INTERVIEW
Interview with DXWAVE: Bridging the Past and Present Through a New Wave of Electronic Music
MUSIC MAGAZINE ARTICLES & INTERVIEWS
1. What inspired you to start making music?
I think I’ve always enjoyed listening to music, even from elementary school. Back then, it was truly the era of pop. I grew up mainly listening to dance and R&B music from artists like Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, and New Kids on the Block. When I was in the third grade, I happened to start learning guitar, and from there, I got deeply into rock and blues music. I admired guitarists and listened to countless blues, rock, and metal albums by artists like Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Bon Jovi, Metallica, and Mötley Crüe. What started as a hobby—playing guitar—ended up guiding me toward the path of music.
As a teenager, my dream was to become the guitarist of a world-famous rock band. Ironically, I no longer play the guitar now.
2. What does the name DXWAVE mean?
The name DXWAVE came to me when I stumbled upon the term “Digital Transformation (DX)” while searching the web. It refers to creating new value through digital technologies like AI, cloud, and data. I thought this term fit well with today’s music-making process, which relies on loops and samples. Moreover, we no longer listen to analog tapes like we used to; now, it’s all about digital audio files like .WAV. So, I created the name DXWAVE by combining “DX” and “WAVE,” meaning “the sound wave of digital transformation.” It reflects the current era of reshaping classic hits through sampling and remixing, and it aligns with how I approach my work.All of my music is arranged using samples and loops, blending retro sounds with forward-thinking ones. It embodies my philosophy that “music connects the past and present.”
3. You work with a variety of genres, including Dance, House, Electronic Pop, Synthwave, and Lo-Fi. Why did you choose to focus on these genres?
My passion for music started with the guitar, driven by my love for rock and blues. However, I grew up with pop and dance music as my foundation, listening to artists like Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Madonna, New Kids on the Block, Earth, Wind & Fire, and A-ha. For me, pop and dance music have always been my musical roots.
Then, Daft Punk had a huge impact on me and got me hooked on house music. I wondered how they made such groovy music and started exploring their production methods. That’s when I became fascinated by loops and sampling, and before I knew it, I shifted from playing the guitar to working with DJ controllers, drum machines, and mixers. My journey restarted as a composer, producer, and DJ. Daft Punk led me to explore Avicii, Martin Garrix, and others, which inspired me to start creating house music, electronic pop, synthwave, and Lo-Fi tracks using sampling.
4. Could you tell us about your recent release, ‘Free Falling’? What was the inspiration behind this song, and what was your goal when creating it?
‘Free Falling’ began with a vocal melody sample from J.O.Y, a German R&B vocalist, which I found captivating. The groove of J.O.Y’s vocals became the foundation of the song, and I built it using various instrumental samples. The track is a modern reinterpretation of the emotions of Synthwave and Funky House, combined with electronic beats. The vibe of the song evokes an image of traveling through space with a lover in a dreamlike and fantastical atmosphere.
When listening to this track, the dynamic rhythm and retro sound offer the charm of vintage style, expressed through a modern flow.
5. What is your unique production process or working style?Could you share your music-making habits, process, or the equipment you use?
If I were to describe my production style, I’d compare it to playing Tetris. Once I find a sample I like, I carefully match other instrument and vocal samples, stacking them like Tetris blocks to complete the song. The key to this process is achieving harmony between each sample, making sure they fit organically with the main sample. The most important aspect when editing samples or loops is the groove.
When sampling is done right, the combination of samples creates a pleasing groove. I use Ableton Live as my sequencer. For me, it’s the most intuitive DAW for working with samples. For mixing and mastering, I rely on Apogee converters because I love their clean and transparent sound.
When monitoring, I use a variety of external DAC (iFi ZEN DAC, Benchmark) or headphone amps (Rupert Neve Designs RNHP, SPL Phonitor) for mixing and mastering checks. I also test the mix using Bluetooth earphones, in-ear monitors, and Bluetooth speakers to adapt to the streaming era.
I always prioritize creating a distinct groove and strive to maintain the feel of analog warmth, even when working digitally.
6. You recently worked on an AI-animated music video project. Why did you choose to combine new technologies like AI with your music?
What led you to become interested in creating music using technologies like AI, and what are your plans for the future?
I believe AI presents us with a better future by fostering creativity and innovation. AI can mimic existing musical styles while offering new ideas, giving composers new possibilities beyond traditional approaches. This allows more time for creative work.
In the case of AI music videos, the prompt-based process often generates scenes I hadn’t imagined, sparking new inspiration. I think AI technology offers a more diverse way to produce music videos.
7. What has been your biggest source of musical inspiration?Are there any musicians, works, or experiences that have influenced you? How do these inspirations shape your music?
My musical inspiration comes from real life. Technology is rapidly advancing, and now we’re in an era where individuals can manage the entire production process alone. Looking at past artistic works, I feel everything is interconnected. Regardless of time, I draw inspiration from timeless music. Artists like Michael Jackson, Daft Punk, and Earth, Wind & Fire have created songs that I can always enjoy.
8. What has been your most memorable moment in the music industry?
Since I started out as a guitarist, I was used to performing in bands, live shows at clubs, recording sessions, and live session work. After stopping all of that and transitioning to a solo career as a DJ/producer, it wasn’t as easy as I thought. Even though I’d been active in music, I needed time to prepare for life as a DJ/producer. I spent a lot of time composing, arranging, and producing.
So, my first solo DJ performance at a house club, after leaving the band, remains the most memorable moment in my music journey. That performance marked a turning point for me.
9. What are your future plans? What new musical challenges or projects are you working on as DXWAVE?
I plan to release singles regularly. To keep up with the fast-paced changes in the music industry, I prefer singles over albums. I’m also steadily working on a Lo-Fi album, with ambient Lo-Fi tracks designed to help listeners relax and calm their minds. These will be uploaded to YouTube as well.
10. Is there a message you’d like to share with your fans?
I’d like to thank my fans for always supporting and listening to my music. I’ll continue to create the best music I can, regardless of genre.
