Wax Motif Biography
Meet Wax Motif, the powerhouse DJ and producer who’s been electrifying dance floors across the globe. Born in Australia…
Meet Wax Motif, the powerhouse DJ and producer who’s been electrifying dance floors across the globe. Born in Australia and now based in Los Angeles, this music maestro is known for his unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and electronic dance music.
Wax Motif’s journey to the top of the music scene hasn’t been an overnight success story. It’s a tale of passion, dedication, and an unwavering belief in his musical vision. We’re here to share his inspiring journey, from his early beginnings to his rise as a global music sensation.
So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of Wax Motif, strap in. We’re about to embark on a sonic adventure that explores the life, music, and legacy of this incredible artist.
Early Life & Background
Wax Motif, born Danny Chien, started his life journey in Sydney, Australia. His family played an integral role in fostering his love for music. At a young age, Danny’s auditory senses got acquainted with diverse genres that his family routinely played, opening the gateway for him towards experimenting with his own distinctive style.
In his formative years, Danny delved into the depths of music production. Consistently honing his DJing skills, he spent countless hours in his home studio. His perseverance eventually paid off, earning him a myriad of accolades in Sydney’s local music scene.
The decision to move to Los Angeles came to Danny as a strategic leap. Recognizing LA’s thriving music industry, he saw the potential for exponential growth. Not only did he land in the heart of a vibrant electronic dance music (EDM) culture, but he also found himself in close proximity to hip-hop and R&B – genres that resonated deeply with his artistic sensibilities. His relocation was an authentic representation of his fervor to amalgamate diverse genres, which subsequently led to the creation of his unique musical signature.
Wax Motif’s early life and background gave birth to his iconic style that seamlessly integrated EDM, hip-hop, and R&B, leaving a unique mark worldwide. It’s clear that Danny’s early experiences heavily influenced his trajectory as Wax Motif, reinforcing his distinctive style, and supplying the music industry with unforgettable hits that resonate with a multitude of listeners.
Breakthrough in the EDM Scene
Bursting onto the EDM scene, Wax Motif, originally Danny Chien, demonstrated a profound talent for innovation. Marking landmarks in his career, he garnered international attention with electrifying remixes of renowned artists like Major Lazer and Deadmau5, gaining him a reputation as a remix maestro. Standing out in a sea of EDM artists, he popularized G-House, a distinct blend of rap rhythms and deep house beats. For instance, his hit singles, “Krush Groove” and “YKK” exemplified this unique style, securing his foothold in the industry.
Making giant strides in the EDM world, Wax Motif grabbed hold of opportunities that presented themselves, labelling collaborations with influential musicians as instrumental for his ascend on the EDM ladder. Among his notable alliances, the establishment of a professional relationship with the EDM powerhouse, Diplo, played a critical role. This partnership catapulted Wax Motif towards heightened success; for example, their high-energy track, “Love Ting”, was a chartbuster.
Wax Motif’s prolific performances at globally acclaimed music festivals, highlighted his infectious charisma and unmatched ability to engage audiences. Celebrated events such as EDC Las Vegas, Coachella, and Ultra Music Festival boasted his name on their line-ups, bolstering his image as an EDM heavyweight. In particular, his exhilarating set at Tomorrowland ’16, featuring his signature pulsating rhythms and electrifying beats, was a spectacle in the EDM calendar, earmarking Wax Motif as a musical force to be reckoned with.
Working relentlessly to create a niche, Wax Motif’s music repertoire reflected an unyielding commitment to his craft. Unveiling his own record label, Divided Souls, he not only spearheaded the release of his original music, but also created a platform for aspiring EDM artists. It’s in this endeavor, he underlined his dual role as a pioneer and facilitator, truly cementing his legacy in the EDM scene.
It’s clear that Wax Motif’s breakthrough in the EDM scene was no mere stroke of luck. It was a systematic climb, fueled by innovative musical styles, strategic collaborations, invigorating live performances, and a tireless drive to push the genre forward.
Signature Sound & Production Techniques
Delving deeper into Wax Motif’s music, let’s examine his signature sound and production techniques. His distinct style blends genres with finesse, borrows from trends yet remains unique, creative, and engaging.
What Type of EDM is Wax Motif?
Wax Motif produces primarily G-House and tech house. But, he’s not one to be pinned down easily. He often experiments with multiple genres, incorporating elements from deep house, techno, and trap into his tracks. For instance, his singles, like “Tunnel Vision” and “Bunda”, bare the distinct blends of hip hop rhythms and deep, tech house beats — signature elements of G-House. He also infuses his tracks with R&B hooks, indicative of his broader musical capabilities beyond the realms of contemporary EDM. As an artist, Wax Motif marries varied elements seamlessly, creating catchy, captivating music that reverberates across dancefloors globally.
