Houston-based DJ and producer Zachary discusses his musical roots, victory in the BOO Seattle Discovery Project contest, future aspirations, and more.
Texas has birthed numerous artists who have transformed the music scene with their captivating sounds and exceptional performances, and Zachary is among the newest talents making waves. This dynamic artist has been consistently delivering impressive tracks that traverse genres from house to dubstep and beyond.
Early endorsements from prominent labels like AFROJACK’s WALL Recordings and Showtek’s 2-Dutch have further propelled Zachary’s ascent, and he continues to heat up the scene in 2024. This year, he released tracks such as “My Mind” featuring Clayne and Solace, as well as “HIGH ON MY MIND” with Sample Bandit. He has also put his unique spin on remixes of Doja Cat’s “Ouchies” and Little Simz’s “Torch.”
Recently, Zachary triumphed in the BOO Seattle Discovery Project contest, where he was named the winner by Ray Volpe. This opportunity enabled him to perform in the Pacific Northwest at the Halloween-themed event, making it the perfect time to catch up with him. Continue reading for the full interview with Zachary and enjoy his mix on SoundCloud for a taste of his musical style.
Listen to EDMID Guest Mix 445 || Zachary on SoundCloud:
Hi Zachary, thank you for taking the time to chat with us today. Before diving into your recent achievements, let’s explore your beginnings. Can you recall the first time you encountered electronic music? Which artists inspired your passion for this genre?
Absolutely! I remember the first time I experienced EDM vividly. I stumbled upon Afrojack’s 2016 Ultra Music Festival Miami performance on YouTube, which led me to discover other influential artists like Zomboy, Skrillex, and Avicii.
Was there a pivotal moment when you decided to pursue a career as a DJ and producer? What were your initial steps as an artist?
Definitely! That moment came when I watched Timmy Trumpet’s 2017 Tomorrowland Belgium set, and it solidified my desire to make this my career. My first step was to dive into YouTube tutorials, learning how to create future house music from scratch on my old, worn-out laptop using FL Studio 12.
You’ve showcased a diverse range of styles over the years, including house, techno, dubstep, and more. Can you share your production approach and the influences that have shaped your versatility?
My production approach involves immersing myself in various music styles each week, from familiar genres like bass and house to exploring others like indie or drum and bass. This variety fuels my inspiration and sparks new ideas.
Engaging with fellow producers on Discord is also vital. These connections expose me to new production techniques, keep me in tune with trends, and provide fresh perspectives that influence my work. Having a community to exchange ideas with—whether troubleshooting or sharing feedback—keeps my creativity alive and motivates me to continually enhance my music.
This year, you’ve released notable tracks like “High On My Mind” with Sample Bandit and “Remember Me?” that showcase your stylistic range. What inspires your creative direction when you’re in the studio?
In the studio, my creativity often stems from my emotions and personal experiences, which influence the sound I aim to create. I draw from various genres and collaborations with other artists, as their unique perspectives can guide me in new directions. Ultimately, I strive to merge my influences into something innovative and authentic!
Your remixes have been impressive, too. I particularly enjoyed your version of Doja Cat’s “Ouchies” and Joey Valence, Brae, and Terror Reid’s “Doughboy.” How do you select the tracks you want to remix?
I choose tracks that resonate with me and possess unique elements I can reimagine, especially if I see the potential to evoke a different vibe or energy in the remix!
Support from major artists and labels is crucial for emerging talents, and you’ve received backing from AFROJACK (WALL Recordings) and Showtek (2-Dutch). How has this support affected your career?
Receiving support from established artists has significantly impacted my career. Their backing has enabled me to reach a wider audience and provided opportunities I might not have encountered otherwise. Their endorsement has also boosted my confidence and motivation, inspiring me to refine my sound and push my creative limits!
One of your significant recent achievements was winning the Discovery Project contest for BOO Seattle. Congratulations! What were your emotions when Ray Volpe announced you as the winner?
Thank you! When Ray Volpe selected me as the winner, I was truly overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude. It felt surreal to have my work recognized by an artist I admire!
That victory led to your performance at the festival. Can you describe your experience performing at the Pacific Northwest’s largest Halloween festival?
Performing at BOO Seattle was an extraordinary experience—definitely a highlight of my career! The festival’s energy was incredible, and being part of BOO! while delivering my first-ever live set created a unique vibe that made the performance even more special. Sharing my music in that atmosphere and witnessing the audience’s response was surreal, reinforcing my passion for live performance and connecting with fans through my music. Plus, meeting Ray Volpe in person was the cherry on top!
As we near the end of the year, what are you looking forward to in the last months of 2024 and beyond? Are there specific goals you wish to achieve in the upcoming year?
In the final months of 2024, I’m focused on finishing and releasing several new tracks and collaborations that I’m eager to unveil. Looking ahead to next year, one of my primary goals is to release more original music and hopefully collaborate with some of my favorite labels. I also aim to perform more shows and expand my presence as a live artist, infusing fresh energy into my sets and connecting with even more fans!
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