“It was because of him that I ended up at the Music Factory in Rotherham, which really be- came the starting point of the rest of my life. At the time, I wasn’t making money from mu- sic, but I was working on a business on the side, which allowed me to spend full working days in the studio honing my craft. I remem- ber being told that one of Kylie’s big records was produced there, and that really showed me that you didn’t need to be in London or LA to make it. That was a huge inspiration. From there I then invested a tonne of money to create my dream studio which I’m still wor- king out of today.”
The grit and determination that propelled Franky Wah forward in the early days speak to his belief that anything is possible when you have the right mindset and the right peo- ple around you. From a small garden shed to a professional studio, his progression as a pro- ducer is a testament to the power of commu- nity and hard work.
FINDING INSPIRATION IN TRANQUILI- TY
“My life is all about routine. A typical day starts with a dog walk, breakfast, the gym, and then the sauna. After that, it’s lunch, and then the rest of the day is spent in the studio. Depending on the time of year and how much work needs to be done, I’ll also spend a day or two working on the farm with my dad. Having that structure is important for me. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of being a tou- ring DJ, but coming back home, spending time on the farm, and with family and friends—it’s what keeps me grounded.”
“For me, it’s a bit of both when it comes to creativity. In the past, I felt like I had to go out and travel to find inspiration, I spent a lot of time in Barcelona for example immersed in the tech house scene. Now though, because I’m always travelling, I find that inspiration comes from the quiet moments, coming back home to Yorkshire. I use both environments to my advantage.”
“Fitness has always been a huge part of my life. Not just for the physical benefits, but the mental ones as well. Right now, boxing is my escape. It’s something I’m really enjoying ge- tting back into. It used to be that owning a gym and doing boxing and weightlifting was my full-time job, with music being my escape. Now, it’s the other way around.”
There’s something remarkably calming about Franky Wah’s approach to life when he’s back home. His commitment to fitness, family, and routine stands as a beautiful contrast to the intense energy of the DJ world, reminding us that balance is key in maintaining longevity in any creative pursuit.
IBIZA RESIDENCY: CRAFTING A UNI- QUE EXPERIENCE
“It felt great to return to the island for a second year of the SHÈN residency, as it solidified that what we did the first year worked. Going into year two, we wanted to book acts that aligned with our brand and were as invested in it as we were. One of the main pros of owning the brand is that we can keep the experience at the forefront of everything. We wanted to make sure that people felt like they were part of something, not just there for the ticket or the VIP experience. And that vibe, that sense of community, really made the energy on the dancefloor unlike anything else.”
“Every night was special, but the real stan- dout for me was the b2b with Hot Since 82. We didn’t plan anything; we just played off each other’s groove for 5 hours. It felt seamless. When you’re in sync with someone like that, it’s the perfect b2b, not just for the DJ’s, but for the crowd too. We filmed the whole thing, and I can’t wait for people to relive it.”
His reflection on his Ibiza residency speaks volumes about his deep understanding of the crowd and his ability to cultivate a uni- que, immersive experience. The emphasis on creating a community and the focus on the collective vibe rather than individual glory is central to Franky Wah’s philosophy. It’s not just about music; it’s about creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and truly part of something special.
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