Unique Production Techniques
To understand Wax Motif’s music is to feast one’s ears on a banquet of subtle production techniques. He masters the art of blending minimal yet punchy beats with potent synths to form intoxicating basslines. His tracks often begin with catchy hooks that set the tone before gradually developing complex rhythms and layered soundscapes.
His technical prowess shines through in “Psykotik”, where sinister synths marry a heavy, pulsating beat. Showcasing his attention to detail, the underlying percussive layers add texture to the overall sound, demonstrating his array of varying production techniques. Observing such instances from Wax Motif’s discography, one can appreciate the intricate tapestry of techniques he employs to keep his music fresh, immersive, and downright danceable.
Without a doubt, Wax Motif is a virtuoso in the EDM arena, always unafraid to push boundaries and evolve his style. His distinctive approach to production has been instrumental in solidifying his reputation in the global dance music scene. He’s a testament to the fact that innovation and authenticity in music production are key to creating a lasting impact.
Similar Artists to Wax Motif
As admirers of the innovative production style in Wax Motif’s music, we might find a comparable vibe gracing playlists through tunes crafted by several similar artists. Bursting with creativity and influences from G-House, tech-house, and trap, alike, these artists offer a blend of sonics mirroring the energy embodied in Wax Motif’s tracks.
Firstly, Chris Lorenzo comes to mind. Hailing from Birmingham, UK—and known for his unique blend of bassline house and bass music—his craft parallels Wax Motif’s propensity for eclectic genre-blending. Chris Lorenzo’s tracks, such as “Every Morning” and “Nightmares,” exhibit vibrant basslines and punchy beats reminiscent of Wax Motif’s style.
Next, Tchami, the French DJ from Paris, mirrors Wax motif’s fusion of seemingly different genres. Known as one of the pioneers of future house, his ability to mix hip-hop with electronic music echoes Wax Motif’s genre-bending sound. An example of this is evident in tracks like “Afterlife” and “Promesses,” showing how his music spans across various genres.
Destructo, an artist from Los Angeles, meshes EDM with hip-hop, making his music a striking analogue to Wax Motif’s style. His songs, such as “Techno” and “Loaded,” display an uncanny resemblance to Wax Motif’s fusion of hip-hop, G-house, and tech-house.
Lastly, listeners will recognize similarities with AC Slater. The UK-born, US-raised artist—known for his novel interpretations of house and bass music—holds a familiar tune. Songs like “Bass Inside” and “Dealer” exemplify his penchant for thumping beats and potent synth work akin to Wax Motif’s style, further cementing the ongoing trend of genre-blending within the EDM scene.
These artists, deeply intertwined in the realm of electronic music, contribute to the rich tapestry of the EDM landscape. Each with their unique approaches, they continue to blur the lines between genres, much like Wax Motif in his innovative journey.
Discography
After understanding Wax Motif’s musical journey and signature sound, let’s map his discography, offering a snapshot of his musical output. Wax Motif has released multiple albums, EPs, and singles, marking his influence on the music industry.
First, we discuss his albums which left a significant imprint on the EDM scene. His debut album, ‘True Joy’ (2014), showcased his fusion of EDM, hip-hop, and R&B, garnering international acclaim. Followed by ‘House of Wax’ (2019), a compilation of diverse tracks that showcased his genre-blending talent.
Moving onto his EPs, he introduced ‘Tokyo EP’ (2017) that manifested his knack for powerful EDM beats fused with oriental melodies. This release was followed by ‘WET’ (2018), blending his iconic G-House vibes with dark, edgy trap elements.
His discography wouldn’t be complete without touching on his renowned singles. A collaborative effort with Destructo, ‘Catching Plays’ (2016), was a massive hit. Our discourse continues with ‘Bunda’ (2018) produced with Dances With White Girls, which disrupted the EDM scene with its infectious rhythm.
In the digital age, his work can easily be accessed on music streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud. Each platform portrays his widespread popularity, with numerous playlist features and millions of plays.
His discography reflects his successful journey in the music industry, showcasing his experimental approach and his ability to blend genres seamlessly. Wax Motif’s work so far paints a picture of his unrelenting dedication to pushing boundaries and shaping the future of the EDM scene.
Tours & Live Performances
After establishing himself as a force in the recording studio, Wax Motif displayed his electrifying prowess on stage. Harnessing years of experience and a keen sense for crowd dynamics, he designed performances that reflect the energy and versatility in his discography.
