Wiwek

Wiwek
Background information
Birth nameWiwek Mahabali
Also known asOui'Wack
BornUtrecht, Netherlands
Genres
Occupations
Instruments
  • Piano
  • guitar
  • synthesizer
Years active2011–present
Labels
Websitewiwek.com/

Wiwek Mahabali, better known mononymously as Wiwek, is a Dutch DJ and music producer based in Utrecht, Netherlands.[4][5]

Early life

[edit]

Wiwek was born in the Netherlands and is of Indian descent.[6] His father is an Indian musician and singer.[6] His stage name was suggested by Gregor Salto that he use his given name for his musical career.[5]

Background

[edit]

Wiwek is best known as the pioneer of, and his contributions to "jungle terror",[7][8][9] a hybrid style of dance music characterized by offbeat kick drums, dissonant lead synths, and tribal drum and chant samples. His music has been released on such labels as Barong Family and Owsla, and led to collaborations with Skrillex and Yellow Claw. He is also the label head of his own jungle terror-based label Rimbu Recordings. He gained popularity in dance music and was known for 'fusing electronic elements with tropical rhythms'.[10] He is regarded as the "Godfather of jungle terror".[11]

Jungle terror was first created when Wiwek was playing and explaining his music to his friends.[6] He then uploaded some songs to SoundCloud with the 'jungle terror' tag which eventually became popular.[6]

Career

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2014: Mad Decent

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In 2014, Wiwek was signed to Diplo's Mad Decent record label as an artist.[12] He collaborated with Gregor Salto to release the single "On Your Mark".[13]

2015: OWSLA

[edit]

American dubstep DJ Skrillex had announced the signing of Wiwek to his record label "Owsla".[9][14] Wiwek performed at the 2015 Ultra Music Festival in Miami.[15] He had also hosted an episode on Tiësto's record label, Musical Freedom's radio show.[10] He collaborated with Hardwell to release the single titled "Chameleon".[16] On 28 April 2015, he released "Fire" as a single collaborating with Dutch DJ Alvaro via Steve Aoki's record label, Dim Mak Records.[17] In November 2015, he collaborated with GTA to release "What We Tell Dem" as a single.[18]

2016-2019: Collaboration with Skrillex, Marshmello and debut album Cycles

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On 19 February 2016, he collaborated with Dutch DJs Yellow Claw to release "Pop It" as a single.[19] His OWSLA-debut extended play consisting of five songs, The Free and Rebellious which incorporates elements of drum and bass, was released a week later.[20][21] The EP had received poor ratings in a review with only 1.5 star was given out of five.[22]

Most recently, Wiwek's The Free and Rebellious EP was used as the soundtrack and score to the short film Still in the Cage which was filmed in Bangkok, Thailand,[23] written and directed by Canadian filmmaker Jodeb[24] and produced by Wiwek and Skrillex.[25] The short film included Wiwek's collaboration with Skrillex, "Killa".[26][27] It was premiered on 17 August at the theater at Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles.[28] An official music video for "Killa", directed by Jonathan Desbiens was uploaded by Skrillex to YouTube.[29][30] The single "Killa" features vocals from Swedish vocalist Elliphant.[31] American trap producer Slushii, Boombox Cartel and Henry Fong have released remixes of the song.[32]

He released his debut album, Cycles on 8 March 2019 through his record label Maha Vana. He was also featured on the track "Angklung Life" with American DJ Marshmello on the album Joytime III.

