Exron Exclusive Interview: Franky Wah

May 19, 2020

We recently got the chance to catch up with blossoming house/techno producer Franky Wah. Recently named one of Pete Tong‘s “Future Star of 2020”, Luke (aka Franky Wah) gears up for the release of his highly anticipated mixtape The Revival: Volume 1, set for release on May 29th. After the noteworthy recognition received from his two recent singles “Come Together” and “You’re Not Alone”, the impending mixtape promises an epic soundscape from the British producer.

Franky Wah gave us a little insight into his burgeoning career, the inspiration behind the mixtape, and how he’s been coping throughout quarantine. Read the full exclusive interview below.

Exron Music: How has our current global climate affected your career? How have you been coping throughout the pandemic?

Franky Wah: So on the live shows and touring side of things it’s been affected massively obviously. I had quite a heavy touring schedule, a lot of it in America, and it’s all gone now. I’ve tried my best not to dwell on it too much and use my time wisely because I’m anticipating and hoping that touring and shows will start booming again and there won’t be a lot of time to get in the studio and write music so I’m writing as much music as I physically can. I’m just trying to stay positive and work on my music and stay busy.

I don’t think we will ever take a rave for granted again, I don’t think they are going to be able to get people to leave shows haha.

Exron Music: Do you believe your upbringing and surroundings in England have influenced your musical preferences in any way?

Franky Wah: I think they certainly played an influence but not entirely. I’d like to say that traveling the world as much as I have has played a part in that. I think that my life experiences have played a huge part on top of the influence of where I grow up. I wouldn’t say it’s all come from where I’m from.

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A night in the Yorkshire outback ? ?‍♀️

A post shared by Franky Wah (@frankywahmusic) on May 16, 2020 at 2:35pm PDT

Exron Music: We love your recent track “You’re Not Alone”. What was it about Olive’s original track that made you want to create your own rendition?

Franky Wah: There are two things that back this song up for me. The first being it really reminds me of a family holiday from when I was a kid in Wales. I remember it being one of the best family holidays we had. I’ve got a big family with two brothers and two sisters and it was kind of the last time we were all together as a family on holiday. It reminds me of that. It’s always stuck with me and been one of my favorite tracks. Last year I made my debut at Hï Ibiza with Camelphat, Solardo, and Fisher for Bodyworks. When I finished playing that night we all when back to my apartment and I played it during our after-party and asked “does anyone remember this” and everyone was like “this is a right tune” and I remember saying that night that I wanted to make my own version. The next day that’s exactly what I did. It wasn’t even an hour old, and I was in talks with my manager and the label to get the clearance to be released. It’s taken a little while to come out but I’m really happy with it.

Exron Music: “You’re Not Alone” proceeds your highly anticipated mixtape ‘The Revival Vol. 1’. Can you tell us a little bit about your vision for this mixtape?

Franky Wah: I think that this mixtape says exactly what I’m trying to say as an artist. If someone wanted to get in my headspace and zone to see where I’m at, I think this is what I want everyone to listen to recognize at my sound. I want people to sort of expect this kind of music to be played at one of my live shows because it certainly takes you on a journey from start to finish, from the sounds I’ve created even down to the BPM. The closing record on the revival is only like 110 bpm. I would like people to take the time to listen to the mixtape in its entirety because it was created to be listened to that way. It feels like a lifetime of work and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do as an artist so yeah, I’m so glad that’s it’s finally coming out now.

Exron Music: What are some things you’ve been doing to keep your creative process flowing during the quarantine? Any tips for people who are struggling creatively right now?

Franky Wah: Yeah I think a big one is to try new things while we have time on our hands. We’ve got nowhere to be and we might never have this opportunity of time again so let’s learn new things. A big thing for me is to follow an intense fitness regime, I always have and I always will. I think it helps me creatively to exercise before going into the studio. I’ve also been playing the piano too. If I’m not feeling it one day, I won’t force myself, I want it to be natural. I’ve also been reading Tyson Fury’s autobiography and been doing a bit of baking too. I dare Gordon Ramsey or Jamie Oliver to come and test me on my Sunday dinner, it’s top-notch.

Exron Music: With a number of accolades under your belt, how did it feel to be recognized by Pete Tong as a “Future Star of 2020”?

Franky Wah: That was something out of my wildest dreams. I set myself realistic goals and lifetime goals to have a balance otherwise you will keep telling yourself you haven’t done enough. My initial goal board when I first started producing was to just have a record played by Pete and have him say my name on the airwaves. When he announced me as his “Future Star of 2020” I could have fell over, it was a dream come true. A few months later Annie Mac picked ‘Come Together’ as the hottest tune of the week and that just exceeded any expectation of my career so this is just a bonus and I’m so grateful.

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WOW, the legend @anniemac has just made Come Together tune of the week on @bbcradio1 ? . . Love to everyone supporting this record ? #cometogether

A post shared by Franky Wah (@frankywahmusic) on Apr 28, 2020 at 5:40am PDT

Exron Music: That’s amazing and it’s definitely well deserved.

Exron Music: You draw inspiration from numerous genres within the electronic sphere, what’s something that sets your catalog apart from the current trends in music?

Franky Wah: I think when I go into the studio, I go in with an open mind and it’s not aimed at trying to fit in with a label or trying to fit in with what other DJs or doing. I’ve been going into the studio and just doing me and I’m hoping that the Revival demonstrates that because there’s a lot of unique music on there that doesn’t fall into a genre. I’ve been trying to rewrite the rules a little bit, especially with the music I’ve been working on in quarantine. There shouldn’t be any rules to music and I insist on trying to demonstrate that with each record I’ve been working on.

Exron Music: That’s great and I think it’s definitely refreshing when an artist sticks to themselves and don’t try to match what anyone else is doing. It really sets you apart as an artist.

Franky Wah: Absolutely, it’s a hard game because you can start gaining momentum with a certain sound and your fans start enjoying that but when you want to start to push the boundaries and trying new sounds you start to get pressure from fans or a label or whatever. I think it’s so important to be open-minded and you can do that now more than ever because music is so disposable. Ten years ago, your favorite artist would release music maybe once or twice a year but now artists are releasing music every other month so you have the ability to move onto a new sound fairly quickly. But yeah, I want to try to keep pushing the boundaries.

Exron Music: What it’s like running your own label, Shen? What was the deciding factor to move forward with creating your own imprint?

Franky Wah: We haven’t gotten too far with it quite yet, we are only two releases in right now. I’ve been focusing so much on the mixtape. I’ve got a really strong vision about where I want to take it and what I want to do. I would like for it to not only be a label but more of a movement. I would like to have a curated event and a very strong theme. I’m so excited about that because my plans for 2021 revolve around that and what I want to do with the imprint.

Exron Music: What do you believe the keys to success to be and how do you apply these in your everyday life?

Franky Wah: Be humble, never get ahead of yourself. I think it’s important to make music that you like and not what you think other people will like. Make sure you are always the hardest worker in the room. Talent can take you far but hard work beats out talent. I always give everyday 110% because I just know that other people trying to make it are working equally as hard. If you don’t give it your all you will get left behind. Structure is really important to me and kind of how I apply these in my everyday life. I maintain a healthy lifestyle and train and I think it puts your brain in the right mindset.

Exron Music: Apart from your impending mixtape, what other upcoming plans can you share with us at this time?

Franky Wah: I can’t reveal too much at this time, I’ve got a huge collab in the pipeline and potentially a few others. People should definitely be aware of what we are planning with the label and the live show side of things. I really want to create a theme night that revolves around a live show with full production. We aim to start small and build as we progress. There are a few shows I’m booked in for but who knows what will happens with those.