Germany's Maximilian Lenz, aka WestBam, has been at the forefront of the scene for well over two decades already. A founding father of dance as we know it today, WestBam released seminal techno and electro tracks on his Lo Spirit label as far back as the late-'80s, collaborating with fellow luminaries such as Afrika Bambaataa and Yello. He's also the driving force and artistic direction behind the legendary Mayday festivals that started in 1991 and now take place in several European countries each year. WestBam has never followed trends, nor has he sought refuge in popularity polls for any kind of reassurance that he's doing the right thing. After all, an artist who's released albums titled 'Practising Maniac At Work' and singles such as 'We Are Different (Raving Society)' is obviously not the conformist type. WestBam is hard pushed to pinpoint the secret to his newfound popularity in our Top 100 poll and describes this past year as a period of change in some respects by "getting rid of things that did not work for me any more". As always he's been experimenting with new sounds - "I invented 57 new styles - one a week at least!" - and performing at leading events all over the world. During his illustrious and extensive career, WestBam has been there and done it all already. Perhaps a lifetime achievement award would be more fitting for this inspiring innovator.
Germany's Maximilian Lenz, aka WestBam, has been at the forefront of the scene for well over two decades already.
A founding father of dance as we know it today, WestBam released seminal techno and electro tracks on his Lo Spirit label as far back as the late-'80s, collaborating with fellow luminaries such as Afrika Bambaataa and Yello.
He's also the driving force and artistic direction behind the legendary Mayday festivals that started in 1991 and now take place in several European countries each year.
WestBam has never followed trends, nor has he sought refuge in popularity polls for any kind of reassurance that he's doing the right thing. After all, an artist who's released albums titled 'Practising Maniac At Work' and singles such as 'We Are Different (Raving Society)' is obviously not the conformist type.
WestBam is hard pushed to pinpoint the secret to his newfound popularity in our Top 100 poll and describes this past year as a period of change in some respects by "getting rid of things that did not work for me any more".
As always he's been experimenting with new sounds - "I invented 57 new styles - one a week at least!" - and performing at leading events all over the world.
During his illustrious and extensive career, WestBam has been there and done it all already. Perhaps a lifetime achievement award would be more fitting for this inspiring innovator.
