Draft:WAÏ
WAÏ | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Waël Mechri-Yver |
| Born | January 20, 1985 (age 39) Paris, France |
| Genres | Electronic, Dance, Soulful Electronica, House |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, Producer, Entrepreneur |
| Discography | Liberation EP |
| Labels | Still Vor Talent, A Tribe Called Kitori |
WAÏ (Musician)
[edit]Waël Mechri-Yver (born January 20, 1985), known artistically as WAÏ, is a French-Tunisian musician, producer and entrepreneur. Recognized for his contributions to the electronic music scene, WAÏ represents Mechri-Yver’s personal artistic project. A pioneer of simultaneously conscious and elevated experiences, this multifaceted impresario has long focused his expertise on fostering a global community that reimagines dance and electronic music culture. His impressive portfolio is inclusive of the immersive cultural collective BABËL[1] and revered venues such as GOSPËL and Silencio NYC, where he leads Music Direction.[2]
Using his background in electronic music and entertainment entrepreneurship, WAÏ is a blend of Mechri-Yver’s experience in nightlife curation and passion for musical expression.
Early Life and Innovation
[edit]Born into a multicultural family in Paris, France, Waël Mechri-Yver's early exposure to diverse cultures and musical heritages had a profound influence on his artistic development. His mother, Genevieve Yver, a journalist, frequently took him on her travels abroad, introducing Mechri-Yver to a wide array of sonic styles and cultures, sounds ranging from opera and classical music to traditional African and Brazilian rhythms.[3] These experiences laid the foundation for his eclectic musical taste and appreciation for global sounds.
Early Career in Music and Nightlife
[edit]WAÏ's professional foray into the world of music began at the age of 18 when he started booking DJs and organizing events for his Parisian University, La Sorbonne.[4] His passion for music and nightlife eventually led him to Lausanne, where he studied Hospitality and Hotel Management at the École Hôtelière de Lausanne. This period deepened his connection to club culture and event organization. After graduating, WAÏ moved to London, where he worked at Christie's, where he refined his artistic tastes and visual acumen.
At 24, WAÏ transitioned from the sophistication of Savile Row in London to the dusty expanses of Burning Man, where he met the founders of Institut Bonheur. From this moment, his career took a pivotal turn when he became the Music Director of Paris' former Man Ray club, which they later transformed into Cirque Bonheur. This role marked the beginning of the impact he would make on the Parisian nightlife scene, bringing underground house music such as Tale of Us in 2011 to the forefront of the French capital.
Founding BABËL and GOSPËL
[edit]In 2011, WAÏ relocated to New York City, In 2011, WAÏ relocated to New York City, where he founded the global music and culture collective BABËL in 2013. Inspired by the ethos of Burning Man, BABËL is a global community with New York roots that connects individuals from all corners of the world through music, the arts and the pursuit of magical experiences.[5][6][7] Revered as curators of uniquely immersive events for over a decade, the collective’s mission reflects its founder’s personal passions[8]; to spark positive change through the unifying power of creativity, celebration and music.[9][10][11]
BABËL has provided a platform for artists such as Carlita, Layla Benitez, and Salome Le Chat to build their careers in the industry early on- all of whom moved on to great success in the global dance music scene.
After founding BABËL, WAÏ established GOSPËL, in 2017, a renowned club in Soho, which is now acclaimed as one of the city’s top music venues. A beacon of Manhattan's nightlife, GOSPËL is known for its vibrant atmosphere and music curation. His dedication to creating inclusive and transformative experiences has earned him acclaim and respect in the industry.[12]
In 2024, WAÏ has also extended his curatorial expertise to the newly opened Silencio NY[13], a legendary nightlife brand from Paris, collaborating with luminaries like Swizz Beatz and the Marley Family. [14]
Musical Evolution and Debut EP "Liberation"
[edit]WAÏ's journey is defined by a balance of his love for music and “(Art)-preneurship.” In 2015, a silent meditation retreat inspired WAÏ to transition from curating music to creating it. This marked the beginning of an eight-year journey to develop his unique sound. His debut EP, 'Liberation' released on June 21, 2024, is a testament to his personal and artistic growth. The EP features the lead single 'Sanctify', a collaboration with Senegalese-American singer-songwriter Marieme. The EP also includes 'Faith' an eight-minute ode to transformation.
WAÏ describes 'Liberation' as a symbol of his artistic rebirth, reflecting his journey toward self-expression and creative freedom. The EP's release through Stil Vor Talent/A Tribe Called Kotori marks a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his blend of soulful electronica with global influences.
The release of his inaugural EP signals a new apex for the multifaceted impresario who, after years of immersing himself into the world of music and creative curation, steps into his next role as an international recording artist.
