So, how about talking about Wayne Wei and his recent song “Out of Control.” This isn’t just any old tune; this is an actual disruptor. Picture this: The attitude of Wayne’s single seems like a sonic rollercoaster that takes one through the retro vibes and romantic feels. This is type of music that stays with you even after hitting the pause button.
In this discussion with Wayne, we’re going backstage. Traveling along from Chinese classical training to a Jazz music guru taking him in his house, Wayne shares how he became this whole shebang. As it happens, he did not come from a musical dynasty but coincidence provided him with an all-American musical family that launched his career.
Guess what inspires Wayne? Old movies. Uh-uh, on all visuals. And aside from playing the guitar and piano, he likes taking pictures. This guy, a true creative tornado.
He strives for a different way to do music; he uses acoustic instruments and adds drum grooves on this particular EP. And who’s his musical crush? Frank Ocean, no less. Wayne likes the way this dude is real in that industry.
So without further ado, jump into the interview and get to know Wayne Wei—a man who’s flipping the music world on its head. He has new content coming, and if you like him he’s got a little something for you.
Listen to Cloud Chaser below
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What is your stage name
Wayne Wei
Where do you find inspiration?
In old movies mainly, but honestly anything visuals. I start with a visuals in my head and let it come to life in music.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
I come from a traditional Chinese family. I went through classical piano training like many other kids in my school in China.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
No, I did not. However, I came to the United States in the intertional school program and got lucky enough to room with an American musical family in Allentown, Pennsylvania . The father of the household was an Jazz music educator.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
Prince
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
I studied classical piano until the age of 14 and started leanring writing and jazz music in high school. I started picking up bass and guitar during my time at Berklee College of Music.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
I really can’t recall the first concert ever. I wish I could have been to one of Faye Wong’s concert as a kid. She was the most famous Diva in China in the 90s and 2000s. My mom was obsessed with her.
How could you describe your music?
It’s a bag of treats for nostalgia and longingness
Describe your creative process.
I usually start writing a song with any acoustic instruments like piano or guitar. For this EP though, it was mainly a drum groove first that inspired me to make backing tracks before writing.
What is your main inspiration?
Frank Ocean
Stevie Wonder
the Beatles
What musician do you admire most and why?
Frank Ocean. The authenticity of being true to yourself as an artist, makes me proud of what I do in this industry.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
It was mainly pop or contemporary R&B when I first started. As I grew as an artist , I traced back to what truely inspired me before. Music like Motown, Prince and the Beatles helped me brew my sound over time.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
No one lol.
What are your interests outside of music?
Photography and videography.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
Something in the art still. Maybe photographer
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
Staying true to yourself.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
Give credits to where the credits are due. Credit your writers, engineers and everyone down to your assistants.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
It describes the general feelings of the entire EP. Blurry and cloudy.
What are your plans for the coming months?
There will be new music in the making and live performances soon in New York City
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans
No
What message would you like to give to your fans?
My most sincere graditute to whomever took the time a listen to my music. It truly means the world to me
