Name: Franky Wah’s SHÈN
Start: 2023-04-28T22:00:00.000-04:00
End: 2023-04-29T04:00:00.000-04:00

Mixtapes can be a lot of fun because the format offers artists freedom and less pressure than an album, but more space than an EP. For Franky Wah's second mixtape, This Is SHÈN, which he released last November on his new SHÈN Recordings, he really went all out. Coming in at 27 tracks and two-and-a-half hours, he showcases the expansive sound and transcendental vision of label and events brand.



“One of my first projects, when I sort of got established, [got] a bit of an audience, was a mixtape [2020's The Revival, Vol. 1] and it did so well. But then I moved along into the singles world, which is how a lot of people do it now. I moved into that to keep building and then I sat down with my team and I said, ‘You know what? I’ve got so much music, like I’ve got over 1000 unreleased demos. What are we gaining from this music just being sat on the hard drive?” Wah recently told Gray Area.





The mixtape first began as just eight tracks—some from over four years ago—but grew to 32. He trimmed it down to the wonderfully curated 27-track journey that now exists out in the world. If you want to go on a visual journey with the project, the full live mix that lives on YouTube (and is embedded above) features Wah mixing the tracks during sunset in a wooded forest with sleek minimalist lighting around him.



Wah's sound is an immersive, expansive and cinematic dance music experience, and on This Is SHÈN, he captures the current range of his sound (I'm not doubting Wah will continue to explore new territory as time goes on), which is also reflective of the label's. There're progressive sounds—which he first fell in love with at 11—deep house, melodic house and techno, and organic house, and it all feels like one big, exciting journey through rave space and time.



“I think the main ethos of SHÈN, the identity that we want to build, is this melodic/progressive tribal sound,” he told us. “That earthy, organic tribal sound [that] leans into a bit of emotional breakbeat—Balearic sounds as well. Because I’m quite eclectic when I play my DJ sets, I want my label to reflect the same taste.”





Like the 2020 mixtape, and most of his singles he's dropped since he hit gold with "Get Me High" in 2019, the 2022 mega mixtape was a big hit.



“I expected the diehard fans to really love it but never in my wildest dreams did I expect top six. It was number six in the Spotify Albums chart. Number one on Beatport. I had high hopes, but it exceeded any expectation that I ever had. It’s told me that that’s the way I need to keep it going. I’m already working on the next mixtape.”



While we'll be letting This Is SHÈN take us on a sonic journey for a long time to come, we also can't wait to hear what's next. Keep it coming, Franky!

How Franky Wah Brought His 'This Is SHEN' Mixtape to Life

Scoring an Ibiza headline residency is a big goal for many DJs—who wouldn’t want to spend the summer in paradise, on a beautiful island where dance music has thrived for decades?



Still relatively fresh in his career (he broke through in 2019), British DJ/producer Franky Wah has already played most of Ibiza's legendary venues, including Amnesia, Hï, Eden, and Ushuaïa. In June, he'll launch his SHÈN residency on the island, and perhaps the supposed magic of the Balearic island helped him make it happen.



Last summer, he was discussing the power of manifestation over dinner in Ibiza with BBC Radio 1 DJ Danny Howard and other friends. What unfolded that evening was nothing short of miraculous.



As the dinner conversation continued, Wah mentioned that he wanted to have his own residency next season, perhaps at Club Chinois, which he felt had a great vibe for his brand. A few minutes later, Ibiza nightlife purveyor Danny Whittle came by their table to talk to Wah about doing a residency at the club he’d recently took the reins of—Club Chinois. You can’t make this shit up!



“Danny Howard was like, ‘What the fuck? You’ve just been talking about manifesting,’ and then this residency sort of dropped on my lap,” Wah recently told Gray Area.



“And then when we went into it, [we realized that] three weeks prior, I had sent my manager a photo or a video from the club saying, ‘Do you know about this club?’ It turns out that day was the day that Danny [Whittle signed] the contract to join.”



Beginning on June 18, for 16 weeks, you can catch Wah and his curated roster of special guests for SHÈN Ibiza at Club Chinois. Perhaps you’ll even be able to catch some magic there yourself.



“I’m absolutely buzzing…to be bringing the brand over to the island,” Wah said in a statement. “This has always been on the bucket list for me, and when starting SHÈN, an Ibiza residency seemed like a distant dream.”



“I’m absolutely buzzing…to be bringing the brand over to the island," Wah said in a statement. “This has always been on the bucket list for me, and when starting SHÈN, an Ibiza residency seemed like a distant dream.”

How Franky Wah Manifested His 16-Week Ibiza Residency

Euphoric house and techno producer Franky Wah may be riding high as he ascends in the dance music scene, but he almost lived the simple life. He was born Luke Storrs to a farming family in Doncaster, a small town in Yorkshire, England. He came from a long line of farmers, and assumed he'd continue the tradition. Yet even as he's stepped away from the family business, he's kept his family close as he travels the globe to get dancefloors heated. (He also still lives in Doncaster, just five minutes away from his parents.)



For Wah's latest successful endeavor, his SHÈN label and events brand, his family provided inspiration.



“Shen is actually a Chinese word that stands for ascending into a higher consciousness, which is sort of what I’d like to say happens at our events," Wah recently told Gray Area. “My [DJ] name Franky Wah, actually comes from my granddad, who’s Chinese, Harry Wah.”



In indigenous Chinese religion, shen means spirit or divinity and is "associated with the yang (bright, active) aspect of the cosmos and with the higher, spiritual component of the human soul." It is believed that when a person dies, their soul either becomes a shen spirit, which ascends to the spirit world, or a dark guei yin spirit, which remains in the human world to seek revenge.



Wah added the accent over the E in SHÈN—stylized as a feather in the logo—as an additional nod to transcendence. He brings attention and care to all aspects of it, from its expansive, euphoric music catalog, immersive events in stellar venues, and his acute attention to detail.



