With the rise of drum & bass in the U.S., artists are stepping into the forefront and leading the charge. Among these artists is Ghost in Real Life (G.I.R.L.), a dynamic, groundbreaking figure in the electronic music scene who uses diverse influences to craft her unique sound. In the ever-evolving world of electronic music, few blend genres and emotions as seamlessly as Ghost in Real Life. Known for her innovative approach to music and bold presence in the drum & bass scene, Ghost in Real Life — named Maggie Beltran in real life — has carved out a distinctive space in the industry.
Before breaking into the electronic music scene, Maggie explored multiple projects, including her high school “coffee shop acoustic moniker,” maggiesinacup, and her college punk band, The Inferiors. These ventures showcase her ability to embrace diverse sounds and use them to her advantage.
Aside from these two projects, another defining moment in her journey came during college, when she faced gender biases in her production classes. “Nobody wanted me to work with them because I was a girl,” said Maggie. “So, I put on a blonde wig, created this project called marillyn, and taught myself how to produce pop music.”
Launched in 2019, Ghost in Real Life was born out of Maggie’s desire to explore electronic music on her terms. The name itself is an acronym for G.I.R.L., chosen to reflect feminine energy without being overtly feminist.
“I wanted something that felt feminine forward but subtle,” she explains.
During the 2020 pandemic, the project came to life when Maggie’s friend loaned her some DJ equipment. She jumped on the livestreaming trend, where she began to hone her craft and attract a loyal following.
Ghost in Real Life’s music has always been rooted in experimentation, showcasing her ability to excel across genres like trap and dubstep. She has since found her place in drum & bass, a genre she describes as rebellious and raw.
“When I heard experimental trap, I was hooked,” Maggie said. “It felt like the punk music I grew up with,” she says. “Eventually, I leaned into drum & bass because it combined the energy I loved with a sense of structure.” After debuting her first drum & bass track, “Youth,” Maggie was hooked.
“It was just so good,” she admits. “I couldn’t not continue doing drum & bass after that.”
Her performances, such as opening for Chase & Status, have cemented her status as a force in the scene. Reflecting on that moment, she shares, “I’ll never forget stepping on stage at the Great Hall, seeing the massive crowd, and thinking, ‘This is exactly where I’m supposed to be.’”
For Ghost In Real Life, music is more than just fun sounds to dance to, it is a statement she shares with the world. Through her tracks, she hopes to inspire confidence and resilience in her fans.
“I’ve always felt trapped in my head because of ADHD, so my music is about finding freedom,” Maggie explains. “I want people to feel empowered to stand up for themselves, be happy, and embrace their emotions.”
Beyond her music, Maggie is passionate about advocating for confidence and self-expression, particularly among women in the industry. Having faced challenges herself, she understands the hurdles women encounter in male-dominated spaces like music production.
“There’s a deficit in confidence among women producers, and I hope I can instill in them the courage to stand up and say, ‘You can do this,’” she shares. Maggie’s determination to empower others is as integral to her journey as her music, making her a role model for aspiring artists.
Maggie’s journey is far from over. With plans to incorporate punk influences into her drum & bass tracks and expand her creative boundaries, Ghost in Real Life is only getting started. “I’ve been listening to a lot of Sex Pistols and Bad Religion lately,” she says. “I’m excited to see how I can bring that raw punk energy into my music.”
As Ghost in Real Life continues to rise, she’s not just making music. She’s creating a movement; one that’s bold and unapologetically her own. Don’t miss out on the chance to catch her as direct support for Muzz on January 24 at Echoplex in Los Angeles, and at a 360 show with Beacon on February 7 at Kingdom in Austin. Be sure to follow her on social media to stay updated on her music, upcoming shows, and more!
