AYANNA LOVELADY: THE STORY BEHIND NOLA EDM’S NEW ERA

NOLA EDM: For those meeting you for the first time — who is Ayanna?

What brought you into this world of music, writing, and nightlife?
AYANNA: I’m someone who has always been chronically online, with a heavy work-hard play harder mentality. I started as an intern at Where Y’at Magazine, writing over 100 articles and covering countless events. Later, I joined New Orleans & Company as a marketing intern, where my work lived on their website, and even Jazz Fest and French Quarter Festival apps.

I’m also a festival micro-influencer, collaborating with events like Okeechobee and working alongside collectives such as Collective Festival MGMT. But I got really involved when I interned at Republic NOLA in 2023. That’s where I came across the NOLA EDM page and began helping with content. Over time, it became my forever passion project.

NOLA EDM: NOLA EDM existed long before you took over. How do you honor that history while reshaping what it can be?
AYANNA: The page was founded in 2018 by OGs of the scene, people who deeply understood the underground culture here. What I’ve tried to do is bring that history forward while continuing to be consistent with visuals, content, projects and collaborations that can carry us into the future.

NOLA EDM: As a Black woman with attention and mood disorder challenges, what has navigating the nightlife industry felt like for you?
AYANNA: Honestly? A mix of empowerment and discomfort. I deal with social anxiety, and yet the community has always made me feel safe. I’ve been ghosted, overlooked, or dismissed by people I thought I had relationships with, both personally and professionally.

But every time I walk into a show, someone shows love. And that keeps me going. Representation matters. I want people to know you don’t have to fit the mold to build something meaningful.

NOLA EDM: What is the mission behind NOLA EDM now under your leadership?
AYANNA:

• To document, uplift, and unite the creative ecosystem that makes New Orleans special.

• To archive the culture so it’s never lost.

• To create opportunities for local artists who don’t always get industry support.

• And to make the Gulf South a recognized region in dance music the same way people reference LA, NYC, Miami, Denver, or ATL.

NOLA EDM: You’re managing interviews, events, the website, visuals, promotions — and still building new projects. How do you balance being a creator and founder?
AYANNA: I’m learning not to be the burned-out overachiever I was in college. I want to pursue every idea (which i won’t share),but I’m letting myself grow at the pace that feels sustainable.

The community deserves something built with intention, not urgency.

NOLA EDM: What’s been the most rewarding part of running NOLA EDM?
AYANNA:

The people.

The artists who trust me with their stories.

The collectives who invite me into their world.

The moments when someone says,  “Thank you for covering us.”, or shares excitement for getting posted.

That is what makes this work meaningful.