After spending the last decade creating his music empire, Israeli-based producer and DJ, Whales, reaches a milestone that many artists dream of reaching, commemorating 10 years of creating his own unique style and creative talent under his well-known persona. Tal Rochman, the man behind the Whales project, started his journey at the young age of 13, growing and evolving his project into the prominent name it is today. Now at 23 years old, Rochman celebrates 10 years of creativity, hard work, and accolades with the release of his highly anticipated EP, “Fuckin”, a 6-piece sensation as he moves forward into a new chapter of the Whales project. Not only does this EP serve as a mile marker for this artist, but also opened the door for Rochman to reflect on the last 10 years and the challenges he had to endure to advance to where he is in his music career now. His project now serves as an inspiration to fans and producers who also struggle with physical and mental health issues, hoping to follow in his footstep within the scene.
Tal Rochman began his journey to Whales at the young age of 13, and despite facing immense health challenges such as PTSD, Autism, Tourettes, OCD, and more, he turned to music as a solace and an escape from the world around him. Under his original moniker, ‘Sex Whales’, in which he gained significant popularity right off the bat. He put out hits such as “Dead to Me” and “We Are”, shooting him into the spotlight from very early on. Rochman served as a true pioneer in the electronic scene, garnering over 100 million streams on Spotify alone and working with artists such as Excision, DJ Diesel, and more heavy hitters.
“When I was 13 years old, I really wanted to start making Dubstep. This led me to creating a project with a focus on bass music called “Sex Whales”. Despite the bizarre name, I had such a strong passion for music that I didn’t have a second thought over the name. Over time, the project gained some attention, and I began to feel embarrassed about having such a name. I worried that people would see me as a childish person and I didn’t want to be known as “this kid Sex Whales”. It was one of the hardest decisions I had to take, because Sex Whales was so popular among so many people, but it had to be done. I felt ashamed with this name and anything to do with it. Nevertheless, I felt that it was necessary to distance myself from the name and everything associated with it. When I turned 18, I decided to rebrand myself as just “Whales.”
With the release of his “Fuckin'” EP, Rochman continues to inspire others and pave his way throughout the scene. This release showcases his unique hand in electrifying bass music production. “Real Lies”, the first track off the EP, sets a very clear tone for the dynamic and infectious energy that this release packs, perfectly encapsulating the true essence of bass music. ‘So Ready’, comes next offering distinctive glitchy synths and booming basslines. ‘Untouchable’, plays on hip-hop influences, creating depth and a new sound within the mix of other tracks. None other than the title track ‘Fuckin’ follows, which exemplifies Whales’ true and original sound down to its very roots. ‘Hurt’ is next on the list, taking listeners on a raw and emotional journey through the use of string riffs. Finally rounding out the EP as the 6th and final track, “Drowning”, brings everything full circle, packing in the energy and inspiration from the rest of the EP all in one.
Whales’ musical journey serves as a testament to anyone trying to overcome obstacles to reach their dreams. With each release and show played, Whales’ has defied the odds and persevered, bringing him to this momentous 10-year celebration of his work thus far. Only 23 years old now, Whales’ has so far to go, with the sky truly being the limit for this incredible artist. From his early beginnings in music to his latest releases, his true passion for his craft is evident with each and every track he releases and set he plays.
We had the extreme pleasure to be able to dive a little deeper with Whales’ about his last 10 years in music, his challenges, and what is to come in an exclusive interview featured down below! Make sure to check out “Fuckin” which is available now on all streaming platforms, because trust us, you are in for an absolute treat.
Diving Deep w/ Whales
1. What drew you to turn to make music to help find solace from your personal struggles? Was there a turning point in your life where you found making music as a creative outlet?
I think growing up as an autistic kid, it was pretty obvious I needed a unique outlet to express myself because human interaction wasn’t much of a thing, I always felt like music understood me best and that the only place I could put out what’s inside my head to the world, was through creating music. I definitely worked a lot on my social skills growing up, but sometimes it still feels like music is the only way to express what’s really inside of me 🙂
2. You serve as a huge example to many up-and-coming artists and fans who might be dealing with their own personal battles in day-to-day life. Do you have any words of inspiration or advice for those who look up to you as an artist?
The only thing I want to say is don’t give up. I know a career can look so far and unreachable, and sometimes it seems like everybody is doing better than you, but there is a reason you are here doing what you are doing. You have a light inside of you, and no matter how many people, and when, but you gotta show the world what you got, what’s inside of this head of yours, each artist is truly special and I think keeping it going and enjoying every moment of it is the most important part.
3. You have played over 300+ shows and festivals across the globe over the last 10 years as Whales. What have been some of the most memorable moments you have had on the road?
I think for sure my first international show in Paris at age 15, it was such a sharp transition from 0 to 100, I have had my career and received a lot of love online, but I never got to see any of it in real life. I never felt anything nearly as impactful as seeing real fans for the first time. These images carry on to this day when I go on the plane to play any shows, big or small, anywhere in the world. There are REAL people looking up to see me do my thing. Nothing is stronger than
that, and I got to give them all of myself!
4. Your latest EP, “Fuckin” is 6 tracks of absolute heat! What were your inspirations and ideas behind this EP when you sat down to write it?
I really wanted to make a mixtape style EP, where all the songs kind of connect and each song showcases a different style/story/theme. They are shorter than usual but hit straight to the point and I wanted the listener to sit at home and be able to listen to all of it without skipping for ones or losing attention.
5. Of all of the 6 tracks on this EP, which one was your favorite and why?
Drowning for sure, really got me going out of my “safe” space when it comes to Dubstep EPs and gave soooooooo much contrast to the EP. I was always a lover of unique things.
6. What is next for the Whales project? What do you have coming up that fans have to look forward to?
Album. Tour. Merch. 😉
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