Hi5 Music to mix nonstop fitness tracks, compiling all my current songs into one album dedicated to high-energy beats and motivation. Ultimately, my goal is to perform on an EDM festival lineup, bringing my music to a larger audience while continuing to inspire, energize, and connect with fans around the world.
Any worldly advice you’d like to share? My advice to other artists and creators is to own your journey and take control of both the creative and business sides of your career. Success isn’t just about talent—it’s about discipline, professionalism, and building meaningful relationships while staying true to your vision. Learn the business, understand your rights, and don’t wait for someone else to give you a break—create your own opportunities. Consistency, patience, and a willingness to keep learning will take you far. Most importantly, never forget why you started: let your passion for music and your desire to connect with others guide every step.
