There seems to be a disconnect lately with the current mainstream music scene and the emotion that music is supposed to create. There are artists out there that are trying to bring it back to music to make you feel something. One such artist is our recent discovery Zak North
We caught up with the rising trip-hop star to get a little deeper into his plans to make a difference. Enjoy the interview here:
First off, why did you decide to go with the moniker Zak North?
Being from North Carolina, I wanted to incorporate that into who I am. Zak is actually my birth given name. So when you put that together you have Zak North and everything is up from there. Everything North!
How would you describe your sound?
My sound is trippy and vibey – emotional and reckless at times. My music is authentic and it’s going to connect. It’s the soundtrack of my life.
We have to ask, why the mask?
It transcends Zak beyond reality. It’s universal. Music today has lost touch with emotion and feel. It’s more about does this artist look the part and is he/she attractive etc. The mask keeps the focus on my sound.
Which artists have had the biggest influence on Zak North?
It’s so hard to narrow that down. I listen to almost everything and every genre. I guess I definitely would have to say Drake from an emotional standpoint. Kanye West from a musically and visually rebellious standpoint. There are so many though, that’s difficult to narrow down.
How does a song come together for you? What is your songwriting process?
I have such an unorthodox writing process lol. Usually I sort through beats and find something that shakes me emotionally or takes me to a memory. Then I like to find the nearest bathroom or my car and just sit and vibe. I look at relevant pictures or videos to help me tap into that even more. Once the shell of the song is created on my phone, I brainstorm and collab with my team to get the best version and then boom, finished product. This process feels most authentic to me.
Your new video for “II Long” seems a little dark. Can you share the story behind it?
The song is one of the most heartwrenching songs to me and it was a dark time in life. I was in a relationship that was taking hits left and right. The person I was with started making decisions for them…in the moment. Those decisions led me to drinking until I felt better, which I never did. The video conveys that loneliness and darkness.
We hear that some music industry insiders are already coming calling for Zak North. What is your plan to make the biggest impact with your music?
The plan is to stay authentic and give the world Zak North. I truly believe if you stay consistent with the sound and content then the rest will take care of itself.
Share some advice for other artists creating thier own path?
Invest and bet on yourself. Invest in your sound. Create a plan and stick to it. Be relentless! Be authentic.