2023 is set to be the year of SHÈN. Wah held his debut label showcase at Mia Beach Club in Tulum on New Year's Eve, and will make his U.S. SHÈN debut on April 28 at New York's iconic Knockdown Center. He'll then serve up the label's first Ibiza showcase with an epic 16-week residency at Club Chinois, beginning on June 18.



Wah also told Gray Area that even his upcoming residency at Club Chinois embodies the spirit of SHÈN and his family. His grandfather Harry owned a pottery shop, and the sinks in the club's bathrooms happen to match pottery sets Harry gave Wah's mom and sisters as wedding presents! Additionally, there are three large pillars in the club covered in gold feathers—the space is ready for ascension.

How Franky Wah's Grandfather Inspired His Label SHÈN

The reverberating electronic beats emerging from the Mediterranean will soon be joined by the contemporary sounds of rising British producer Franky Wah. The English DJ has announced his debut Ibiza residency, where he will showcase his revered avant-garde production, SHÈN.




Poised to take over the island’s much-lauded Club Chinois, the venue will host Wah’s eclectic performances beginning Sunday, June 18. For 16 weeks, each Sunday, the halls of the recently renovated club will be enveloped by the forward-thinking, ear-catching project created by Wah.




Speaking on the partnership, Wah exclaimed, “I’m absolutely buzzing…to be bringing the brand over to the island.” He continues, “This has always been on the bucket list for me, and when starting SHÈN, an Ibiza residency seemed like a distant dream.”






As a brand, SHÈN stands out for illustrating boundary-pushing fashion and conceptual music under the influence of Chinese mythology. As the label head, Wah has garnered the attention of artists like Sasha, Cristoph, Korolova, and Shadow Child, who have all released records under the imprint.




In 2022, Wah released his debut mixtape, This Is SHÈN, a three-hour-long playlist that encapsulates the ethos of Eastern philosophy through the mind of Wah’s captivating productions. More recently, Wah teamed up with fellow British producer Cristoph, to deliver the chart-topping hit “Darkest Hour” featuring Diana Miro.




Throughout the summer, SHÈN should more than feel at home in Club Chinois. The island hotspot pulls its influence from the Chinese megacity of Shanghai, where its 1930s jazz club culture is exhibited throughout its granite floors and golden-sculpted columns.




Franky Wah recently shared with Gray Area that the club shares a deeper connection with the inspiration behind SHÈN. Wah takes his name from his Chinese grandfather, Harry Wah. His grandfather owned a pottery shop. The sinks in the Club Chinois restrooms are nearly identical to a matching pottery set Harry gave his mom and two sisters as wedding presents. Running through the club are three large pillars covered in gold feathers, a gentle nod to the feather that floats over the logo for SHÈN.




The synergy between Club Chinois and SHÈN is undeniable, and the recently renovated club should be a hotbed of activity this season. Wah praises the upcoming collaboration, concluding, “...this is undoubtedly one of the highlights of my career to date.”




Frank Wah’s SHÈN will take place every Sunday from June 18 - October 1, 2023, at Club Chinois in Ibiza, Spain. For tickets and more information, click here.









Franky Wah’s SHÈN Lands Ibiza Residency at Club Chinois

Beyond the mainstage, Ultra Music Festival has a history of curating forward-thinking house and techno lineups that rival any of the downtown and South Beach antics during Miami Music Week. Returning to Bayfront Park Friday, March 24 - Sunday, March 26, Ultra's Resistance will host two stages of heart-stopping techno and groove-inducing house.




Most are fully aware of the iconic Megastructure with its hulking framework, astounding LED bars that rise and fall from the ceiling, and next-generation artistic design. However, Resistance Cove is where you want to be for outdoor intimacy, perfectly positioned for Miami's beautiful tropical weather. Isolated to the side of Bayfront Park Resistance Cove was designed to bring a tiny slice of the memorable Resistance Island concept to Bayfront Park. Set amidst a grove of palm trees, it offers storytelling views of Miami's skyline and Biscayne Bay.




The weekend features three full-day stage takeovers from some of the most respected brands in underground dance.




On Friday, Nicole Moudaber takes on an unexpected yet exciting new location bringing her Mood label family to the intimate side of Resistance. She'll light up the night with a jaw-dropping B2B with techno legend and CLR boss Chris Liebing. UK-born Maya Jane Coles and Swedish star Ida Engberg will bring their powerful female techno-magic to the stage. Luigi Madonna will perform alongside fellow Italian techno don Roberto Capuano reviving the intensity of their 2020 Drumcode collaboration Mad World. And rounding out the intense opening day is Aussie-born, London-based Juliet Fox, who will keep the energy high and fire off some tasteful tracks.

On Saturday, Joris Voorn will unleash his Spectrum project. Started to encompass his divergent duo of record labels in 2005, Spectrum has grown into a force of its own, encompassing a record label, events series, and radio show.




Voorn tells Gray Area, "This is an exciting moment for Spectrum. Hosting the Cove stage at Ultra in Miami with such an all-star lineup - it's going to be an amazing day." And we agree. Joris will continue a weekend of massive talent at The Cove. Heading things up with him are Iranian maestro Dubfire doing a b2b with Danish native Kölsch. Afterlife regulars Mind Against will bring their emotionally drenched melodic sounds to the stage. Fideles, known for their transcendental dreamscapes, will craft a caringly curated musical journey. And Franky Wah, who recently launched his new label SHÈN, is a must-see act as he always delivers and serves his crowd with an unworldly blend of euphoric breakbeat, techno, and house.

On Sunday, Dirtybird heads tap in! The dad West Coast house and leader of Dirtybird Records, Claude VonStroke, is pulling up with his wonky and fresh, out-of-the-box tech-house tunes. VonStroke tells Gray Area that the Dirtybird crew is "kicking off a new year of Dirtybird Players shows and festival appearances. This is our full-label tour in about four years, so everyone is excited about it."




