Who is B.R.U.C.E. W.A.I.N.E.? An Interview With One of Houston’s Rising Artists

I had the pleasure of meeting with local artist, B.R.U.C.E. W.A.I.N.E., who is an up-and-coming producer and DJ. Growing up in our very own H-town, he was influenced by and grew up with hip-hop, but also gained an interest in electronic sound. Blending the genres seamlessly, B.R.U.C.E. W.A.I.N.E. definitely is making music that is original, fresh, and appealing to young listeners right now. His EP, OB Theory, was released in 2016, and he is currently working on new edits/remixes and a new album.

What does B.R.U.C.E. W.A.I.N.E. stand for and what inspired it? 

“It stands for Boy Ridiculously Unique Creating Epic and Wondrous Art In New Essence,” he said, as he continued to tell me about one of his old friends who gave him the name. “I didn’t like it at first, but it kind of stuck.” He also clarified that he wanted everything he created to mean something and have a purpose, so he came up with the acronym and changed “Wayne” to “Waine.”

Being a local artist, born and raised in Houston, what is your favorite thing about Houston ?

“I would have to say, the diversity,” he said as he described how he likes being able to meet different people and experience new cultures.

Speaking of cultures, how did you get into the two distinct worlds of hip-hop and EDM?

Growing up in Houston, he says hip-hop was something he grew up with, but later on around 2013 one of his friends started introducing him to electronic music. He started checking out artists like Skrillex and Diplo, and sparked an interest in learning how to make sound like that. Additionally, I was curious about how he learned how to produce music and DJ. “I was 17, and I decided to buy some equipment with my graduation money.” Shortly after, he played at his first party and then decided to take DJing with him to college. “I had been producing since I was like 10,” he said, as he described buying different programs and playing around with the software to make music. “I just kept studying music and kept going,” he said.

What inspired some of your music, particularly the poetic and personal Intro and Outro to your OB Theory EP?

“The inspiration for both tracks came from life,” he said, discussing the trials and tribulations he has gone through thus far that have shaped his identity. Both tracks are “talking about the struggles I went through and am going through, that’s why the project is called Open Box Theory, because I felt like I was finally getting out of the box that I was caught in.” He described finally coming into who he is, and using music as the outlet to express himself.

That’s why the project is called Open Box Theory, because I felt like I was finally getting out of the box that I was caught in.

Who was the first DJ you ever saw live? 

“Afrojack,” he answered, prompting curiosity about the other DJs he draws inspiration from for his own music. “Baauer, for sure.” He also noted Just Blaze, RL Grime, Diplo, and Troyboi. From asking about who he’s influenced by and who he’s currently listening to, it was clear that Bruce is a cross-genre music listener and artist, which is invaluable in the modern music world. Fans who have interest in a variety of genres, love hearing music that blends their favorite sound and there’s definitely a space and demand for the kind of experimental sound B.R.U.C.E. W.A.I.N.E. is creating.

How do you feel about making your way in the predominantly white EDM scene?

It really doesn’t bother me at all,” he said, noting that his unique style and energy help him stand out even more within the crowd. “Why not just do it, and you’d be surprised where it’ll take you,” he said, with his positive energy rubbing off on me, I felt excited to see more diverse artists making their way up in the music scene.

We wrapped up with Bruce playing me his newest track – “The Warm Up (Remix).” As he played it, the passion and energy the music inspired within him radiated; and the energy was definitely contagious. Not to mention the remix was fire, combining electronic house sound with a fresh twist. This song will definitely make fans dance and have fun at a at a live set. Bruce is also “in album mode,” working on new music to be released next year.

You heard it here first, with CoogRadio being at the forefront of local events and artists. B.R.U.C.E. W.A.I.N.E. is a fresh, young artist at the forefront of experimental hip-hop/EDM sound. With a promising debut EP and singles like “Laser Highs” and “Ling Clang,” B.R.U.C.E. W.A.I.N.E. is headed for big things.

You can follow him on Twitter or Instagram for new music, as well as checking out his Spotify page. 

Thank you for reading! Who are some of your favorite local artists you want to see featured? Share with us below in the comments!

http://https://open.spotify.com/album/5hvChDM33YPv2wFd41cwbY?si=nJ_x5dUMQvi5OrtBcOFU5g