Wavejackers [Interview]

Wavejackers, a talented Melodic Techno DJ and producer, is making waves in the electronic music scene with their exceptional talent and dynamic performances. Born in Samsun, Turkey, in 1998, Wavejackers has been passionately involved in music for over 14 years, establishing a strong presence in the industry. Collaborations with influential producers and DJs have played a pivotal role in Wavejackers journey to success. Their work has garnered support from industry heavyweights, further cementing their position as a force to be reckoned with in the electronic music community. This week finds Wavejackers returning to Just Culture with a new and much anticipated single 'Where I Am'

Progressive Astronaut caught up with Wavejackers to learn more about the release of 'Where I Am', growing up in Turkey, DJing and much more. Enjoy.

Hi Kamil, thanks for talking to us today. Now that we’re into the third month of 2025, how has the year started for you?

This year started great for me. The resolutions I made in 2024 started to pay off in 2025. I had a concert out of town after New Year's Eve and that boosted my motivation. It was an honor for me to receive support from world-class names and share the same stage with them and it was the biggest factor in my progress. I continue my work at full speed.

Let’s look back on 2024, what gig of yours has stood out the most and why?

Actually it all started with a decision I made during a trip in Istanbul. I met Jon.K and invited him to my city Samsun. We also celebrated my birthday that day we played and it was a very special day that I will never forget. The Jon.K event in Samsun with Just Techno Events was my best concert. After our good time, we made the track "Coco" and made it into the Indie Dance Top 100 on Beatport, which increased our collaboration. I played with Alex W Marx 1 month after Jon.K. His coming to Samsun from Ibiza to play reinforced our friendship. That day was an unforgettable night for everyone.

Now let’s look at tracks, what is a track or tracks which came out last year that have impressed you the most and why?

Son Of Son - Lost Control , Tripolism, Nandu & Radeckt - Soultrain, Argy, Baset - Sierra were the tracks I listened to and was impressed by in 2024. Their most important feature was that they were simple and cool, and this was what impressed me. The common point of all these tracks is that they are beautiful and their careers are on the rise.

What is a song/track you’ve never stopped listening to since childhood? And why has it stuck with you this long?

Armin van Buuren feat. Sharon den Adel - In And Out Of Love. I started with Trance music. Armin Van Buuren has been my idol since I was little and I try to reflect the melodic feelings in his music in my music. This track has a very important place in my life. I get emotional whenever I listen to it.

How did your early years growing up in Turkey affect your music taste and direction into becoming a DJ and producer? Were you influenced by the progressive sound of artists like Yunus Guvenen or Subsky in the mid-2000’s at all?

In those years in Turkey, very few people listened to electronic dance music, at least when I was my age. However, I really wanted to listen to quality music and I turned my attention abroad. Famous pioneers like Armin Van Buuren, Tiesto, Cosmic Gate were always guiding me. Progressive sounds were always the genre I was interested in. Cool and sustained groove bass is great.  I've heard and listened to Yunus Guvenen and Subsky, and since I've been interested in music I've always enjoyed discovering new music. Progressive sounds have always had a special place for me and I still use them in my music.

Who from your country inspired you the most early on and why were they inspirational for you?

DJ Tarkan and Murat Uncuoğlu were my favorite DJs and producers in Turkey. They both have tracks from labels around the world. I like their sound a lot. I love analog sounds and full sounds. I was honored and touched to share the same stage with DJ Tarkan in my city last month. I had the opportunity to meet him in 2019 and I had the opportunity to play together in 2025. It was a special feeling.

What are some of your best memories from first going to clubs? Were there specific nights or sets that really made you feel you wanted to pursue electronic music?

Because of my location, it is very difficult to find quality nightclubs here. My style doesn't fit, but in 2021 I went to Sommer Klein with my brother who came from abroad. It was really incredible. That was the first time I listened to Colyn and Denis Horvat. My mindset changed completely after that day. Techno culture in Samsun has exploded in the last 2 or 3 years. I am very happy to take part in this process.

For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? And what advice would you have for new producers just trying to find their way?

When I first decided to make music, rather than making it from scratch, I did a mashup, combining two tracks. I started by combining the breakdown of one track and the drop of another track. I did a lot of styles and sampled the track that touched my heart. After a certain period of time, slowly your own arrangements and sounds start to emerge. People can say, “Yes, Wavejackers did this track.” They need to do a lot of listening. New tracks release every day. You need to listen to famous or unknown producers. The important thing is not the number of listens or downloads. Quality is always good. It is very important to be patient and consistent.

How would you describe the music you make and how has your style changed since your first releases in 2017?

My thinking has changed a lot since 2017. Doing so many genres has helped my development and my ability to synthesize. I have also improved in mixing and mastering. The secret to this is to work continuously. Every year I ask myself how I was the previous year and how I am now. Learning is a good feeling and it is exciting that it will never end.

You have a new single ‘Where I Am’ which is out now via Just Culture. Tell us a bit about the release and what sort of vibe you were going for on the tracks.

I started this track when I was making a special intro for one of my stages at Just Techno Events. I was trying to find a track that would set the mood after the intro. Then I thought about it and decided why not have your own track. It had to have a special lyric. It answered the question of where I am and how I feel. That's how Where I Am came about. I played this track for a long time. When people said, "You should release this track now, we love it so much," I decided to release it on my own record label. it got a good momentum and I got feedback and support from world famous DJs and producers. I'm very happy.