Claude is bringing the finest members of the birdhouse to close out the festival: Rules Don't Apply founders and owners Walker & Royce, modular synth demon Lubelski, everyone's favorite sour and sweet tech house titan VNSSA, Basement Leak founder and producer of one of Dirtybird's most defining hits "OKAY" Shiba San, rising twin duo RaeCola, and Kyle Kinch who has recently begun to dominate the international circuit.

Everyone leaves Ultra with the sense that the Megastructure is one of the festival's crowning achievements. However, with a lineup like this, you'd be kicking yourself if you didn't spend a good amount of time at Resistance's small but mighty little sister. The Cove may be a smaller stage, but the acts are massive, and the music will be next-level.



























Resistance Cove is The Move for Underground House and Techno at Ultra Miami









When Franky Wah emerged in 2017 with a slew of funky tech house releases, he couldn't have imagined launching a multi-disciplinary brand at the scale of SHÈN only five years later. And while the vision for the record label, events, and fashion line has rolled around in his head for the last three or four years, the speed at which it’s taken shape since its launch in April of 2022 is remarkably indicative of his tenacity and talent.




The release of the anthemic breaks doubleheader “More Than You’ll Ever Know” and “Surrender,” featuring a soaring topline from Clementine Douglas, cryptically announced the label. Wah quickly proved that his abilities as a skilled selector translated into a deft ear for A&R. EPs from Korolova, Shadow Child, OUT OF MIND, and his own (second) collaboration with the legendary Sasha followed.






The genre-defying heterogeneous Franky Wah sound permeates the SHÈN catalog, and that’s intentional. “I think the main ethos of SHÈN, the identity that we want to build, is this melodic/progressive tribal sound,” he explains. “That earthy, organic tribal sound [that] leans into a bit of emotional breakbeat—Balearic sounds as well. Because I’m quite eclectic when I play my DJ sets, I want my label to reflect the same taste.”




Franky also reveals that everything about SHÈN brims with the same deliberate intention, from its name to its visual aesthetic.




“Shen is actually a Chinese word that stands for ascending into a higher consciousness, which is sort of what I’d like to say happens at our events.” The name itself holds deeper meaning for Franky, he explains, “my name Franky Wah, actually comes from my granddad, who’s Chinese, Harry Wah.” Even the feathered accent soaring over the letter E in SHÈN is another positive symbol of ascension and transcendence.






In Chinese, shen is associated with yin,—the spiritual aspect of humanity and the counterbalance to yang—awareness, and consciousness. In a scene bereft with artist-led brands, starting one seems natural but must be intentional, employing both sides of the yin and yang. Franky mulled over SHÈN’s creation for several years. Ultimately deciding to move forward emerged from both his sharp business acumen and an acute spiritual awareness that it was the right time. As we discover throughout this conversation, Franky’s self-awareness, his application of shen, is a prime factor in his success.




Over the last few years, Franky has become a figurehead in the progressive scene. Brilliantly finding the balance between old-school sensibilities and modern capabilities, he’s risen to the forefront of dance music with a slew of uplifting originals like “Under The Sun,” collaborations with Carl Cox and Sasha, and memorable DJ sets around the world.




“I sort of stood on my own two feet, moved away from doing lineups and events, and I was actually moving to hard tickets and selling out my own shows,” he explains about how he knew it was time to take action. “I thought, ‘Yeah, you know what? There’s an audience here. I’ve got a lot of traction.’”




He says that while some use a brand as a tool to build their career, he felt he could do so much more piggybacking on his already established reliability and fan power. “It’s easier to attract artists to your label. It’s easier to put on your own event. For instance, doing your first-ever label showcase at one of the best venues on New Year’s Eve is just mind-blowing. I dream big, but that wasn’t even something I was thinking was possible.”




His debut label showcase at Mia Beach Club in Tulum was a beautiful way to start 2023. For the first two weeks of the year, all eyes in dance music are on the Mexican beachside paradise. With events like Afterlife and Damian Lazarus’ Day Zero dominating the calendar, it was an honor for Franky to be able to compete. And throwing a party in the same space that legends like John Digweed occupy proved he could stand on his own two feet.




“It feels like what I can imagine (because I’m not married) what your wedding day must feel like. It’s a really touching feeling. You can play the lineups for different brands and you don’t really know who’s there for you and who’s just there for the brand, who’s there to see another DJ on the lineup. But when you do your own thing, you ultimately know that everyone’s there for you.”





Launching the brand as his career was exploding, fully realized another dream: his debut album This Is SHÈN. Released in November of 2022 and announced by a winding, gorgeously layered, and composed 27-track mix and YouTube stream to accompany its release.




“One of my first projects, when I sort of got established, a bit of an audience, was a mixtape and it did so well. But then I moved along into the singles world, which is how a lot of people do it now. I moved into that to keep building and then I sat down with my team and I said, ‘You know what? I’ve got so much music, like I’ve got over 1000 unreleased demos. What are we gaining from this music just being sat on the hard drive?”




YouTube approached Franky to work together on a visual component for the mixtape. What initially began as eight records (some of which were over four years old) ballooned to 32 that he whittled down to the beautifully programmed 27 that ranged from the deep progressive breaks of "Pandora" to the emotive uplifting synths of "Rise."

The album was an unsurprising success. “I expected the diehard fans to really love it but never in my wildest dreams did I expect top six. It was number six in the Spotify Albums chart. Number one on Beatport. I had high hopes, but it exceeded any expectation that I ever had. It’s told me that that’s the way I need to keep it going. I’m already working on the next mixtape.”



