IN CONVERSATION WITH WAÏ
Interview by SAMO ŠAJN
1. Your debut EP, 'Liberation', marks a significant milestone in your career. How does it feel to finally share your own music with the world after years of curating and promoting others' work?
Transitioning from a music lover and curator to a recording artist has been a challenging but rewarding journey. It started in 2015 after a transformative 10-day silent retreat. My experience in curating top electronic talents sharpened my ear, but it took years before I felt ready to share my own work. The pandemic allowed me to fully immerse in music creation, where I faced my fears and grew creatively. Despite the hardships, including personal losses, releasing this music is a deeply cherished achievement, though it came with significant physical, emotional, and spiritual costs.
2. Your journey from curating parties at La Sorbonne to founding BABËL and now releasing your EP showcases a diverse career path. What inspired these transitions?
My career evolved naturally from my passion for bringing people together through music. At 18, I began organizing events in Paris, eventually leaving my Law studies behind to pursue this path. After studying Hospitality in Switzerland, I deepened my connection to nightlife and refined my artistic tastes while working at Christie’s in London. A pivotal moment came when I met mentors at Burning Man, leading to my role as Music Director at CIRQUE BONHEUR in Paris, where we transformed the nightlife scene.
In 2011, I moved to NYC, and inspired by Burning Man, launched BABËL in 2013, creating immersive cultural experiences. This led to founding Gospël, a cultural club in Soho. Eventually, I felt the need to express my own love for music, which culminated in the release of my debut EP.
3. 'Sanctify', the lead single from 'Liberation', features Marieme's vocals. Can you tell us about the collaboration process and how her contribution influenced the track's direction?
I met Marieme 10 years ago and was immediately captivated by her voice and story. Over the years, she became like a sister to me, and we often showcased her at BABËL and Gospël events. After reconnecting in 2022, Marieme expressed interest in electronic music, and we began recording in Portugal in early 2023. Her soulful voice, rich with wisdom, was exactly what I wanted for "Sanctify." Her contribution infused the track with a therapeutic, hopeful message, creating a record that reflects our shared passion for music and love. I'm deeply grateful and excited for what's next.
4. You've described 'Liberation' as a soulful expression of joy and healing. Could you elaborate on how the EP reflects your personal and artistic evolution?
Liberation symbolizes a profound sense of freedom and renewal for me. After years in nightlife, where I often had to wear the mask of an entertainer, I created this EP to shed that persona and reveal my true essence as an artist. The Dove of Peace, which represents my project WAÏ, symbolizes my soul's desire for freedom and creativity. Liberation is not just about joy and healing—it's a declaration of my artistic evolution and a commitment to creating art for the greater good.
5. Your sound blends soulful electronica with global influences. How have your travels and experiences in different cultures shaped your musical style and approach to production?
My multicultural background and extensive travels have deeply influenced my sound. Being half French, half Tunisian, and having lived in various countries, I've been exposed to diverse musical traditions from a young age. My mother, a journalist, took me to operas, classical music, and traditional African and Brazilian performances, which enriched my appreciation for global cultures.
These experiences are reflected in my life's work, BABËL, and now in my music, which captures the essence of the many places I've called home—South and North America, Europe, North Africa, and beyond. My music is a fusion of everything that has touched me, a melting pot that reflects my global journey and the inspiration I draw from the world.
6. Having performed at iconic venues like The Edge at Hudson Yards and Hï Ibiza, how do these settings influence your creative process and performance style?
Performing at iconic venues like The Edge at Hudson Yards and Hï Ibiza doesn't directly influence my creative process but certainly fuels my passion and ambition. The Edge, where I performed on the highest deck in the Western Hemisphere, was an unforgettable experience that motivated me to keep creating. Playing at Hï Ibiza, invited by Black Coffee, was a dream come true and an honor I'll always cherish.
These venues do influence my performance style, as each brings a unique vibe and energy. Performing in an open-air venue high in the sky is vastly different from playing in a closed club in Ibiza. Understanding these differences is crucial, and my experience across various venues has helped me make wiser artistic choices. Each performance is unique, requiring readiness to improvise and adapt to the moment.
7. As someone deeply involved in nightlife culture and venue design, how does your background in hospitality and event curation inform your music-making process?
My 22 years in nightlife and hospitality have been invaluable in shaping my music-making process. I've worn many hats—bartender, doorman, event promoter, DJ, and more—each teaching me about flow, vibes, and atmosphere. These experiences have become second nature, allowing me to act as both a conductor and creative director.
Observing guests and fans over the years, and booking thousands of artists, has given me a deep understanding of what excites people. Learning from outstanding talents has honed my senses, and I strive to contribute to the culture I've been immersed in for so long.
8. You've collaborated with notable artists and curated events that promote unity and diversity. How important is it for you to use your platform to uplift emerging talents and promote inclusivity in the music industry?
Uplifting emerging talents and promoting inclusivity is central to my mission. Music has been a transformative force in my life, and I’m committed to sharing its healing power with others. I believe in discovering new voices and using my platform to promote them. My work reflects my belief in peace, unity, and the universal language of music. Music is a force for good, and I’m dedicated to using it with the right intention.
9. Reflecting on your early days at Cirque Bonheur and founding BABËL, what were some of the challenges you faced in establishing yourself as a curator and tastemaker in the nightlife scene?
One major challenge was learning to trust myself and introduce new music despite resistance. Educating an audience, especially about underground music, required patience and resilience against criticism. Gaining respect and proving my taste took time, and I had to stay ahead of trends in a constantly evolving industry. Paris and NYC are particularly tough markets, demanding constant vigilance and dedication. Despite the challenges, my passion for this work makes it feel like a privilege rather than a job.
10. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of your music career? Any exciting projects you can share with us?
I’m excited to celebrate BABËL’s 10th anniversary and reveal our evolution into a global music company. Our goal is to become a leading brand in soulful electronic music, promoting unity and diversity while discovering and sharing new talent
On a personal and artistic level, I am eager to unveil the music I have been creating throughout my journey as WAÏ. The launch of my upcoming album is a major milestone, and I cannot wait to share this music with the world.
At BABËL, we have a mantra: BELIEVE IN MAGIC. It's coming out... Are you ready?
