From DJ XCENTRiC to XCENTRiC® — A Decade of Evolution (2011–2025)
- Joseph Grala
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Written by Joseph Grala (Artist & Founder of XCENTRiC RECORDS™ — professionally known as XCENTRiC®)
DJ XCENTRiC → XCENTRiC® (2011–2025) — A visual timeline capturing the evolution of Joseph Grala’s artistry and sound, from early turntablism to his modern Minimal Tech House identity.
Before the name XCENTRiC® became synonymous with high-energy Tech House, it was the sound of one artist’s long-term journey through rhythm, identity, and reinvention. From his early days performing as DJ XCENTRiC in Miami’s underground scene to becoming a globally recognized producer and label founder, Joseph Grala’s transformation into XCENTRiC® represents more than a rebrand — it’s a story of growth, precision, and creative evolution.
🎧 The Early Era: DJ XCENTRiC (2011–2015)
In the early 2010s, South Florida’s nightlife was buzzing, and DJ XCENTRiC was a rising name in the underground scene. Known for his fast-paced mixing, gritty edits, and ability to move any crowd, Joseph brought a unique energy to every set — including a memorable performance at Club Space, one of Miami’s most respected venues.
DJ XCENTRiC performing live at Club Space Miami in 2015 — an iconic milestone in his journey
Those experiences, paired with smaller club residencies and scratch-battle appearances, laid the foundation for what would later define the XCENTRiC® sound — a blend of technical skill, rhythm, and high-impact energy.
As shown in the evolution collage above, this era captured the early foundation of the XCENTRiC® sound — raw, technical, and full of potential.
⚡ Scratch Battles & The Grit Era (2013–2016)
During this period, Joseph wasn’t just playing clubs — he was stepping into scratch battles, going head-to-head with world-class turntablists from across the U.S. and beyond. These competitions were all about precision, creativity, and performance — a balance of rhythm, timing, and the kind of showmanship that could win over a crowd in seconds.
Photo of DJ XCENTRiC competing in a live scratch battle in Miami around 2013, representing the roots of his technical precision and showmanship.
“Scratch battles taught me how to control energy,” Joseph says. “It was about timing, confidence — and yeah, definitely the tricks too. That was the fun part.”
DJ XCENTRiC performing at an underground South Florida rave during the early 2010s.
🛠 The Transition: Finding the XCENTRiC® Sound (2016–2019)
XCENTRiC in transition from DJ sets to refined Tech House production between 2016–2019.
As his catalog and production depth continued to grow, DJ XCENTRiC naturally evolved into XCENTRiC — a hybrid identity that fused underground urban rhythm with Minimal Tech House grooves and hypnotic energy.
Joseph had already been intertwining hip hop and electronic music since the very beginning, more info about that in his, "The Story Behind the Movement" article. His stage wasn’t about experimentation — it was about refinement. Years of experience behind the decks and in the studio came together to define the focused, high-energy sound that would carry the XCENTRiC® name forward.
🚀 The New Era: XCENTRiC® (2020–Present)
XCENTRiC® performing at Kemistry Nightclub, 2025 — representing his modern Tech House era.
By 2020, the transformation was official. XCENTRiC® became a trademarked brand — a movement rather than a name. Joseph founded XCENTRiC RECORDS™, focusing on forward-thinking underground electronic music and releasing original productions that embodied his evolution.
Tracks like Get Down, NASA, Steady Mobbin, and Move Dope showcase that evolution in full — gritty yet refined, energetic yet precise. The sound that began in scratch battles and local clubs now resonates worldwide across streaming platforms and festival systems.
“It’s not a rebrand,” Joseph explains. “It’s a timeline. Every set, every track, every battle brought me here. DJ XCENTRiC was the beginning — XCENTRiC® is the continuation.”
XCENTRiC® commanding the crowd during a 2025 live performance — a symbol of his evolution.
🌌 Looking Forward
Today, XCENTRiC® stands for evolution, focus, and energy. What began in Miami’s underground has become a global signature sound — defined by high-energy Minimal Tech House and Tech House productions with an unmistakable urban edge.
“Music isn’t just something I make,” Joseph says. “It’s energy — I move it through people.”
Fifteen years later, the mission remains the same: elevating minds through sound.
📜 Article Credits & Links
Written by: Joseph Grala
Official Website: www.xcentricmusic.com
Label: XCENTRiC RECORDS™
Press & Features: xcentricmusic.com/press