The next step in the life of SHÈN is a return to New York, where he will present his first label showcase in the United States. Coming back to New York holds immense sentimental value for him. The site of two sold-out headlining shows, he’s overjoyed to work alongside promoters that genuinely believe in him and his vision.



“it made sense for me to do it first in America with the brand that I believe sort of believed in me the most. Gray Area and Joey and MJ, they believe in this. And that works. You need to work with promoters that believe in you. It’s not about who’s got the biggest checkbook. It’s about who believes in you, and who wants to actually build some something that’s got some substance, longevity.”




When you consider that so much of the brand’s ethos is rooted in the sense of spiritual reverence that comes from a deep love for dance music, it’s no surprise that the power of manifestation played a distinct role in so much of its progression, including his upcoming 16 week Ibiza residency in summer 2023.




Last summer, while in Ibiza, he was chatting with BBC Radio 1 DJ, Danny Howard and some other friends about the power of manifestation over dinner. As the conversation moved on, Franky’s plans for next season came up, and he mentioned he wanted to do his own thing, maybe at Club Chinois, which he felt had an excellent vibe for his brand. Several minutes later, Danny Whittle, one of Ibiza’s most celebrated nightlife icons, came by the table to talk to Franky about doing a residency at Club Chinois, which he was now running.



“And Danny Howard was like, ‘what the fuck? You’ve just been talking about manifesting,’ and then this residency sort of dropped on my lap. And then when we went into it, three weeks prior, I had sent my manager a photo or a video from the club saying, ‘Do you know about this club?’, It turns out that day was the day that Danny [Whittle signed] the contract to join.”


Going further, Franky explains that even his residency at Club Chinois embodies the spirit of SHÈN. His grandfather Harry owned a pottery shop. In the club’s restrooms, he says, are sinks nearly identical to a matching pottery set Harry gave his mom and two sisters as wedding presents. Running through the club are three large pillars covered in gold feathers.




Franky has spent his career paying attention to the signs and manifesting these moments for himself. SHÈN isn’t just the culmination of his creative power, it’s proof that dreaming big, working hard, and trusting your most powerful inclinations leads to success. All signs continue to point to the incredible rise of Franky Wah and SHÈN.




SHÈN  is the Next Step in Franky Wah's Creative Evolution

Getting recognized by BBC Radio 1 is a DJ rite of passage, be it releasing a hallowed Essential Mix for Pete Tong or getting support from Annie Mac, Danny Howard, and any of the other long-time DJs on the British national radio service's "modern popular music" channel. And for Franky Wah, a small-town lad turned globe-trotting DJ/producer, the continued support from BBC Radio 1 DJs is not something he takes for granted.



"It's played a huge part in my career," the "Surrender" producer told Gray Area in 2021.







He closed 2020 with the release of his Essential Mix featuring only his productions and remixes. And he has garnered support from Tong, Mac, and Mistajam on their Radio 1 shows, even going B2B with Mr. All Gone himself for the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend celebration in May of 2022.



"Annie Mac, she changed my life [with] her support. She's gained the nation's trust and the industry's trust in her taste in music. So, if Annie Mac's on the airwaves telling you this track is a banger…you listen," he said of the impact of getting her musical blessing.

Mac has named quite a few of Wah's tracks "the hottest record in the world," her superlative for the big tune of the week. These include "You Don't Know" and "Come Together" in 2020 and "Not In Love" featuring Lowes in 2021.



For those unfamiliar, Mac spent 17 years as a champion of women in dance music and a respected and beloved BBC Radio 1 host. She celebrated music that spoke to her, made her feel good, and helped make the careers of countless artists. The Irish DJ, producer, author, and event curator launched her first BBC show, The Mash Up, in July 2004, which was all about playing music from listeners' perspective rather than from DJs. Her main show evolved into Future Sounds, and she also hosted Friday night's Dance Party.



While a large part of her appeal is her humbleness and lack of pretension, she makes waves when she champions a song, as Wah attested. And after 17 years of changing the face of electronic music with her impactful Radio 1 show, she left the BBC in July 2021 with one last broadcast and played a Wah track during it.

Franky Wah: "Annie Mac Changed My Life"





Within one year, Franky Wah released two collaborations with none other than dance music titan Carl Cox. It’s sounding like a third could be on the way—but amazingly, that’s far from the biggest recent development in the Yorkshire, UK artist’s career.



That’s not to say he takes the opportunity lightly. “It's not every day you get to work with someone whom you’ve genuinely looked up to throughout your career, and before you even started it,” he says during a Zoom call with Gray Area. “To be able to work with and admire him on a professional level and know him on a personal level are two totally different things. And he is a legend in both aspects.”





Franky famously pursued a career as a footballer, and later a bodybuilder, only to transition into full-time work as a dance music DJ and producer. His early releases leaned more towards tech house, but starting with his 2019 single “Get Me High” he began to favor a melodic sound that better reflected who he was as an artist.



“I'm definitely not ashamed of the records I put out,” Franky says of his output prior to that turning point. “But what I will say that I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't feel them. I know it might sound a bit cheesy, but you need to feel every record that you're putting out.”





He’s certainly not the only one feeling his newer work. In addition to Cox, Franky has collaborated with the likes of Sasha, Pete Tong, Lee Foss, and Christoph. He also now runs a record label called SHÉN whose sound encompasses everything from Balearic breakbeat to Afro-tech to progressive house. The imprint’s upcoming compilation, This is SHÉN, comprises 27 individual tracks that also come as a continuous mix. They have received early support from artists like Hot Since 82, Adriatique, Massano, and Caiiro.



That’s not all Franky has in the works. After five years in the making, he’s gearing up for the release of Anywhere but Here, the artist album for his downtempo side project. Franky calls it “proper thinking music” inspired by the likes of Fred Again, Four Tet, and Caribou.



