FRANKY WAH | NL 2024 #08

Growing up in Yorkshire, Franky Wah ́s journey began with a rich array of influences— everything from the raw grit of West Coast hip-hop to the explosive energy of Blink-182 and Slipknot, courtesy of his siblings. It was Dr. Dre’s The Chronic and the legendary Scott Storch that sparked a dream, showing him that music production wasn’t just an art form—it was a calling. From those formative days experimenting in a garden shed, Franky’s unwavering passion and resourcefulness set the foundation for what would become a remarkable career.

Grounded in a sense of community, Franky’s early days were marked by collaboration, hustle, and determination. Moving from his makeshift studio to the Music Factory in Rotherham was a pivotal shift, where he realized that geography didn’t define opportunity. This ethos continues to shape him, as he proves you don’t need to be in London or LA to craft meaningful music. Even in those early years of producing full-time without financial gain, he demonstrated an incredible work ethic, supported by a close-knit circle of peers. His dedication to honing his craft, coupled with an ability to draw inspiration from life’s quiet moments and bustling cityscapes alike, is what sets him apart.

Living on a farm in rural Yorkshire, Franky has found a unique balance between the frenetic pace of global touring and the serenity of home. The quiet landscapes provide a creative reset and a grounding force, allowing him to recharge while staying connected to his roots. His fitness regimen, boxing passion, and time spent working alongside his father on the farm reveal a man deeply committed to routine and self-discipline. This balance between his high-energy performances and tranquil downtime fuels his artistry, offering him a unique perspective on the dualities of life and creativity.

From his Ibiza residency to the SHÈN events, clothing line, and record label, everything he builds is infused with purpose and connection. Whether it’s curating a space where dance floors feel unified or designing clothing that symbolizes community, his ethos revolves around inclusivity and belonging. As he prepares to release The Revival Vol. 2 and expand his live shows, it’s clear that Franky is not just an artist but a visionary, deeply invested in creating experiences that resonate far beyond the music. With every project, he invites fans to join his journey—a journey that’s as much about reflection and growth as it is about celebration.

Sitting down with Franky Wah is like stepping into the calm eye of a creative storm. The Yorkshire-born DJ and producer has built a career on balancing the serene with the electrifying—a juxtaposition that reflects not only in his music but also in his lifestyle. As we spoke, it became clear that Franky is much more than an artist; he’s a storyteller, an innovator, and someone deeply rooted in his values.

Starting from his early influences in hip-hop to the expansion of his brand into events, clothing, and a thriving record label. What stands out most, however, is Franky Wah’s commitment, the way he views his fans as an integral part of the journey, and his passion for creativity and community. Here’s a deeper dive into the mind of a true artist who continues to push the boundaries of music and culture.

“Hip hop was a huge influence on me as a kid, both West Coast and East Coast. I’m the youngest in my family, so growing up, I was surrounded by the music my older siblings were into. My brother was into bands like Blink 182, Slipknot, and Korn, and my sister was really into hip-hop. It was because of her that I first heard rappers like DMX, who is still my favorite rapper of all time. ‘Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of my Blood’ was a huge album for me, but it was Dr. Dre’s ‘The Chronic’ that made me realize I wanted to be a producer.”

“Scott Storch played a big role in producing for Dr. Dre, and I remember watching a video of them both in the studio. Storch walked in, met Dre for the first time, sat down at the piano, played three or four tunes, and from thatmoment, he was working on the project. That video stuck with me. It was the first time I ever considered music as something I could actually do.”

It’s clear from these early influences that Franky ́s passion for music grew from an environment steeped in a diverse mix of sounds. What’s particularly striking about his story is how he found inspiration in both hip-hop and rock, seamlessly blending those worlds into his approach to music production.

