Wade Randolph Hampton professionally known as W, also known as WishFM is an American DJ, film and music producer, and recording artist.
In 1987, along with mentor Kerry Jaggers, Hampton opened his first nightclub, Westend, in Austin. He moved to Chicago a year later, before relocating to Los Angeles.[1]
During his time in LA – and later in San Francisco – Hampton established a reputation as a 'veteran West Coast rave promoter'. Along with then-partner Stephanie Smiley he also set up Faster Bamboo, a shop 'designed to provide hard-to-find cutting-edge music and underground club info'.[2]
In 1995, Hampton signed a record label distribution deal in 1995 with Moonshine Music to launch Domestic Recordings,[3] through which he released music under the monikers ‘W’ and ‘Wish FM’.[4] [5] He would also release albums from acts such as Mark Farina, Symbiosis and Westside Chemical.[6] After moving to San Francisco, he would also have success with his weekly night ‘La Belle Epoque’ at 'The Top' nightclub.[7]
From 2006–2012 Hampton was Director of Dallas’ 'Ghostbar' nightclub, on top of the W Hotel.[8] [9]
Hampton made his acting debut in the independent film Groove (2000), for which he was the music producer.[10] [11] (2000). Groove was nominated for ‘Best Film Under $500,000’ at the 17th Independent Spirit Awards.
Hampton was also the Music Supervisor for the 2006 film TV Junkie,[12] which won the ‘Special Grand Jury Prize for a Documentary’ at the Sundance Film Festival.
Hampton grew up in Dallas, Texas. He currently resides in Los Angeles and has a son from his relationship with Stephanie Smiley.
In the 1990s Hampton developed a friendship with psychologist Timothy Leary. He would later DJ at Leary's funeral memorial.[13]
| Year | Release | Artist | Credit | Label | Catalog Number | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Wish FM 96.1 The Progressive Electro Revolution | Various | Producer/Executive Producer | Domestic Recordings | DMT 10001-2 | |
| 1996 | Jet Set | Various | DJ/ Producer | Domestic Recordings | DMT 10004-2 | |
| 1996 | Clandestine Electronic Subculture | Symbiosis | Executive Producer | Domestic Recordings | DMT 10003-2 | |
| 1996 | Seasons One | Producer/Executive Producer | Domestic Recordings | DMT 10002-2 | ||
| 1997 | Wish FM 97.1: West Coast Drum & Space | Various | DJ/Producer | Domestic Recordings | DMT 10005-2 | |
| 1997 | Blue | Infinite Posse | Remix Co-Producer | Sunburn Records/Lightyear Entertainment | SPF 009 / 54274-0 | |
| 1997 | Phibsborough | Westside Chemical | Executive Producer | DMT 10006-2 / SR2700 | ||
| 1998 | Wish FM 98.1: Live At La Belle Epoque | Various | DJ/Producer | Sunburn Records/Lightyear Entertainment/ Warner Entertainment Group | SPF 19004/54285-2 | |
| 1998 | Redheadestepchild | W | Writer/Arranger/Engineer | ZoëMagik Records | ZM CD005 | |
| 1998 | Meta | Symbiosis | Producer/Executive Producer | Domestic Recordings / Silent | DMT 10007-2 / SR9837 | |
| 1998 | Duke's Up | W | Writer/Producer | ZoëMagik Records | ZM-017 | |
| 1999 | Stepheadedredchild - The Remix Sessions | W | Writer/Arranger/Engineer/Remixer | ZoëMagik Records | ZM CD006 | |
| 2000 | Groove (Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture) | Various | DJ/Executive Producer | Kinetic/Reprise Records/ Warner Entertainment Group | 9 47765-2 / 947765-2 | |
| 1997 | The Royal Treatment | The Baroness | Remixer | ZoeMagik Records | ZMCD-003 | |
| 2002 | Requiem For A Dream (Remixed) | Clint Mansell Featuring Kronos Quartet | Remixer | Thrive Records | 90703-2 |