Embarking on tours with iconic figures such as Tommy Trash in 2012, Wax Motif affirmed his place in the EDM scene. He continually proved his credibility as an electrifying performer, featuring on pivotal tour stops like L.A’s ‘HARD Summer’ and ‘Holy Ship!’, receiving acclaim for his propulsive sets that often blurred lines between music styles. Striking performances splashed across stages like ‘Miami Music Week’ and ‘EDC Las Vegas’ contributed to his reputation as an influential figure within the international EDM circuit.
During his ‘Divided Souls’ tour in 2020, Wax Motif outperformed expectations by showcasing his most memorable tracks from his label. His unique style of mixing G-house, tech-house, and trap showcased the hallmark of his performances, keeping audiences engaged with a dynamic blend of rhythm and vibe. This tour symbolizes his ascent to a well-respected label head and established his imprint on the larger music scene.
Wax Motif’s performances don’t only occur on stages and tour buses. He’s made appearances on prominent radio shows like Diplo’s Revolution on SiriusXM. These features offer listeners a taste of Wax Motif’s live abilities, encapsulating in studio mixes the very essence of his stage performances.
Wax Motif continues to etch a path in the international touring circuit, characterized by his professionally honed stage presence, and genre-defying soundscape that reflect his distinct musical identity. Indeed, the proficiency in live performances adds another dimension to Wax Motif’s winning formula, enhancing his already stellar musical reputation.
Personal Life & Off-stage Persona
Wax Motif, born Daniel Momeni, comes from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, but now calls the vibrant city of Los Angeles home. Choosing a low-key lifestyle and preferring to let his music do the talking, he typically stays out of the limelight when not performing. His off-stage persona, much like his music, resonates a blend of cool intensity and laid-back vibes that appeals to his followers, maintaining a consistent connection with them through social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter.
Daniel is not just a DJ and producer, but also a music enthusiast. His love for music cuts across multiple genres, strengthening his rich and diverse soundscapes. He’s acknowledged the profound influence of artists like Daft Punk, Basement Jaxx and Cassius, integral in shaping his love for music and career path.
Striking a balance between living the life of an EDM superstar and maintaining a regular routine, Daniel often immerses himself in various activities outside the realm of music. Fitness stands as a key pastime, with sporting activities such as surfing and golf making up a significant portion of his off-stage life. He’s voiced his passion for HBO’s Euphoria, citing its soundtrack as a source of musical inspiration.
His relentless dedication to his craft, combined with his authentic, relatable persona off-stage, exemplifies an artist who doesn’t simply adhere to the music industry’s trends but instead, adds his personal touch to the EDM ecosystem. Wax Motif’s personal life and off-stage persona demonstrate that an artist’s influence extends beyond their music, showcasing the man behind the decks and his commitment to remaining true to himself.
Please note that while this section provides an overview of Wax Motif’s personal life and hobbies, it does so with respect to his privacy and the accuracy of the information shared.
Follow Wax Motif
- Instagram: @waxmotif
- Twitter: @waxmotif
- Facebook: Wax Motif
- YouTube: Wax Motif (WAX MOTIF) (Insomniac) (Brooklyn Bowl).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Wax Motif and where is he from?
Wax Motif is a celebrated EDM artist, known for blending hip-hop and R&B into his music. He heralds originally from Sydney, Australia, but made his breakthrough in Los Angeles.
Q2: What is Wax Motif’s unique style?
Wax Motif’s style consists of a unique blend of EDM, hip-hop, and R&B, creating a sound that stands out in the EDM scene. His production techniques contribute to his signature sound.
Q3: What famous music festivals did Wax Motif influence?
Wax Motif has made significant impact at popular music events such as ‘HARD Summer’ and ‘EDC Las Vegas’, earning a solid reputation in the EDM landscape.
Q4: What other artists does the article compare Wax Motif to?
The article compares Wax Motif to other genre-blending artists like Chris Lorenzo and Tchami, who also incorporate diverse musical influences into their work.
Q5: What details does the article provide about Wax Motif’s personal life?
The article sheds light on Wax Motif’s personal life, including his low-key lifestyle, passion for diverse music genres, fitness activities, and enjoyment of TV shows like HBO’s Euphoria.
Q6: What is Wax Motif’s greatest achievement in the EDM scene?
Wax Motif’s establishment of his own label ‘Divided Souls’ and his innovative, genre-blending style are highlighted as some of his greatest achievements in the EDM scene.