By Juan Porrata
DDM: What do you think the current state of EDM is headed in comparison to the big label heyday in the 90's?
W: When I first starting DJing in 1984, there was so little conformity... everything was unique and had no cookie-cutter to fit in. The 90's era was polar opposite because it was about adapting to a genre and kicking that dead horse until you got rich. Finally, we're headed back into the no rules zone and the popularity contest is all but over. I'd love to see this get down to a last man standing contest. Then, the question is... do you love music enough to NOT make shitloads of money, and still stay interested?
DDM: Tell me about your recent visit to Sundance Film Festival and your involvement there.
W: I was music supervisor for a new film called 'TV Junkie' which won the Sundance Special Jury Prize for a Documentary. I got a couple of bids for my screenplay about Dallas' mid-80's Starck Club scene, called 'Louder Than Words'. And then, there's a little known fact - that I'm a foodie as well as a DJ. The Sundance event I produce called Chefdance, a private dinner for 250 people each night, has grown into quite a scene. This year, we hosted Food Network/Iron Chefs - Ming Sai, Todd English, Neil Frazier and Tyler Florence. Strange, huh? If you're not going to sleep much at the festival, you better eat well.
DDM: Any film festival DJ gigs?
W: I played seven times in ten days. Top gigs would have to be a couple of killer parties with Tommie Sunshine and the Boost Mobile hiphop jam which was absolutely off the hook.
DDM: Do you still continue to play DnB or what styles of music do you favor right now?
W: I still play drum and bass, on occasion, but honestly, after shutting down my San Francisco weekly at The Top, it took me a few years to realize I left a big part of my jungle heart there. It's not the kind of sport you want to tackle on a part-time basis. I've always played hip hop too, but personally, I think the true progression in EDM right now is all about electro. The latest sound from Paris is so fresh, that I can't help it - I'm hooked. My man, Justice, is king of the new hardcore, and it's long overdue. I'm looking for some accomplices to start a new weekly playing this sound in Dallas, so consider this an invitation for anyone interested.
DDM: Best gig ever?
W: Timothy Leary's funeral. Oliver Stone dancing barefoot with Winona Ryder to Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition'.
DDM: And the worst?
W: Timothy Leary's funeral. Trying to hold back the tears during all 24 minutes of Manuel Gottsching's 'E2E4'.
DDM: Next big thing?
W: My new mixed CD - 'Vicious Circle'. Alarmingly seductive and dangerously exquisite. Check the link on this page.
DDM: Most prized record?
W: Section 25 - 'Looking from a Hilltop' on Factory Records in the limited dayglo orange jacket.
DDM: Any shout outs?
W: To the original heroes of the Starck Club - Rick Squillante (RIP) and Kerry Jaggers... for showing me the way.
A great artist, storyteller and friend, Wade is truly a vibrant soul. WishFM can move any crowd and he's back in his hometown, Dallas. Offer him a drink next time you see him, trust me he will gladly oblige.