Discography

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Albums

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Title Details
Cycles[33]
  • Released: 8 March 2019
  • Label: Maha Vana
  • Format: Digital download

Compilation albums

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Title Details Peak chart positions
US Dance

[34]

Jungle Terror Saga
  • Released: 13 April 2018
  • Label: Barong Family
  • Format: Digital download, CD, vinyl
 —

Extended plays

[edit]
Title Details Peak chart positions
US Dance

[34]

Jungle Terror
  • Released: 6 October 2014
  • Label: Barong Family, Spinnin' Records
  • Format: Digital download, CD
 —
Jungle Terror: Volume 2
  • Released: 16 March 2015
  • Label: Barong Family, Spinnin' Records
  • Format: Digital download, CD
 —
The Free and Rebellious
  • Released: 26 February 2016
  • Label: Owsla
  • Format: Digital download, CD
 17
Faka G / Double Dribble
  • Released: 1 February 2017
  • Label: OWSLA
  • Format: Digital download, CD
 —
Drum Nation
  • Released: 28 July 2017
  • Label: OWSLA
  • Format: Digital download, CD
 —
Jungle Terror: Volume 3
  • Released: 1 December 2017
  • Label: Barong Family
  • Format: Digital download, CD
 —
Get Out of the Way / Wan Tu
(with Chocolate Puma)
  • Released: 21 May 2018
  • Label: Spinnin' Records
  • Format: Digital download, CD
 —
Jungle Terror: Volume 4[35]
  • Released: 18 September 2020
  • Label: Barong Family
  • Format: Digital download, CD
 —
Time Machine Drums[36]
  • Released: 10 September 2021
  • Label: Axtone
  • Format: Digital download
 —
Jungle Terror: Volume 5[37]
  • Released: 03 May 2024
  • Label: Barong Family
  • Format: Digital download, CD
 —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released.

Singles

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Title Year Album
"Maguas Revenge" 2012 Non-album singles
"Obambo"
"Totem"
"Mangrove"
"Hurricane"
(with Rishi Romero)
"Batman"
(with Rishi Romero)
"Salomon Beach"
"Secret Meadow"
"Pleistocene"
"Koala"
"Zombiekids"
"Puma"
"Tarantula"
"Magadha" 2013
"Trommelboy"
"Angry Birdz"
"Mango Chutney"
"Intimi"
(with Gregor Salto)
"Terminator"
(with Moska)
"FOK"
"Mufazi"
"Ritual"
(with Cesqeaux)
"Salute" 2014
"On Your Mark"
(with Gregor Salto)
"Annihilation"
(with Nom De Strip)
"G.M.A.F.B."
"Bad Gyal"
(with Jeremia Jones featuring Kalibwoy)
"So You Want Drums"
(featuring MC Vocab)
"Ground Shake"
(featuring Stush)
"Ragga"
"Bang Bang Theory" 2015
"What We Tell Dem"
(with GTA featuring Stush)
"Fire"
(with Alvaro)
"Miami"
(with Gregor Salto)
"Chameleon"
(with Hardwell)
"Trouble"
(with Gregor Salto featuring MC Spyder)
"Tropicana"
(with Valentino Khan) 		2016
"Rebels"
(featuring Audio Bullys) 		The Free and Rebellious
"How It Goes"
(with Gregor Salto featuring Stush) 		Non-album singles
"Getho Circus"
"Faka G / Double Dribble"[38] 2017
"Run" HOWSLA
"Drum Nation"
(featuring WatchTheDuck) 		Drum Nation EP
"Ni de Coña"
(with Mike Cervello) 		Jungle Terror: Volume 3
"So Hot"[39]
(with Gregor Salto and Kuenta I Tambu featuring Spyder) 		2018 Non-album single
"Black Panther"[40]
(with Kuenta I Tambu) 		Cycles
"Rise"[41]
(featuring Stush and Kuenta I Tambu)
"I Want It"[42]
(with Yellow Claw) 		2021 Non-album singles
"Periphery"[43]

Remixes

[edit]

2013

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  • Moska – Sick Kick (Wiwek Remix) [Mad Decent]

2014

[edit]
  • Yellow Claw featuring Rochelle – Shotgun (Wiwek Remix) [SPRS]
  • Leftside – Monkey Biznizz (Wiwek Remix) [Mad Decent][44]
  • Yellow Claw featuring Lil Eddie – Never Dies (Wiwek Remix) [Mad Decent]