But make no mistake: the effort will still be a Franky Wah release. “Ultimately, you think of any side project that you've ever heard of and you always associate it with the name that you knew them for anyway,” he says. “So I just think you may as well do it under your name, but maybe address it differently.”



Perhaps the biggest thing out on Franky’s horizon isn’t technically music at all, but something to accompany it.



“I'm working on a visual aspect to my show now, to my DJ set—I'm talking to the level of [Eric] Prydz,” he says. “That's where I want to take it. “It's a lot of back and forth with the design team, but this is a very strong concept and story. It's not just strong visuals. There's actually a story and a journey.”



Franky isn’t willing to say much more about his upcoming stage show, only that it’s definitely happening. “We've got two amazing venues and two great dates secured for the launch event next year,” he says. “And there are already international shows scheduled for it—not just in the UK.”



Our conversation makes it clear: Things aren’t about to slow down for Franky Wah anytime soon. Only time will tell what projects he’ll be ready to discuss the next time he finds the time to speak to Gray Area.

Franky Wah Talks New Mixtape, Downtempo Side Project, Stage Visuals

Who would you pick to DJ if you could book a dream club lineup? When we asked Franky Wah, producer of euphoric bangers, this question, he knew exactly who he'd tap to play with him for his lineup of a lifetime. The "Dopa La Vita" producer listed five fellow artists he'd love to have on his dream bill, including three he's collaborated with.


His first choice is progressive house pioneer Sasha: "He was an icon for me growing up."


Not only did the Welsh DJ and dance music legend inspire a young Wah, he's also supported the younger star's tracks and even tapped him to collab on his 2020 Haunted EP. And 33 years in, Sasha is still an absolute treat to catch DJing, as Wah affirms.

His second choice is "another big influence," the man, the myth, the legend, Carl Cox. To see Carl Cox DJ is to experience pure rave joy. Who wouldn't want that?

Cox and Wah first linked up on a 2021 standout, "We Are One," which samples an inspiring monologue from Cox and channels '90s rave energy. Oh yes, oh yes!

More recently, Cox tapped him for the massive 134 BPM techno heater, "See The Sun Rising."



Next up, fellow rising U.K. act, Cristoph, who Wah describes endearingly as "my boy."

"We have a lot of synergy in music taste, and in music production we gel really well. We have the same musical mind," Wah explains. They paired up in 2021 alongside vocalist and producer, Artche for "The World You See."



Franky taps genre-defying Texas-born Maceo Plex for his dream rave lineup saying, "He's just in a league of his own,"



And last but not least is Danish artist Kölsh. So, is this gonna go down on your pop's farm, or what, Franky? Don't forget our invite, please!

Franky Wah Reveals His Dream Club Lineup

Not every famous artist knew they'd be making music for a living, and surely not every in-demand DJ/producer envisions themselves commanding dance floors when they name their "dream job" as a child. And for euphoric house and techno producer Franky Wah, his alternate career paths are a far cry from the dancefloor.

Franky Wah was born Luke Storrs to a farming family in Doncaster, a city in South Yorkshire, England. He came from a long line of farmers and assumed he'd continue the tradition.

"I would have followed in my dad's footsteps and become a farmer," he told Gray Area in his Spotlight interview. And while he's since traveled the world playing some of the hottest dance festivals and clubs, he's still a small-town boy at heart, living just five minutes away from his parents in Doncaster.




He also had a past life as a competitive bodybuilder—although a 2020 interview with British GQ shows his fitness routine is still very much in place—and placed seventh in Mr. Universe. As a teen, he played soccer and even got to play against Manchester United at just 16.


His entré to dance music happened at 11 when he heard Paffendorf's 2001 trance classic "Be Cool." Transfixed by the otherworldly sound, he sought to uncover its sonic mysteries and counted its bars to analyze the track. The experience planted a seed for the little farm lad to grow into a powerhouse producer. It just took a little time to be watered. But by the time he started DJing at 23, it started growing quickly.

How Franky Wah Went From the Farmstead to the Mainstage

Franky Wah’s career has allowed him to flex his versatility through not only his solo music but also collaborations with some of the biggest names in dance music. We would argue that some of the former footballer and bodybuilder’s most interesting releases are his official remixes, however.




They often follow similar themes: lush atmospheres and extended breakdowns that differentiate them from Franky’s typical, dancefloor-friendly fare. He doesn’t shy away from incorporating broken beat rhythms into a lot of his music, but they feature especially heavily in these remixes.




Franky’s versions of the following tracks highlight an unexpected facet of his music output. Read on to hear what we mean and experience this side of the British DJ and producer for yourself.




1. Duke Dumont - Therapy (Franky Wah Remix)

The original “Therapy” by Duke Dumont features drum samples and diva vocals reminiscent of early rave. Franky ignited a modern warmth around these elements in his take on the track, which leans heavily on cinematic bass lines and heavenly chords on the high end.




2. MJ Cole and Freya Ridings - Waking Up (Franky Wah Remix)

UK garage pioneer MJ Cole teamed up with vocalist Freya Ridings to deliver the melancholic “Waking Up” in February 2019. The following year, Franky delivered a version of his own. Appearing on his album The Revival, Vol. 1, it features progressive house synths and a change-up in beat structure that makes it a massive DJ tool.




3. Moby - In This World (Franky Wah Remix)

Also appearing on The Revival, Vol. 1, was Franky’s remix of “In This World” by Moby. The original — which appeared on Moby’s 2002 album 18 — paired a spine-tingling vocal with simple piano chords and a slow-burning rhythm. Frankie kept much of the concept intact, albeit with a higher tempo and updated production value.




4. Gorgon City - Oxygen ft. Aura James (Franky Wah Remix)

Danceable yet somewhat dark and introspective, “Oxygen” featuring Aura James is a standout of Gorgon City’s discography. Franky brought the intensity down in his remix while doubling down on the original’s suspense.




