This month’s student spotlight introduces you to Icon Graduate Wenzday, one of LA’s full-throttled bass music heavy hitters.
We are proud of our students and their accomplishments. Each month, we connect with Icon Collective students and alumni who have taken programs in Los Angeles or Online to showcase their hard work and success. Their achievements offer a glimpse into what’s possible after pursuing music education at the Collective.
About Wenzday
Icon Graduate Taylor Chung aka Wenzday has had a unique run in her years as an artist, producer, and DJ. Bay-Area bred, Wenzday is a classically trained vocalist, who moved to Los Angeles at age 16 to pursue music full-time. She then went on to be the youngest person ever to DJ the world-famous Playboy Mansion. Wenzday quickly became one of the most sought-after open format DJs in the city.
Wenzday also attended Icon Collective while moonlighting the club circuit. After graduating, she co-founded the clothing company and label 40oz Cult with her brother, fellow Icon Graduate Dack Janiels. In the years since, Wenzday has earned releases on Dim Mak, Doom Records, Play Me Records, and Popgang. She also currently hosts a weekly radio show on DASH1 Radio that features original mixes from herself and her peers.
With a renewed focus on bass music production, Wenzday continues to unleash her fearless live sets and bass stormer releases with no signs of slowing down.
Wenzday Interview
In the following short interview, Wenzday talks about the creative relationship with her brother Tanner aka Dack Janiels. She also expresses her experiences attending Icon and gives insight into how studying at Icon helped prepare her to maneuver the industry. Wenzday also shares her forthcoming musical endeavors and offers up some advice for students.
Do you and your brother ever get competitive when it comes to music?
Never! Honestly, the idea of competing is just ridiculous. Tanner (Dack Janiels) is the reason I decided to go to Icon, and to this day is my biggest supporter. He started at Icon before me and was the first person to really push me to start making my own music. We know that we can bounce ideas off each other and get honest feedback. We also founded 40oz Cult alongside our best friend Hami, which is a skateboarding-inspired clothing line and label. So there’s no time for competition. If one of us does well, we all do well!
What was your experience like at Icon? Do you feel like it helped prepare you for the ensuing years in the industry?
I had an AMAZING experience at Icon. I made lifelong friends, and learning how to turn your ideas into a tangible thing is an incredible feeling. I definitely think it helped me prepare for the industry. I learned how to actually complete songs, become familiar with the business side of things, as well as also how to communicate professionally with others in the industry, which is crucial. Icon is a uniquely nurturing environment that not only breeds creativity but also provides a sense of community and acceptance which is definitely needed nowadays.
What are the upsides to venturing into the music industry alongside your sibling? Are there any downsides?
I love getting to work with Tanner on a daily basis. Whether it’s on music or merchandise, it’s really nice to bounce ideas off of someone who wants the best for you. This industry can be very daunting. Luckily, we share a ton of friends, which is really nice. For instance, if one of us is going to a new place for a show, we can refer each other to all the best spots and friends out there.
What advice would you give your Level 1 Icon Student self?
Be patient!! Eventually, things will start to click. Also, stop comparing yourself to your classmates! I remember stressing myself out the first month because my songs weren’t where I wanted them. I was embarrassed, and it was really getting at me. My level 1 mentor (shoutout Valente) really helped to calm me down and explain that you just have to be patient and not be afraid to continually put out work. I definitely believe that in this industry if you are not consistently putting out work then it’s really hard to get better and evolve.
What can we expect from Wenzday in the coming months?
We are planning a couple more 40oz Cult takeovers for early 2018 as well as new merch drops, so be on the lookout for those announcements! I have also been working non-stop on music. My first release of 2018 will be Jan. 12th with Chemical Energy. I am also wrapping up my second EP in the next month or so. In addition, I am also working on a collab with fellow Icon graduate Sippy! She’s so talented, and I’m really excited for everyone to hear this one.