2015

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  • Katy Tiz – Whistle (While You Work It) (Wiwek Remix) [Atlantic Records]
  • Gregor Salto – Afrobot (Wiwek Remix) [DOORN Records]
  • Etnik featuring Mykki Blanco – Unclassified (Wiwek Remix) [OWSLA]
  • Martin Solveig & GTA – Intoxicated (Wiwek Remix) [Spinnin' Remixes]
  • Sauti Sol – Sura Yako (Wiwek Remix)
  • Cash Cash featuring BOB, Busta Rhymes & Neon Hitch – Devil (Wiwek Remix) [BIG BEAT]

2016

[edit]
  • Firebeatz and Chocolate Puma featuring BISHØP – Lullaby (Wiwek Remix) [Spinnin' Remixes]
  • Getter – Rip N Dip (Wiwek Remix) [OWSLA]
  • Skrillex and Diplo featuring Kai – Mind (Wiwek Remix) [OWSLA / Mad Decent]

2017

[edit]

2019

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  • Kiwi - Witch's Lesson (Wiwek Remix)[45]

References

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Notes

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  • A ^ Did not enter the Ultratop 50, but peaked on the Dance chart.[46]

Sources

[edit]
  1. ^ Goldstein, Jacob. "Skrillex and Diplo 'Whip and Nae Nae,' while Odesza plays real instruments at Decadence". The State Press.
  2. ^ "Wiwek Returns With Tribal House Banger "Periphery"". edm.com. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  3. ^ "Yellow Claw Aim For Trap Royalty with the Upcoming Legends EP". Your EDM. 20 October 2014.
  4. ^ "Wiwek Albums: songs, discography, biography, and listening guide". Rate Your Music.
  5. ^ a b "Artist Spotlight: Wiwek Discusses New "Jungle Terror" EP". EDM Chicago. 24 September 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2016.
  6. ^ a b c d Plaugic, Lizzie (17 March 2016). "A conversation with Wiwek, the Dutch producer who invented 'jungle terror'". The Verge. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  7. ^ Tamulavage, Diane (18 December 2014). "Drop It Again (Avier Bootleg)". Your EDM. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  8. ^ Thompson, Hunter (25 November 2014). "RTT Exclusive Interview + Minimix: Diskord". Run The Trap. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  9. ^ a b "Skrillex Is Cookin' Up A New Ridiculously Named Genre". Stoney Roads. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  10. ^ a b Marro, Ashley (30 October 2015). "Wiwek Debuts New Mix on Musical Freedom Radio". Stoney Roads. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  11. ^ "Dutch Producer Wiwek Announces Debut Australian Tour". TheMusic. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  12. ^ Middleton, Ryan (25 November 2014). "Diplo's Mad Decent Releases Christmas Mixtape, 'A Very Decent Christmas'". Music Times. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  13. ^ Medved, Matt (16 December 2014). "Exclusive: Dzeko & Torres Cram 62 Songs Into '2014 in 10 Minutes' Mix". Billboard. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  14. ^ "Skrillex announces short film 'Still in the Cage', watch trailer". NME. 16 August 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  15. ^ Ruth, Jackie (30 December 2014). "Ultra Music Festival 2015 Lineup Announced Featuring Avicii, Skrillex And Tiesto". Mxdwn.com. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  16. ^ Cameron, John (29 June 2015). "Hardwell And Wiwek's Chameleon Doesn't Stand Out". We Got This Covered. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  17. ^ Kusnierek, Timmy (23 April 2015). "Your EDM Premiere: Alvaro & Wiwek – Fire [Dim Mak]". Your EDM. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  18. ^ "GTA drops highly anticipated 'Death To Genres' sequel... and there's more". www.dancingastronaut.com. Dancing Astronaut. 20 November 2015. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  19. ^ Barron, Michael. "OWSLA's Newest Signee Just Dropped his Most Hard-Hitting Dance Track Yet | Thump". Thump. Retrieved 10 December 2016 – via Vice.
  20. ^ Barron, Michael (5 March 2016). "OWSLA's Wiwek Welcomes You to Jungle Terror with His New Mix | Thump". Thump. Retrieved 10 December 2016 – via Vice.