5. SHOUSE - Love Tonight (Franky Wah Remix)

Not long after SHOUSE delivered “Love Tonight,” it became a 2021 summer dance anthem. Franky reimagined the instant classic with effervescent synth work complementing its unforgettable vocal, leaving enough room for its instrumental samples to shine during the breakdown.



5 Remixes that Show a Different Side of Franky Wah

Franky Wah dove into dance music somewhat late in life. Formerly a footballer and bodybuilder, it wasn’t until 2017 that he dropped his debut single, “House Party.” He’s made up for lost time, though, if his trajectory since then is any indication.




Case in point: the caliber of artists on his growing list of collaborators in the past two years alone. Frankie’s music speaks for itself — and it always will — but it certainly doesn’t hurt that tastemakers at the highest level of the industry have cosigned on his talent in the studio.




More importantly, his club-ready brand of melodic house music has proven to mesh well with the styles of these world-renowned acts. Below are six such tracks that have resulted from Frankie Wah’s high-profile collaborations since the end of 2020.




1. Sasha and Franky Wah - Haunted

When longtime progressive household name (see what we did there?) Sasha joins forces with an up-and-coming artist, the world stops and listens. The dusty broken beat and reverbed melodies of “Haunted” holds the listener captive throughout its seven-minute duration, subtly building tension by introducing symphonic elements near the halfway mark.




2. Cristoph, Franky Wah, and Artche - The World You See

Cinematic sound design frames a sterling vocal in “The World You See” by Cristoph, Franky Wah, and Artche. Released only a few months after “Haunted,” it proved Franky versatile enough to collaborate with artists representing both the past and future of progressive house.




3. Lee Foss and Franky Wah - Name Of Love ft. SPNCR

Franky Wah’s collaboration with Lee Foss signaled something of a departure from the chugging tech house rhythms characteristic of the latter artist’s output. SPNCR’s radio-ready vocal sets the tone in “Name Of Love,” whose soft melodies suit it well as a closing track for DJ sets.




4. Carl Cox and Franky Wah - We Are One

Is there a stronger endorsement than getting enlisted to work on a track alongside dance music titan Carl Cox? We can’t think of one. After a chill-inducing spoken word sample delivered by the British house and techno icon himself, “We Are One” drops into equally uplifting lead synths set off by an infectiously danceable breakbeat.




5. Franky Wah and Pete Tong - Out of the Blue ft. Jules Buckley

Closing out the end of 2021 was Franky Wah’s collaboration with Pete Tong, a DJ, producer, and broadcast journalist who played no small role in introducing house music to the U.K. in the ’80s. “Out of the Blue” featuring Jules Buckley is defined by big, trance-inspired synths and soothing atmospheres.




6. Carl Cox and Franky Wah - See the Sun Rising

If it seems odd that we included two separate Carl Cox collaborations on this list, keep in mind how much you have to impress an artist at his level to compel him to work with you a second time. His second joint effort with Franky, “See the Sun Rising,” melds the galloping percussion of techno with fittingly futuristic chords.




“I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with Carl on a record prior to this one, so to work on a second track is just a testament to how smooth the writing process between us is,” Wah told Dancing Astronaut. “I visited his home last year and he mentioned he had an album coming out but I had no idea he’d ask me to be a part of it, so when the opportunity came, I was honored.”



From Sasha to Carl Cox: 6 of Franky Wah’s Biggest Collabs

Heading a record label has become a necessary part of the evolution of a dance music producer. Franky Wah—aka Luke Storrs—has more than hit his stride in 2022 as he adds yet another label project to his resume with the launch of his second imprint Terracotta Records. The debut release is a soul-soaring new single, “Under The Sun,” featuring electro up-and-comers AR/CO.





Whirring synths purr beneath a steady kick like a loaded engine waiting for someone to punch the gas—cue AR/CO. A full choir of swelling vocals emerges to call forth a vibe that radiates sunset dance party while rapid-fire plucks glisten above a relentless low end like the infinite stars in the endless black of a summer night sky. When the songwriting carries this much passion and the production emits this much power, it’s only a matter of time until we hear this sweet single played on main stages the world over.



“Ever since I began playing this record out in my live sets it always brings the dancefloor to a standstill,” Franky says. “It’s always stood out for me and instantly when producing it, I knew exactly where it needed to go. I spoke in depth with AR/CO about the vocal until we were all happy and after that everything else just fell into place. AR/CO were an absolute pleasure to work with on this release and I cannot wait for it to soundtrack everyone’s summer.”



Terracotta Records and “Under The Sun” mark a massive milestone in his career. Terracotta emerged intending to house the more forward-facing, accessible sounds of Franky (and friends) catalog. While this venture aims for a slightly more mainstream approach, Franky’s first label, SHÈN, launched in early April, will push deeper, underground-focused themes.





Frank Wah Launches Terracotta Records With Anthemic Dance Track, 'Under The Sun'

United Kingdom

Franky Wah

What genre would you describe your music as?

Melodic house and techno

Where are you from?

Yorkshire, UK

What age did you start DJing?

23

If you weren't a DJ, what would you be doing for your career?

I would have followed in my dad's footsteps and become a farmer.

What's your favorite artist/style of music outside of dance music?

Alicia Keys without a doubt.





“I was 11 years old listening to this trance classic, counting bars, listening differently. I remember thinking, is this how 11-year-olds listen to music or is it how producers in the making hear music.” Luke Storrs, AKA Franky Wah, has many musical moments from his past for which the memories are so vivid, he can recount who he was with, what he was wearing, and where he was. Despite seeming to have a brain built for music, Luke tried out many other things in life before determining that success in music gave him the greatest feeling over any other type of success. 

