Father’s Day: Jai Waetford on his new Hype DC campaign, fatherhood, and personal style
Ahead of Father’s Day, Remix speaks exclusively to Australian singer-songwriter Jai Waetford about fatherhood, personal style and his new Father’s Day campaign with Hype DC.
Between acts of service, begrudging hugs and “thumbs up” texts, dads have a particular way of showing they care. Whether it’s cleaning the car, changing the lightbulb that’s been blown for the last two years or showing up when we need them most, father figures have long been synonymous with a quiet kind of dependability, one that rarely asks for recognition in return.
But why do they do what they do? The answer might seem obvious, but its significance is anything but.
“Before having kids, a lot of my motivation was about myself—where I wanted to go and what I wanted to achieve. Now everything has a bigger purpose. I want to build a life they can be proud of,” says Australian singer-songwriter, Jai Waetford.
The 27-year-old, who is soon to become a father of two, has partnered with Hype DC for a special Father’s Day campaign centred on a simple concept: why we do what we do.
Balancing the demands of a music career with the realities of family life, Jai embodies a modern perspective on fatherhood: one where ambition is shaped by the people waiting at home. Shot in Melbourne, the campaign juxtaposes intimate footage of his family here in Aotearoa with his signature streetwear aesthetic, including adidas BW Army Lux sneakers exclusive to Hype DC.
More than a celebration of personal style, it explores the motivations behind the man—the people who give everything we do greater meaning.
The Hype DC campaign is centred around the idea, “why we do what we do.” For you, the answer is your children. Has becoming a father changed what motivates you and what you want to achieve?
Definitely. Before having kids, a lot of my motivation was about myself—where I wanted to go and what I wanted to achieve. Now everything has a bigger purpose. I want to build a life they can be proud of and show them that you can chase what you love while still being there for the people who matter most.
The campaign brings together your creative life in Melbourne with personal footage of your family in New Zealand. What was it like seeing those two sides of your life brought together, and why was that important to you?
It felt really natural because that’s my life. I’m lucky to have my creative world in Melbourne, but my family in New Zealand is a huge part of who I am. Bringing the two together made the campaign feel really personal rather than just being about clothes or shoes.
You’ve said that everything changes when you have kids. What has surprised you most about fatherhood?
Probably how much you can love someone you’ve only just met. It completely changes your perspective. The little things become the big things, and suddenly your time, energy and priorities are all about someone else.
You’ve been making music since you were a teenager and have grown up in the public eye. How has your relationship with music, creativity and your own identity evolved as you’ve grown up?
I think I’ve become a lot more comfortable with who I am. When I was younger, I was figuring everything out in front of everyone, so there was always a lot of pressure to be a certain version of myself. Now I make music because I genuinely love it—I’m less concerned with fitting into the expectations of others. Being an independent artist means I can create music that aligns with my values, and that is truly for my fans.
Your personal style is a big part of the Hype DC campaign. How would you describe your style today? Has becoming a dad influenced the way you dress or express yourself?
I’d say it’s pretty effortless—streetwear, sneakers, good basics, but with a few pieces that stand out. Becoming a dad hasn’t really changed my style, but I’ve definitely become more confident in wearing what I actually like rather than dressing for anyone else.
You’ve already lived through so many different chapters—starting out so young, building a career, evolving creatively and becoming a father. What are you most excited to build in this next chapter, both creatively and personally?
I’m excited to keep making music that feels like me and to see where that takes me. But personally, it’s really about building a good life for my family. I’m still ambitious, but what success looks like to me has definitely changed. I want to do things I’m proud of and have my kids along for the ride.
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