Guest Mix + Interview – W IN K

by John Donahue

Breaking through the industry with pure force and perseverance, W IN K has become a well-known and powerful force throughout. His eclectic techniques in production have helped him grow as an artist to brand new heights. Gaining a strong fan base while delivering some of the highest quality bass music today. From Dubstep, electronic trap, and more, W IN K’s unique style can adapt to any environment he creates. Always experimenting with new rhythmic structures, sound design, and atmospheres across the spectrum. Throwing his audience for a loop with each release he puts out. Making his works of art truly come to life in a colorful fashion. He even has some massive collaborations under his belt with heavy hitters such as Juelz, nikko, and NVADRZ! Believe us when we say, W IN K is a name you’ll want to remember.

All eyes and ears are aimed toward his journey for what’s to come. Instantly gaining hype for his next move. So buckle up and prepare yourselves, because this is truly one of the craziest mixes you’ll experience. You won’t regret pressing play.

First off, how’ve you been doing this year so far? Any major goals you’ve set for yourself?

I’m doing great! Super excited for this year, I’ve got a ton planned.

What can listeners expect when diving into this mix and overall vision?

I’ve included music I’ve put out so far, a few of my favorite songs, and unreleased music from myself and friends.

I decided to venture into a new sound that I’d always been a big fan of, trap, and infused it with techniques I already knew from making lots of dubstep in the past. My excitement soon returned and the reception has been incredible so far.

Throughout your time, you’ve managed to really create a high-tier name for yourself. What inspired you to take that huge step into creating this style of music?

Around the start of last year, I was at a low point creatively and felt discouraged about my music as a whole. I decided to venture into a new sound that I’d always been a big fan of, trap, and infused it with techniques I already knew from making lots of dubstep in the past. My excitement soon returned and the reception has been incredible so far.

Describe the kind of music you grew up with. Has it had a major impact on your current art and style today?

Definitely, I’ve loved music throughout my whole life. My mom introduced me to a ton of great artists as a kid, like Björk, Lauryn Hill, Mary J Blige, Sade, 2Pac, etc. The first album I ever got into was Random Access Memories by Daft Punk. I also played the drums when I was younger which helped me get a good sense for rhythm.

Were there any challenges you’ve had to overcome to get to where you are now?

Although the pandemic was a period of isolation and loneliness, it was when I learned the most about production. During those years I made a serious effort to learn and decided to launch my project. At the time, I didn’t really know anything about the music business and didn’t know anyone in the scene, but I was lucky enough to make friends with some great mentors who guided me. 

sometimes incredible moments only last an instant, but are still impactful nonetheless.

What does the W IN K project mean to you? What are its origins?

W IN K is the name I’ve used since first starting to produce in around 2016, before launching the project in early 2021. “WINK AND YOU’LL MISS IT!” describes the sentiment of how sometimes incredible moments only last an instant, but are still impactful nonetheless.

Diving into production, does your process usually change, or do you have a comfortable flow from the start?

Oftentimes I’ll have an initial concept in mind that helps me get started quickly. I know some people are great at creating a demo on the spot/out of thin air, but I’ve learned I usually need to have a preexisting idea in my head in order for me to work effectively.

Your style can really adapt to any setting or rhythmic structure, what makes a W IN K tune so special and saucy?

I would say my use of vocals, melodic elements, flutes, and percussion. Also, in a lot of my songs I try to build energy without using a traditional buildup.

Are there any artists you’d love to collaborate with in the future?

I definitely want to work with vocalists in the future, as right now the vocals I use are all sampled. Off the top of my head, artists I’d most love to work with are Kendrick Lamar, Portishead, Pinkpantheress, and Charli XCX.

Are there any other hobbies you’re passionate about outside the music spectrum?

I’m trying to learn more about graphic design as I’ve made most of my cover art so far myself and plan on continuing to do so when possible. But right now music and school are taking up most of my time.

Shaq found my stuff pretty early on in the project which was a huge shock. Joji playing my song was especially wild because of how vastly different our music is from each other, and obviously, RL is the trap legend.

How did it feel to have artists such as RL Grime, DJ Diesel, and even Joji support your work? What a wild feeling that must have been!

It was awesome. It’s such a crazy feeling to see your music reach so far. Shaq found my stuff pretty early on in the project which was a huge shock. Joji playing my song was especially wild because of how vastly different our music is from each other, and obviously, RL is the trap legend.

Do you have anything else you’d love to share with your audience out there?

Be on the lookout for a debut EP very soon…

Tracklist

W IN K – FEEL IT TOO (w/ Lady Gaga – Just Dance)
JOYRYDE – YUCK
W IN K – FORGET U
Fred Again.. – Jungle (nikko Remix)
beastboi. & Knoir – ID
Skrillex, Missy Elliott, & Mr. Oizo – RATATA (Moore Kismet Reboot)
ID – ID
Kendrick Lamar – DNA (W IN K Edit)
Resurge – ID
NVADRZ & Jiqui – ID
A$AP Rocky – Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2 x Effin – Hollow Tips
Pinkpantheress & Sam Gellaitry – Picture In My Mind (W IN K & nikko Remix)
Vincent – Lucky Mistake (Her 2.0) [W IN K Remix]
W IN K & NVADRZ – Searchlight (Not Afraid)
Rustie – Slasherr (W IN K & nikko Edit) (w/ What So Not – High You Are)
W IN K – CANT TAKE BACK
Lil Wayne – A Milli (nikko Edit)
Playboi Carti – Stop Breathing (W IN K Edit)
IMANU & Jon Casey – Kotaro
W IN K – ID
Baby Keem – trademark usa (W IN K & Juelz Remix)

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