“I’ve gone in and out of all sorts of stuff in my life. I did football, bodybuilding… I came in seventh in mister universe. I competed on world stages at bodybuilding, I played against Manchester United in football in a stadium at age 16... none of it filled the purpose I was seeking in music. You strive towards these goals… but compared to playing the main stage of Creamfields, it just didn’t feel the same.” 

Luke’s first release came in 2017, a proper tech house EP heater called ‘House Party.’ Although the track was received well and has high-quality production, Luke’s sound has changed tremendously over the years. As he has matured, the music he listens to has changed and he has fought to define his own identity. “I think age had a lot to do with it. When you’re younger your musical palette is less influenced and you’re playing/making more what you hear outside. As I grew, tech-house didn’t stimulate me enough in the studio… I took piano lessons for three years and wanted to put it in my music. I couldn’t do that with tech-house.”

It took Luke time to fully realize where he wanted to take his sound. There were many moments over the years that helped push him across the line. He described attending Sonus Festival in Barcelona as a pivotal moment for his sonic transformation. “I had one of those moments to a record by Bicep (‘Opal - Four Tet Remix). I remember coming back after thinking I needed to play and make music like that. It was a sign from the universe. The feeling I had on the dancefloor, I had to replicate that in my sound.”

Luke’s sound began to transform in 2018. Although he was not producing the type of melodic house that he is now, the seeds of growth began to show. His ‘Motives EP’ was highly experimental and felt melodic for something in the world of tech-house. He followed this with the track ‘What Have You Done’ and ‘Disco Inferno,’ all of which strayed from his earlier sound and incorporated melodies and deeper bass sounds. 

For Luke, it was about slowly breaking the mold. “Tech house can be formulaic. I was trying to stay in the boundaries of the genre while also pushing and staying fresh. One of the EPs was with Steve Lawler and it helped open doors for me. The work rate was so high, in 2018 I put out 48 records. I wanted people to see my stuff. Eventually after ‘Get Me High’ (January 2019) I wanted a fresh start where we worked to be more strategic about rolling out music.”

‘Get Me High’ turned out to be the pivotal track of Luke’s career. It launched him into different conversations and allowed him to start 2019 with a fresh perspective. “So many different people were able to play it. Tale Of Us and Solomon were hammering it, but so was Tiesto and Nervo… Annie Mac supported it and premiered it first.” The support felt universal and led to a collaboration that to this day, still blows Luke’s mind.

Legendary DJ Sasha told Luke that the track was a staple in his set, and when he was building his entire sets around when he would play it out. Eventually, the two linked up in the studio to produce the incredible ‘Haunted EP.’ “For anyone aspiring to climb that ladder… I’m from a village with 800 people. There’s no scene… Anything is possible. [Sasha] is an icon. To work with him, it was so career and life-affirming for me. Am I really at this level where I’m worthy of working with this kind of artist?”

The inspiring moments kept coming for Luke. In 2019, he was booked to play the main stage of Creamfields. He describes the experience as one of the first moments where he truly felt like his career was on the right path. “I always joke that the stage is pretty much the same size as the village that I come from. We live for those moments as artists. I had flown in from Ibiza playing at Hi. It was the first real feeling of wow this is going somewhere… It keeps me going, looking forward to these moments.”

Since conquering the main stage of Creamfields and releasing music with Sasha, Luke has been on an absolute tear. He has since released music with Anjunadeep, collaborated with Lee Foss, and taken the Beatport #1 throne with his biggest song yet, ‘The World You See.’ The Cristoph collaboration released on Pryda was just another moment of recognition for Luke. “We’re great friends now. We’re planning a tour together with you guys over the pond. WE’ve got more music coming. Some are more universal sounding, but mate we’ve got some absolutely disgustingly dirty warehouse records coming too.”

For Luke going forward, it’s all about continuing his climb up the ladder while remaining humble and self-critical. He is working on a visual component to match his plans of a live performance, and will be launching his own label soon full of “big dark dirty warehouse music.” 2021 is looking to be another landmark year for this rising star, and per Luke’s instructions, we best keep our ears to the ground for his coming releases. “Believe me when I say, you are not ready for the next collab with Cristoph. Just remember this conversation”

The last two times we invited Franky Wah to New York, he played an extended five-hour set to a completely sold-out crowd. Franky’s blend of euphoric house, techno, and breakbeat make for eclectic shows that keep fans coming back for more. Now, he’s making his highly-anticipated return to New York with a showcase of his newly founded label SHÈN at the Knockdown Center on April 28. You won’t want to miss an evening in this cutting-edge art space, especially with a soundtrack like Franky’s.

Franky Wah - This Is SHÈN - Full Live Mix #livestream

This mixtape is a showcase of the sounds of SHÈN. An exploration of genres from deep afro tech to melodic house and techno to breakbeat. 27 original productions, available to stream as separate tracks or as a full mix 🪶 

Stream "This Is SHÈN" -  the new 27 track mixtape OUT NOW via SHÈN Recordings https://shen.lnk.to/ThisIsShen