How much play has the track gotten in your sets and where do you usually program it in?

Before the release, I played it many times as ID and it gathered a great energy in out-of-town or our own events. Many DJs asked for the title of the track and now Where I Am is in their sets and playlists.

Let our readers inside your studio for a moment, what is your current setup and what studio tools are featured heavily in your recent productions and more specifically on your ‘Where I Am’ single?

I have a home studio with a laptop, Mackie CR4 studio reference monitor, Audio Technica ATH-M20X Studio Headphones, Nektar LX49+ 49 Key USB Midi Keyboard. I have been using Fl Studio since I started music. My favorite vsts are Serum, U-he Diva and Synth1. Fabfilter Pro Q3 and Sausage Fattener & Endless Smile by Dada Life is my favorite plugin.

You’ve released on Just Culture a few times in the past and have returned for a third project, so please tell us how you discovered the label and why it has become such a good home for your music?

My teammates and I decided to become a record label and a brand on this path we set out as Just Techno Events in Samsun. The bone staff DJs and producers in our team under the name Just Culture are very close friends of mine and we are taking firm steps forward in the growth phase. In the long run, we want to be a record label that everyone will hear about and want to do business with.

Shifting to DJing for a moment, you’ve been DJing for well over a decade now, so please tell us how often you get a chance to perform around Turkey? And please tell us your approach to DJing and how you go about programming your sets.

I am actively DJing in Turkey, mostly in vacation areas and my home city Samsun. I am aiming to do very hopeful business internationally this year. I have a stage every week. And on my stages I play promotional tracks that come in and take care to shoot a set in front of the camera. I always try to stay up to date. I love discovering new quality tracks and playing them on my stage. I love busy programs and crowds. Offers from abroad started to multiply. This makes me feel happy.

What were some of the main challenges and goals when starting out as a DJ and how have they changed over time?

I started doing this job under very difficult conditions. I had equipment problems. The bigger the business gets, the more needs there are. I faced problems with the wage and the suitability of the audience. When you work in the right place, at the right time, with the right people, you reach the right audience. When you start to act like an artist, everything changes. It's best to move forward without ego, by valuing people and yourself. My goal is to leave my mark on the world and I'm working hard for that. New tracks are on the way. Playing big festivals is everyone's goal and this applies to me too. I'm trying hard to be the best.

What is it about DJing, compared to producing your own music, that makes it interesting for you?

It's great to feel the enthusiasm with the crowd. It's great to see people dancing and screaming and making loud noises.

Can you tell me a bit about how your work as a DJ has influenced your view of music, your way of listening to tracks and perhaps also, your work as a producer?

When we say Electronic Dance Music, the first elements that attract attention are Kick and Bass. It is very important that these elements are thunderous and that these elements are not covered over. That's why I choose tracks that can surprise people first with their feel and then technically. It doesn't matter if you are famous or not, quality is much more important to me. But generally I like to make people listen to new music.

Current Top five tracks in your sets?

1) Anturage, Jon. K - Denet

2) Vomee - Bring It Back

3) Argy - GURU

4) Baron & Darmon - Ellora

5) Waae - La Trova

If you are not DJing, producing or socializing at clubs, where do we find you? And doing what?

I like doing sports. I like hiking and playing football. Of course, you can also find me watching science fiction and horror movies.

If you could set up an event with a line-up of five artists of your choice, who would you book and what set times would you ascribe to the artists? (Do not include yourself)

1) David Guetta (3 Hours)

2) Stephan Bodzin (2 Hours)

3) Boris Brejcha (2 Hours)

4) ARTBAT (1.30 Hours)

5) KAS:ST (1.30 Hours)

If you were not a DJ/Producer what do you think you’d be doing with your life? (Something not music related)

My love of tinkering with computers, which started at a young age, pushed me into the field of graphic and video design. I would be working in a profession related to this field. I also graduated from two universities in my private life. The first one is Printing and Publishing Technologies and the second one is Communication Design and Management programs. As in music, I love being in the kitchen, I have worked in many places in these fields. If I wasn't only focused on music right now, I would definitely be in this field.

What’s something people do not know about you?

One of the things that people don't know about me is that they wonder how I have this motivation without any alcohol, cigarettes or substances before I go on stage or when I make my music. I'm often asked how I can give these performances without taking any of these things, when most people can sustain their music by drinking alcohol, smoking or anything else. My answer is that music itself has a magical and pleasurable effect. So when I have music I don't need anything extra, music alone is enough.

What TV series have you been enjoying recently and what are some of your all time favourites?

I like mystery, science fiction and horror movies. My favorite show is The 100. Cassandra, Woman of the Dead is one of the best shows I've seen recently.

Apart from music, what makes you happiest?

Playing football and traveling are my two favorite things outside of music.

What can we look forward to from you across the remainder of 2025? Any releases or gigs you are looking forward to?

I have new music coming out soon. I have a new track with Jon.K. There's a couple of tracks that I've done myself. I'm definitely building on that, I'm excited and making plans. There are a few places abroad and I have a lot of concert traffic in my country. The fact that Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, one of the famous foreign DJs, played my track Where I Am on Smash The House Radio and that many DJs with weight in the market included the download in their sets helped me to raise my goals. My goal is to be on the big stages in Europe.

'Where I Am' is available now via Just Culture: https://tinyurl.com/4h2mbyff