Performances and Collaborations
[edit]WAÏ has performed at some of the world's most iconic music venues, including The Edge at Hudson Yards, Hï Ibiza, Webster Hall, Sony Hall and the Robot Heart bus at Burning Man. As well as that, he has shared stages with renowned electronic music artists such as Black Coffee, Dixon, Guy Gerber, Damian Lazarus, and The Martinez Brothers.[15] His performances have solidified his reputation as a talented artist and performer.
In 2024, WAÏ, founded DiscOlympics[16], which took place in tandem with the 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in Paris. The DiscOlympics occurred on Sunday the 28th of June at Wanderlust & FVTVR nightclubs from 4pm until 4am with the goal of celebrating 5 decades of disco legacy. The event paid homage to the roots of dance music and to artists like the headline act, Cerrone, for their contributions to the development of the disco genre in France. The DiscOlympics gathered over 3,000 attendees and included performances from Agoria, the He.She.They collective, and Roche Musique, amongst others, with the range of genres represented, showcasing disco as a foundational pillar in sub-genres such as hip-hop, house music and electronic dance music.[17]
Commitment to Inclusivity and Emerging Talents
[edit]Throughout his career, WAÏ has remained committed to promoting inclusivity and uplifting emerging talents in the music industry. He believes in the healing power of music and its ability to bring people together[18]. This commitment is reflected in his work with BABËL and GOSPËL, where he has consistently showcased diverse artists and fostered a sense of community.
Future Aspirations
[edit]Looking ahead, WAÏ aims to expand the reach of BABËL into a global music company that champions soulful electronic music and cultural diversity. His vision is to touch as many hearts and ears as possible, creating a legacy of unity and celebration through music[19]. With his debut EP 'Liberation', WAÏ is embarking on a new chapter in his career, blending his extensive experience in nightlife curation with his passion for musical expression.[20]
WAÏ's journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and his unwavering dedication to creating meaningful and immersive experiences. As he continues to evolve as an artist and entrepreneur, WAÏ aims to continue to inspire and innovate in the electronic music scene.
References
[edit]- ^ Maida, Stephanie (July 2, 2014). "Interview: Babël New York, The Creative Team That's Bringing Magic Back To Nightlife". Guest of a Guest. Retrieved 26.08.2024.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=(help) - ^ "BABËL is Changing Nightlife for the Better". The Manual. 2014-07-24. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
- ^ "Waël Mechri-Yver - Conversations with Artists | Jonsar Studios: Portrait, GIF and Video Experiences for Brands". Jonsar Studios: Portrait, GIF and Video Experiences for Brands. 2017-04-17. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
- ^ "In conversation with Wai". Numéro Netherlands. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
- ^ Drillinger, Meagan (2015-06-04). "12 Underground NYC Parties You've Never Heard Of". Thrillist. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
- ^ Held, Lisa Elaine (2015-02-24). "More young people than ever are meditating". Well+Good. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
- ^ Symonds, Alexandria (2015-03-04). "A Pop-Up Dinner Series With an Artsy Edge". T Magazine. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
- ^ "The 28 Best Parties, Openings and Events of Armory Arts Week 2015". Observer. 2015-03-02. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
- ^ Kamm, Jennifer (2014-09-10). "Art, Fashion, & Music Collided at BABËL's DIMANCHE Season Finale". Haute Living. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
- ^ Jordan, Eliza (2015-03-12). "BABËL & Whitewall Close The Armory Show 2015 at The Bowery". Whitewall. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
- ^ "BABËL New York Celebrates 1 Year Anniversary With Two Day Event of Excess and Splendor". TWELV. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
- ^ "Exec Profile with Babel founder Waël Mechri-Yver". www.musicconnection.com. 2024-07-25. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
- ^ Holtermann, Callie; Smeyne, Rebecca (2024-02-08). "David Lynch's Parisian Club Comes to New York". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
- ^ "BABËL Music - Mission-Focused Collective". BABËL. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ^ Holtermann, Callie; Smeyne, Rebecca (2024-02-08). "David Lynch's Parisian Club Comes to New York". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
- ^ "From the opening ceremony to DiscOlympics, Cerrone still reigns nearly 50 years on". The Seattle Times. 2024-07-29. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
- ^ "From the opening ceremony to DiscOlympics, Cerrone still reigns nearly 50 years on". AP News. 2024-07-29. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
- ^ "Waël Mechri-Yver - Conversations with Artists | Jonsar Studios: Portrait, GIF and Video Experiences for Brands". Jonsar Studios: Portrait, GIF and Video Experiences for Brands. 2017-04-17. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ^ "Waël Mechri-Yver - Conversations with Artists | Jonsar Studios: Portrait, GIF and Video Experiences for Brands". Jonsar Studios: Portrait, GIF and Video Experiences for Brands. 2017-04-17. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ^ Sigrun (2024-07-31). ""And Don't Forget to BELIEVE IN MAGIC!" WAÏ on His Journey into Music and Debut EP "Liberation"". C-Heads Magazine. Retrieved 2024-08-21.