Interview With Wenzday At The 3rd Annual 40oz Cult Pop Up

On November 3rd thatDROP was invited to the 3rd Annual 40oz Cult Pop Up at Kingswell in Los Feliz, hosted by Wenzday and Dack Janiels. Celebrating the 40oz Cult holiday line, we enjoyed a some brews with Wenzday and a few Cult friends while listening to some awesome tunes from the 40oz family.

We met Josh and Pat of Modestep, and saw appearances from Oski, Dion Timmer, HAMi, and more. The event was filled with smiles, bass, pizza, and tattoos, and good times.  As an all inclusive brand centered around streetwear and creating innovative music, 40z Cult annually hosts label takeovers in Los Angles at Exchange, Academy, Space Yacht and also across the US with their most recent takeover in Hawaii!

Photo Credit: 40oz Cult
Dack Janiels, Wenzday, HAMi – Photo Credit: HAMi
Photo Credit: Wenzday

Wenzday, aka Taylor Chung, was raised in the Bay Area as a classically trained vocalist, she moved to LA at the age of 16 to commit to DJing full-time. She was the youngest person ever to play the Playboy Mansion and become one of the most sought-after open format female DJs in the city.

She graduated from Icon Collective while playing the club scene and gained a renewed focus on bass music production. Outside of 40oz Cult, Wenzday has gone to also release acclaimed singles on Dim Mak, Gold Digger, Doom Records, Play Me Records, and Popgang; garnering support from blogs such as Bassrush, Your EDM, and This Song Slaps. She also currently hosts a weekly radio show on DASH1 that features original mixes from herself and her peers.

Photo Credit: Wenzday

We were able to get a few questions in with Wenzday regarding 40oz Cult, her new release, and what keeps her going. Check it out below.

Where do you go or what do you do to stay inspired and motivated?
In terms of music and fashion-nightclubs are my happy place. I came up as an open format DJ in Los Angeles so, if I’m home, I love going out to see what other music is being played and what kids are wearing. I’m also an avid hiker and camper so when I need a break I love going to the forest or the desert to just disconnect and relax.
What was it like to play Lost Lands?
This was my second year playing Lost Lands and its hands down one of my favorite festivals! The setting is absolutely gorgeous and I think its such a well-dialed experience for performers and fans alike. It was such an honor to be asked back this year and I love seeing how much it grows year and year.
Photo Credit: Wenzday
Do you attend festivals outside of playing them? If so, what is your favorite?
Absolutely! I’ve been going to festivals since I was in high school. I think my favorite would have to be Coachella because there is such an eclectic lineup and its the one I’ve been going to consistently the longest. EDC also holds a special place in my heart because I used to go back when it was in LA!
What is your all-time favorite song?
Believer-Kill Hannah.
If you could collab with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Davey Havok from AFI, Landon Tewers, and Nothing, Nowhere.
What kind of music did you grow up listening to?
I was a total emo kid growing up. Some of my favorite bands were Taking Back Sunday, Green Day, Yellowcard, Kill Hannah, AFI, and Mindless Self Indulgence.
What has it been like launching 40oz Cult with Dack Janiels and HAMi? How did the idea come about?
40oz Cult was started by Tanner and Erik (HAMi). It represents the opposite of bottle service culture and is an ode to their skateboarding days. It’s been amazing watching the brand and our CULT grow over the years. Personally, I love that the label has been taking on a life of its own. I currently am the label manager and I’ve had a blast finding new talent from a multitude of genres to add to our roster.
Photo Credit: Wenzday

You recently revealed a new conceptual EP ‘Demons Dancing’. Can you tell us a bit more about the EP and the inspiration behind it? 

Demons Dancing is the next chapter of the Heartbreak House story. For me, Heartbreak House is this conceptual world that helped me work thru my most recent breakup. I wanted Demons Dancing to be the perfect soundtrack for a girl’s night out.
Without giving too much info, is there anything you can tell us to be excited for in 2020?
I have so much new music that will be dropping in early 2020! I really took 2019 to dial in my sound and I can’t wait to expand on it moving forward. I also have collabs dropping with some amazingly talented artists like Badjokes, KANDY, and Dread MC!
What is the biggest influence on your music?
David Bowie. I love how over the top and conceptual his music and live performances were. To me, he is the definition of rock n’ roll and I hope I can bring that vibe to my music and performances.
Does pineapple go on pizza? 
Yes. Don’t @ me.

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