UK artist Wax Wings shares some of his best dark electronic inspirations from the underworld via Beatport’s Playlist of the Week.
Darkness consistently lurks through my sound and aesthetic. I’m excited to share with you my dark electronic inspirations from the underworld, which have influenced the production of my latest release, “Don’t Be Afraid (feat. FAP!)”, on HE.SHE.THEY. Records, as well as the direction of my recent DJ sets and the sound of my mutant disco events series, Odyssey.
My DJ sets are unpredictable and dynamic. I love to pull out the wildcards, dramatic builds into minimalist drops, rhythmical curveballs and exploring a range of BPM and genres are some of the many tricks you’ll find in my shows. Welcome to the dark side of the spectrum. Enjoy the trip.
Wax Wings – Don’t Be Afraid (feat. FAP!) [HE.SHE.THEY.]
Thrilled to work with FAP! (Fritz & Poko) on this single from my album. EBM-inspired disco darkness matched with juxtaposed vocals both haunting and dominating. Fritz gave me one of my first shows as Wax Wings so I love this as a full circle moment.
Djedjotronic, Rein – Automation [Boysnoize Records]
This track is like the love child of Nine Inch Nails and Peaches, and I’m obsessed. The whole EP is a masterpiece.
Schwefelgelb – Es Zieht Mich [n-PLEX]
This track is when I fell in love with EBM. It’s almost like I was always looking for this track my whole life. It’s the perfect balance of dark and mischievous.
Wax Wings – Don’t Be Afraid (feat FAP!) (Djedjotronic Remix) [HE.SHE.THEY.]
When deciding on the remix package, Djejotronic’s Transmutation EP made him first choice. I was shook when this remix was delivered, elevating the original into this menacing synth-laden form.
Die Arkitekt – Face [Minos – EMI SA]
My newest obsession, Die Arkitekt masterfully combining genres all tangled in modular mayhem. I saw this performed live recently and the attitude it conjures is infectious. My second selection on the remix for “Don’t Be Afraid” will be out soon!
Wax Wings, Louisahhh – Harder Now [HE.SHE.THEY.]
Louisahhh is everyone’s favourite demon on the vocals. In a blend of my favourite influences, we collaborated on this track for her debut album, and it went down a storm. Very honoured to work alongside her talents on this one.
Vitalic – La Rock 01 [Lektroluv]
The Party Monster soundtrack. I remember watching this movie as a baby queer and this track stuck out, instantly hooked. I’ve played in most of my DJ sets since, it sends the club out of control. A favourite of all time, capturing dark driving intensity like no other.
Valencia Forever, Jensen Interceptor – Edit [ITALO MODERNI]
I love the drama this track brings. The jarring electronic stabs matched with the choir has a juxtaposing grandeur that throws the balance off in the best way.
Sian – Falling Down [Octopus Records]
Pitch bent electro edging. I love this feeling of perpetual rising, it usually comes hand in hand with tons of strobe lights which if I had it my way would be on the whole time.
Scalameriya – Solid Shards Of Time [Perc Trax]
I played this very recently at Unfold in London to an insane crowd of queers, I was so excited to see their reaction to this electronic chaos. It’s totally mental and went down perfect.
Gessafelstein – Orck [Columbia (Sony)]
The big finish, I like to drop this as a ‘one more tune’ track. Punk vs electro climbing up to 182 BPM, draining every last bit of energy from the victims of this genius move.