1. Franky Wah - Pandora 00:00 - 06:38
2. Franky Wah - EYWA 06:39 - 11:17
3. Franky Wah - Set Me Free 11:18 - 15:08
4. Franky Wah - My World 15:09 - 19:17
5. Franky Wah - Deep Dive In My Soul 19:18 - 25:09
6. Franky Wah - Find Out Who We Are ft. Lusaint 25:10 - 32:13
7. Franky Wah - Higher Power 32:14 - 37:49
8. Franky Wah - Himba 37:50 - 43:12
9. Franky Wah - SD 43:13 - 49:22
10. Franky Wah - Hausa 49:23 - 54:47
11. Franky Wah - Reconcile 54:48 - 59:38
12. Franky Wah - I Know You 59:39 - 01:05:25
13. Franky Wah - Odyssey 01:05:26 - 01:11:57
14. Franky Wah - Patroller 01:11:58 - 01:17:33
15. Franky Wah - The Otherside ft. Robinson 01:17:34 - 01:23:39
16. Franky Wah - Airwolf 01:23:40 - 01:28:07
17. Franky Wah - Distance Between Us 01:28:08 - 01:34:13
18. Franky Wah - Rise 01:34:14 - 01:38:53
19. Franky Wah - Eclipse 01:38:54 - 01:44:20
20. Franky Wah - Higher 01:44:21 - 01:49:22
21. Franky Wah - Reality Isn’t Real 01:49:23 - 01:56:15
22. Franky Wah - Formulate 01:56:16 - 02:01:16
23. Franky Wah - In The Course Of Time 02:01:17 - 02:07:13
24. Franky Wah x Sasha - I’ll Never Change 02:07:14 - 02:12:28
25. Franky Wah - Losing Sleep ft. Lunar June 02:12:29 - 02:17:20
26. Franky Wah - I Can’t Escape 02:17:21 - 02:21:53
27. Franky Wah - Ancient Future 02:21:54 - 02:28:09

Follow Franky Wah on socials: 
https://www.instagram.com/frankywahmusic
https://www.facebook.com/frankywahmusic
https://twitter.com/frankywahmusic

Produced by NTRP
Production Manager: Alex Jones
Film directed by: Gurbs Dosanjh
Drone Operator: Andrew Lawrence
Project Manager: Mattie Evans

#frankywah #shen #thisisshen #terracotta #underthesun #cometogether #livestream #franky #wah #pandora #eywa #setmefree #myworld #deepdiveinmysoul #findoutwhoweare #anjunadeep #higherpower #himba #SD #hausa #reconcile #iknowyou #odyssey #patroller #theotherside #airwolf #distancebetweenus #rise #eclipse #higher #realityisntreal #formuate #inthecourseoftime #illneverchange #losingsleep #icantescape #ancientfuture

Franky Wah–the genre-defying producer from an 

–has seen phenomenal success over the last few years. He's achieved significant chart success several times over. His 2019 release, “Get Me High,” reached #2 on the Beatport chart and #3 on the Radio 1 Dance chart. In 2021 he debuted on Pryda Presents with "

," the transcendent melodic house anthem was a collaboration with Christoph and Artche and dominated dancefloors as the world began to emerge from the pandemic. Spending six months in the Beatport Top 10 it picked up plays from Tiesto, Vintage Culture, Armin van Buuren, Gorgon City, and countless others, and remains in the Beatport top 100 to this day. With a consistent stream of electrifying, chart-topping hits he has also earned the backing of influential tastemakers such as Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Danny Howard along the way. Collaborations with Carl Cox, Cristoph, and Sasha only solidified Franky’s spot at the top.


In 2022, Franky began surfacing his imprint, 

. In November of the same year, he released his magnum opus, boldly announcing its arrival. 

 is a sprawling three-hour, 27-track album. This remarkable collection seamlessly incorporates Chinese influences and maintains admirable consistency throughout the album. Rather than banging out flashy, club-ready hits, Franky oscillates between introspective sound design and brooding, progressive bangers. For his upcoming set, Franky Wah will bring this inspired music of SHÈN to life.

For such an inspired set, an equally inspired venue is required. Knockdown Center is a 50,000-square-foot art and performance space in Queens. Built on collaboration and cross-pollination, this century-old venue focuses on innovative, experimental programming. With undeniable warehouse vibes and a rich history of creativity embedded in the brick walls, this will be the perfect backdrop for a night of euphoric, explorative dancing. We’re so honored to welcome Franky Wah back to New York, and we hope you will join us in the celebration.

Franky Wah’s SHÈN 

The last two times we invited Franky Wah to New York, he played an extended five-hour set to a completely sold-out crowd. Franky’s blend of euphoric house, techno, and breakbeat make for eclectic shows that keep fans coming back for more. Now, he’s making his highly-anticipated return to New York with a showcase of his newly founded label SHÈN at the Knockdown Center on April 28. You won’t want to miss an evening in this cutting-edge art space, especially with a soundtrack like Franky’s.

Franky Wah–the genre-defying producer from an 800-person village in Yorkshire–has seen phenomenal success over the last few years. He's achieved significant chart success several times over. His 2019 release, “Get Me High,” reached #2 on the Beatport chart and #3 on the Radio 1 Dance chart. In 2021 he debuted on Pryda Presents with "The World You See," the transcendent melodic house anthem was a collaboration with Christoph and Artche and dominated dancefloors as the world began to emerge from the pandemic. Spending six months in the Beatport Top 10 it picked up plays from Tiesto, Vintage Culture, Armin van Buuren, Gorgon City, and countless others, and remains in the Beatport top 100 to this day. With a consistent stream of electrifying, chart-topping hits he has also earned the backing of influential tastemakers such as Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Danny Howard along the way. Collaborations with Carl Cox, Cristoph, and Sasha only solidified Franky’s spot at the top.


In 2022, Franky began surfacing his imprint, SHÈN Recordings. In November of the same year, he released his magnum opus, boldly announcing its arrival. This is SHÈN is a sprawling three-hour, 27-track album. This remarkable collection seamlessly incorporates Chinese influences and maintains admirable consistency throughout the album. Rather than banging out flashy, club-ready hits, Franky oscillates between introspective sound design and brooding, progressive bangers. For his upcoming set, Franky Wah will bring this inspired music of SHÈN to life.

For such an inspired set, an equally inspired venue is required. Knockdown Center is a 50,000-square-foot art and performance space in Queens. Built on collaboration and cross-pollination, this century-old venue focuses on innovative, experimental programming. With undeniable warehouse vibes and a rich history of creativity embedded in the brick walls, this will be the perfect backdrop for a night of euphoric, explorative dancing. We’re so honored to welcome Franky Wah back to New York, and we hope you will join us in the celebration.













Franky Wah’s SHÈN

Location