South Korea’s electronic music scene is a hotbed of creativity, and DXWAVE is one of its standout talents. Born in the spring of 1980, this DJ/producer has made a name for themselves by bridging generations through music. I recently had the chance to sit down with DXWAVE, and our conversation ranged from their musical roots to their vision for the future of electronic music.
DXWAVE’s stage name itself is a window into their artistic philosophy. “It’s a mashup of ‘Digital Transformation’ and ‘WAV,'” they explain. “You know, like sound waves and the audio format.” This blend of digital and analog perfectly captures DXWAVE’s approach: connecting past and present through music.
As we delve into their background, it becomes clear that DXWAVE’s musical journey has been anything but linear. “I’ve been a music junkie since elementary school,” they admit. “It was all about pop back then – Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men. That stuff was my world.” But a twist of fate in third grade would set them on a new path.
“I picked up a guitar, and suddenly I was neck-deep in rock and blues,” DXWAVE recalls. Their influences expanded rapidly: Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Metallica. This diverse foundation would later prove crucial in shaping DXWAVE’s unique sound.
The transition to electronic music production in 2020 seemed almost inevitable. “Daft Punk was a game-changer for me,” DXWAVE says, leaning forward. “I kept asking myself, ‘How do they create those grooves?’ Before I knew it, I was experimenting with loops and samples.”
DXWAVE’s production style is as unique as their journey with sound. They compare it to a game of Tetris, fitting samples together like puzzle pieces. “The real challenge is nailing that perfect groove,” they explain. “It’s elusive, but when you find it, it’s magic.”
When I ask DXWAVE to describe their music, there’s a pause. “It’s like… retro charm with a modern twist,” they finally say. “Think vintage vibes meets cutting-edge production. Great for a night drive with friends.”
We discuss some of DXWAVE’s standout tracks. “Love You Baby,” which featured in a TV series, and “Bad Romance,” a neon-pop track that blends 80s nostalgia with contemporary sounds. Each piece showcases DXWAVE’s knack for genre-blending.
Our conversation shifts to the future, and DXWAVE’s enthusiasm for AI in music creation is clear. “AI is going to revolutionize art,” they assert. “I’m already incorporating it into my music videos.”
Looking ahead, DXWAVE reveals plans for a Lo-Fi album. “The industry moves at lightspeed these days,” they note. “I’m juggling singles with this ambient project. Something for people to unwind to, you know?”
As our time winds down, I ask DXWAVE what message they want to convey through their music. Their response is passionate: “There’s way more to Korean music than just K-pop — trust me. People are missing out on the energy of drive music… and that’s what DXWAVE is all about.”
It’s clear that DXWAVE is pushing the boundaries of electronic music, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and forward-looking. As they continue to evolve, one thing’s certain: the music world will be watching – and listening – closely.
Fans can follow DXWAVE’s journey on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. For more information about their work and upcoming projects, check out their official website.
