On a sunny afternoon, I found myself logging into a video call, eager to chat with DXWAVE, a rising star in South Korea’s electronic music scene. As our virtual meeting came to life, I was greeted by the artist’s warm smile and a glimpse of their home studio in the background.
Let’s start at the beginning. How did your musical journey kick off?
(adjusting their headphones) You know, it’s quite a trip down memory lane. I’ve been a music junkie since I was a kid. The ’80s and ’90s were the golden age of pop, right? I grew up on Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, and Mariah Carey. Then, in third grade, I picked up a guitar. Before I knew it, I was hooked on rock and blues. Hendrix, Jeff Beck – those guys were my heroes.
Your sound is pretty unique. How would you describe it to someone who’s never heard your music?
Imagine taking a vintage record player and dropping it into a spaceship. That’s my sound – a blend of nostalgia and futurism. It’s dynamic rhythms meets retro vibes, all wrapped up in a modern package. Perfect for a night drive, even if it’s just a virtual one these days.
Your artist name is intriguing. What’s the story there?
(grinning) Ah, that’s my inner geek showing. It’s a mash-up of “Digital Transformation” – DX for short – and “WAV,” like the audio file. It’s my way of saying that music is a bridge between yesterday and today.
Walk us through your production process. What’s your secret sauce?
It’s like playing musical Tetris. I start with a sample that catches my ear, then I stack other samples – a drum loop here, a vocal snippet there – until everything clicks. The tricky part? Making sure all these pieces groove together seamlessly. Ableton Live is my go-to playground for this musical Jenga.
You’ve come a long way from guitar to electronic music. What sparked that shift?
(nodding) It was like falling down a rabbit hole, honestly. I stumbled upon Daft Punk, Avicii, Martin Garrix – and boom! My world exploded. I became obsessed with cracking the code of their groovy, electronic sound.
Any standout tracks you’re particularly proud of?
“Love You Baby” was a game-changer – it landed on the soundtrack for “EXchange” on TVING. Then there’s “Bad Romance,” my love letter to ’80s pop with a modern twist. And “Free Falling”? That’s my attempt at bottling the feeling of a space road trip with your sweetheart.
How do you see technology shaping your work?
(eyes lighting up) I’m all about embracing the future. I’ve been experimenting with AI for music videos – it’s mind-blowing stuff. But here’s the kicker: I’m always trying to keep that warm, analog feel, even in the digital realm. It’s a balancing act, you know?
What’s brewing in the DXWAVE lab right now?
I’ve got my hands full with a Lo-Fi album – think chill piano vibes meets ambient dreamscapes. Perfect for those nights when sleep is playing hard to get. And I’m cooking up some singles too. Gotta keep up with the times, right?
Any parting words for your fans and future listeners?
(leaning in) Listen up — K-pop isn’t just about idol groups. There’s a whole world of electronic music waiting for you. Trust me.
As our interview wound down and we parted ways, it was clear that DXWAVE is more than just an artist – they’re a musical alchemist, turning digital bits into golden beats. Catch their latest drops on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or their official website. One thing’s for sure – the future of South Korean electronic music is looking bright, and DXWAVE is holding the torch.
