You may know him as Miguel from Netflix’s Cobra Kai or the lead in DC’s Blue Beetle, but Xolo Maridueña is stepping into a new spotlight—music. In an exclusive sit-down with DJ Fusion of 93.1 JAMZ, the rising star opened up about his cultural roots, musical inspirations, and what this next chapter means to him.

From LA Streets to Streaming Playlists

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Xolo’s Chicano, Cuban, and Ecuadorian heritage deeply influences both his artistry and his identity. “Even before acting, music was there,” he tells DJ Fusion. “I grew up on Tribe, Mos Def, Biggie, Outkast—that was playing in the house since day two.”

His debut project, The Scarab Tapes, features the standout track “Palmera,” inspired by his role in Blue Beetle, and “On My Way” featuring Adriana Padilla—a vibey, top-down, sun-drenched anthem that feels like cruising through California.

Acting vs. Music: Finding Personal Truth

With the writers’ strike forcing a break from acting, Xolo turned to music as an outlet. “Acting is powerful, but you’re channeling someone else’s story. Music is mine. My thoughts. My feelings,” he says.

He admits the transition hasn’t been easy. “I go all-in. When I was 11 doing theater, I was obsessed. Now with music, I can’t just vibe. I research, I sample, I dig. I’m still learning.”

Authenticity First

For Xolo, music isn’t a side hustle—it’s a genuine evolution. “I’m not trying to chase trends,” he explains. “I’m trying to pay homage to the sounds that shaped me and speak from the heart.”

That includes giving flowers to the people behind the scenes—engineers, producers, DJs. “I wanted a track to thank the crew,” he says of one of his upcoming songs. “They make the magic happen.”

Big Shoes, Bigger Ripples

Beyond music, Xolo understands the weight of representation. As DC’s first Latino superhero lead, Blue Beetle wasn’t just a role—it was a cultural moment.

“I saw five-year-olds in theaters seeing themselves on screen for the first time. It hit me—this is bigger than me. We can’t let this be the last.”

Advice for the Next Wave

When asked what advice he’d give to up-and-coming artists, Xolo kept it real: “Don’t be afraid to work for free if it gives you experience. Follow your passion. Even when I was hearing ‘no’ after ‘no’ in auditions, I knew this was what I loved.”

What’s Next?

While Cobra Kai has wrapped and Blue Beetle is between phases, Xolo says he’s using this time to reflect and reset. “I’ve been on the grind since I was 10. Now it’s about figuring out who I am outside the hustle.”

Expect more music, more visuals, and possibly a few surprises. And if DJ Fusion has anything to say about it, maybe even a performance in Madison or Milwaukee.

Follow Xolo Maridueña Find him on all socials at @lonelobos and stream his music under Xolo Maridueña on Spotify and all platforms.