Inside Five: Franky Wah on his artistic growth, post-lockdown performing & more

Franky Wah is a name that has sky-rocketed in the past 18-months with chart-topping releases on some of dance music’s most esteemed labels: Anjunadeep, Afterlife, Pryda and collaborating with legendary artists such as Carl Cox and Sasha along the way.

Furthermore, Franky established himself as a firm favourite with the BBC Radio 1 faithful, Pete Tong tipping him as one of his Future Stars, plus regular support from Annie Mac, Danny Howard and Capital FM’s Mistajam.

It has resulted in Franky appearing on the biggest stages in dance music in countries such as Mexico, Dubai. Plus performances at Glastonbury, Hideout and Creamfields. His profile has risen as a result of every show gaining him new fans from his genre-spanning productions and DJ sets with heavy influences from trance, breakbeat, house, techno and beyond.

We had the pleasure to sit down with Franky Wah to find out more about the man behind the music.

Hey Franky, welcome to Mr Afterparty. For those of our readers who might not know who you are, can you introduce yourself and tell us how becoming a dance music producer/DJ all started for you? 

It all started with escapism for me, music is the best way for me to forget day-to-day life. 

Who or what has had the biggest influences on your music career to date?

There are so many artists I look up to, from so many genres. My favourite artist of all is Alicia Keys, but to name a few would be FKJ, Carl Cox and Sasha but I am also massively inspired by my inner circle of friends/producers, Scott Lowe, Matt Beazent and Dan Rymer. I strongly believe between the four of us there is nothing we can’t achieve in the studio. 

We have seen your profile rise in the past 18-months even with lockdown; what would you say has been your standout moments so far as an artist?

I don’t think I can limit it to one thing, but the standout moments for me would be having a crossover record that broke daytime radio, landing the essential mix with Pete Tong, and signing to labels such as Anjunadeep, Afterlife, Pryda. Also collaborating with the likes of Sasha and Carl Cox. 

Since we have returned to clubs post-lockdown, what have been your favourite events and venues to play at so far? Any upcoming shows you’re looking forward to?

There are far too many to list as I enjoy every show I play. However a few of the standout shows would have to be my all night long show at Fabric in London, an intimate festival I played in Bedford called Warm-up festival and Anjunadeep Open Air at the Drum Sheds. 

What can we expect next from Franky Wah for the rest of 2021 and beyond?

New music, and lots of it. I have been known for my aggressive release schedule and 2022 looks to be the biggest yet. I am also launching my own label and brand which I can’t wait for. 

Thanks for taking the time to speak with us, and I am sure we will hear more from you very soon 😉

Cheers guys!