  21. ^ Klemow, David (1 February 2016). "DA Exclusive: Wiwek announces new OWSLA EP, 'The Free and Rebellious'". www.dancingastronaut.com. Dancing Astronaut. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  22. ^ Cameron, John (27 February 2016). "Wiwek – The Free And Rebellious EP Review". We Got This Covered. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  23. ^ Middleton, Ryan (16 August 2016). "Skrillex, Wiwek Tease New Short Film 'Still in the Cage'". Music Times. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  24. ^ Sundius, Michael (18 August 2016). "Skrillex & Wiwek Premiere New Short Film 'Still in the Cage' in LA: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  25. ^ Havens, Lyndsey. "Watch Skrillex & Wiwek's Trailer for Debut Short Film 'Still in the Cage'". Billboard. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  26. ^ Pearson, Daniel (17 August 2016). "Skrillex & Wiwek Tease New Short Film Still in The Cage". Highsnobiety. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  27. ^ "Skrillex maakt film met Nederlandse dj Wiwek". telegraaf.nl (in Dutch). 17 August 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  28. ^ Strauss, Matthew (15 August 2016). "Skrillex and Wiwek Announce Debut Short Film, Share Trailer: Watch | Pitchfork". pitchfork.com. Pitchfork. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  29. ^ Reyes, Kim (22 October 2016). "Skrillex and Wiwek drop official music video for 'Killa' – Dancing Astronaut". www.dancingastronaut.com. Dancing Astronaut. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  30. ^ Jones, Connor (24 October 2016). "Skrillex And Wiwek Drop A Wild Music Video For "Killa"". We Got This Covered. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  31. ^ Middleton, Ryan (26 February 2016). "Listen To Skrillex, Wiwek, Elliphant "Killah" From 'The Free and Rebellious' EP". Music Times. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  32. ^ Meadow, Matthew (21 April 2016). "Skrillex's Newest Festival Hit Gets The Remix It Deserves From Marshmello's Protégé". Your EDM. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  33. ^ "Cycles by Wiwek on Apple Music". iTunes Store. 8 March 2019. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
  34. ^ a b "Wiwek – Chart history | Billboard". www.billboard.com. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  35. ^ "Jungle Terror, Vol. 4 - EP by Wiwek on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  36. ^ "Time Machine Drums - Single by Wiwek on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  37. ^ "Jungle Terror, Vol. 5- EP by Wiwek on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  38. ^ "Faka G / Double Dribble - Single by Wiwek on Apple Music". iTunes Store. February 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
  39. ^ "So Hot (feat. Spyder) - Single by Wiwek, Gregor Salto & Kuenta I Tambu on Apple Music". iTunes Store. 20 August 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
  40. ^ "Black Panther - Single by Wiwek & Kuenta I Tambu on Apple Music". iTunes Store. 5 October 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2018.
  41. ^ "Rise (feat. Stush & Kuenta i Tambu) - Single by Wiwek on Apple Music". iTunes Store. 16 November 2018. Retrieved 18 November 2018.
  42. ^ "I Want It - Single by Yellow Claw & Wiwek on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
  43. ^ Heffler, Jason (23 July 2021). "Wiwek returns with tribal house banger 'Periphery': Listen". EDM.com. Archived from the original on 24 August 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  44. ^ "That Jack U Mix For Diplo & Friends Is Finally Here". Stoney Roads. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  45. ^ "Witch's Lesson (Wiwek Remix) - Single by Kiwi on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Retrieved 5 December 2019.
  46. ^ Hung, Steffen. "Discografie Wiwek". Belgium (Flanders) Charts Portal. Hung Medien (Steffen Hung).
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