“Every day was a challenge but luckily I had an amazing network of people around me at the time who were all using Logic so I started using it too. My friends Scott, Matt, and Dan were all about 4 or 5 years into production and we had a shared WhatsApp group where we’d troubleshoot and help each other. That support network was crucial and it’s fair to say I wouldn’t be the artist or producer I am today if it wasn’t for Scott. I think I spent 5 days a week for 2 years straight sitting by his side, watching him engineer for clients and taking notes. When he would leave at 5 o’clock I would stay for a few hours longer to try and copy new techniques I’d learned from that session.”

“It was because of him that I ended up at the Music Factory in Rotherham, which really became the starting point of the rest of my life. At the time, I wasn’t making money from music, but I was working on a business on the side, which allowed me to spend full working days in the studio honing my craft. I remember being told that one of Kylie’s big records was produced there, and that really showed me that you didn’t need to be in London or LA to make it. That was a huge inspiration. From there I then invested a tonne of money to create my dream studio which I’m still working out of today.”

The grit and determination that propelled Franky Wah forward in the early days speak to his belief that anything is possible when you have the right mindset and the right people around you. From a small garden shed to a professional studio, his progression as a producer is a testament to the power of community and hard work.

“My life is all about routine. A typical day starts with a dog walk, breakfast, the gym, and then the sauna. After that, it’s lunch, and then the rest of the day is spent in the studio. Depending on the time of year and how much work needs to be done, I’ll also spend a day or two working on the farm with my dad. Having that structure is important for me. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of being a touring DJ, but coming back home, spending time on the farm, and with family and friends—it’s what keeps me grounded.”

“For me, it’s a bit of both when it comes to creativity. In the past, I felt like I had to go out and travel to find inspiration, I spent a lot of time in Barcelona for example immersed in the tech house scene. Now though, because I’m always travelling, I find that inspiration comes from the quiet moments, coming back home to Yorkshire. I use both environments to my advantage.”

“Fitness has always been a huge part of my life. Not just for the physical benefits, but the mental ones as well. Right now, boxing is my escape. It’s something I’m really enjoying getting back into. It used to be that owning a gym and doing boxing and weightlifting was my full-time job, with music being my escape. Now, it’s the other way around.”

There’s something remarkably calming about Franky Wah’s approach to life when he’s back home. His commitment to fitness, family, and routine stands as a beautiful contrast to the intense energy of the DJ world, reminding us that balance is key in maintaining longevity in any creative pursuit.

“It felt great to return to the island for a second year of the SHÈN residency, as it solidified that what we did the first year worked. Going into year two, we wanted to book acts that aligned with our brand and were as invested in it as we were. One of the main pros of owning the brand is that we can keep the experience at the forefront of everything. We wanted to make sure that people felt like they were part of something, not just there for the ticket or the VIP experience. And that vibe, that sense of community, really made the energy on the dancefloor unlike anything else.”

“Every night was special, but the real standout for me was the b2b with Hot Since 82. We didn’t plan anything; we just played off each other’s groove for 5 hours. It felt seamless. When you’re in sync with someone like that, it’s the perfect b2b, not just for the DJ’s, but for the crowd too. We filmed the whole thing, and I can’t wait for people to relive it.”

His reflection on his Ibiza residency speaks volumes about his deep understanding of the crowd and his ability to cultivate a unique, immersive experience. The emphasis on creating a community and the focus on the collective vibe rather than individual glory is central to Franky Wah’s philosophy. It’s not just about music; it’s about creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and truly part of something special.

“When we created SHÈN, I always envisioned it evolving into what it is now. The expansion of the brand into clothing, events, and the label was part of the plan. We want people to feel like they’re part of something. With SHÈN Presents Clothing, we wanted to design pieces that embodied this idea. When someone wears SHÈN, it’s more than just merch—it’s a connection to something bigger, a tribe, a community.”

“The most rewarding experience with SHÈN events so far has definitely been Ibiza. The competition is fierce on the island, and for people to choose to come to our event—it’s huge. We’ve created something that resonates with people, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved.”

