Maï Azarov, a French DJ with Indian roots based in San Francisco, embodies resilience and creativity. Originally from Paris, she moved to the United States to pursue her studies, earning an MBA in San Francisco. It is there, in the dynamic and ever-evolving energy of the city, that her musical career is taking shape. But music was not her first field: before fully dedicating herself to her art, Maï initially thrived in the world of entrepreneurship. Growing up in a family that ran a textile business specializing in importing fabrics from India, she developed a keen business sense early on by helping out after school. This experience in the family business allowed her to cultivate a passion for management and entrepreneurship, and people.
Maï grew up in a profoundly multicultural environment in Paris, a rich ground for diverse influences. Her parents hail from Kerala, in 
southern India, and speak Malayalam at home. This Indian heritage has shaped a significant part of her identity while immersing her in France’s diverse culture. Her parents instilled in her the values of their homeland while integrating her into Parisian life, balancing family traditions with modernity. This created a fascinating balance between two worlds, enabling her to appreciate cultural nuances and draw unique inspiration from them. Growing up in France while carrying the deep roots of her Indian heritage has made Maï a true global citizen.
Reflecting on her journey as a “first-generation” individual, Maï often speaks about the challenges and richness that come with it. She proudly acknowledges her parents’ ability to adapt to a new country, teaching family and community values while embracing and integrating the specificities of French culture. To her, being first-generation means bearing the responsibility of honoring the sacrifices of previous generations while carving her own path, merging her family heritage with the freedom to reinvent herself. This cultural duality is an integral part of her essence and is reflected in her music, where she blends Indian and French influences into unique mixes.
Before getting into music, she had initially embarked on a career in marketing, particularly in the tech sector, where she utilized her creative and strategic talents. However, everything changed after the sudden and unexpected loss of her husband. This tragedy became a turning point in her life, prompting her to reinvent herself. It was then that she decided to dive into music—a passion that had always been within her but that she had only explored by doing a DJ training during Covid.
In San Francisco, a city teeming with opportunities and musical diversity, Maï began immersing herself in the local music scene. 
Thanks to Liam Hallich, the owner of Petit Paris bar in San Francisco, she had the opportunity to perform for the first time as a DJ. This support and opportunity allowed her to lay the foundation for her musical career, and she quickly gained recognition for her unique blend of musical genres. She rapidly made a name for herself with her mixes and became a resident in some select venues in SF e.g The Battery Club, Shack15. Her mixes fuse House, Afro House, Disco, and a touch of French Hip-Hop, captivating audiences with her ability to create a dynamic and unifying atmosphere. Her performances stand out due to her personal touch—that signature “French touch” characterized by a subtle mix of cultural influences ranging from Indian music to European House.
For Maï, music became a form of healing, a way to cope with pain and reconnect with herself while bringing joy and energy to those who listen. By transforming her grief into creativity, she gave new meaning to her life and found in the music scene an outlet to express her deepest emotions.
Today, Maï Azarov represents more than just a DJ. She is a symbol of resilience and transformation, seamlessly blending her multicultural heritage with her passion for music. Her journey, marked by the unexpected, continues to inspire those she encounters, proving that reinvention is possible even in the darkest moments, and that art can be a means to shine and connect with others.
After residencies at Battery Club and Shack15, Maï is now a resident DJ at Lounge Elements every Saturday night. Follow her updates on Instagram and listen to her mixes on SoundCloud here.
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