His take on SHÈN as a lifestyle brand is an extension of his personal values—community, creativity, and authenticity. He sees SHÈN not just as a brand, but as a conduit for people to connect, feel empowered, and truly experience music as a shared journey.

“The vision for SHÈN Recordings moving forward is all about giving artists the freedom to create, without the pressure to tick boxes. We want the label to have a cohesive sound, but we’re not focused on fitting it into one genre. The freedom to explore and create is essential. That sense of freedom is exactly what we want to convey to our listeners.”

With this mantra, SHÈN Recordings has become a space for both emerging and established artists to push boundaries and express themselves authentically. The freedom to innovate, without constraints, is a rare quality in the world of music labels, and it’s something that Franky Wah’s record label embodies wholeheartedly.

“I’m returning to ‘The Revival’ because when I released that first mixtape, I felt like a real artist, figuring out my sound. The past few years have been about building the SHÈN brand, but now, I want to get back to that place of true artistry. Working on volume 2 has allowed me to look back at the past five years and see how far I’ve come.”

“A live show was something I started working on in 2022, but I had to put it on the back burner whilst I was building the SHÈN events and the Ibiza residency. Now that the brand is more established I can focus on playing shows as an artist again. My first live show of the year will be at Hackney Church on March 8th, I can’t wait for people to see what we’ve got planned”

Looking ahead, Franky Wah is committed to pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a modern artist. Whether it’s through his live shows, his brand, or his expanding sound, he is dedicated to delivering meaningful, powerful experiences to his listeners and fans.

Franky Wah and his brand, SHÈN, represent more than just a figure in the electronic music scene—they embody a philosophy of authenticity, community, and artistic freedom.

In an industry often driven by trends, SHÈN stands as a testament to the belief that true connection comes from a place of sincerity.

Franky’s journey, from a young boy immersed in the diverse sounds of his family to a global DJ and brand founder, illustrates the power of staying true to one’s roots while evolving in ways that feel organic, not forced. The essence of SHÈN is not just about the music, but about fostering a sense of belonging—a shared experience where people are united by the beats, the vibe, and the belief in something greater than themselves.

At the heart of SHÈN is the idea that music should be a medium for creating emotional resonance, not just entertainment. Franky Wah’s dedication to creating music that feels raw and unfiltered reveals a deep understanding of the power that sound can hold. His commitment to producing tracks that are reflective of his inner landscape, while being deeply attuned to his audience, suggests a profound respect for the art form. For Franky, the process of making music is a journey of discovery—a personal exploration that extends into the lives of those who listen. The music becomes a conduit for connection, a way to feel and share the highs and lows of the human experience.

This philosophical approach to music extends into his vision for SHÈN as a brand. Rather than focusing on the commercial pressures that often define modern brands, Franky has crafted SHÈN as a space for creativity, freedom, and expression. It’s not just about merchandise or events; it’s about cultivating a lifestyle. SHÈN invites people to join a community that values artistic integrity and emotional depth. For Franky, the brand is a reflection of the ideals he holds dear: that creativity should be free from limitations, that people should feel empowered to express themselves, and that music is more than just sound—it’s a way of being.

In a world that often feels fragmented, SHÈN offers a sense of unity. It transcends the surface-level aspects of music and branding, connecting individuals through shared experiences, ideas, and emotions. This connection is not just through the music, but through the way SHÈN embraces its fans as part of the family. Franky’s emphasis on community and collaboration is a reminder that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves. In many ways, SHÈN is a response to the isolation that often comes with modern life. It’s a call to find meaning not just in the music, but in the people we connect with and the spaces we create together.

Ultimately, Franky Wah and SHÈN offer a new paradigm for what it means to be an artist and a brand in the modern world. It’s a philosophy that challenges the status quo and asks us to consider what it means to be authentic in an increasingly commercialized landscape.

By creating music that speaks to the soul and building a brand that is about more than just world where art and humanity can coexist in a way that is both meaningful and transcendent. It’s an invitation to live fully, to create boldly, and to connect deeply.