We had the good fortune of connecting with Zachary Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zachary, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risks have been the bridge and springboards to my success. They create a way where there are none. Imagine your whole life you have been on this big iceberg and suddenly the temperature starts to change and it begins breaking apart. Now you have to decide which part of it to stand on: the part you always have that’s comfortable and familiar or the part that’s smaller that will lead to a new beginning with limitless possibilities.

How would you describe your art? What are you most excited about this coming year? How did you get where you are today? Did you have to overcome any challenges? What do you want people to get out of your art? 
My art is all about showcasing what we can do together; it’s not the glory of one person but the celebration of true collaboration. I want everyone to be successful, and the truest version of themselves that they can be. I am super excited about all the new music and film productions that this coming year is going to produce as well as other projects that I have in the works! I got where I am today by following my heart, God and by taking leaps of faith when the time was right. It was not easy but what is? The biggest challenges that I had to overcome were letting go of a steady paycheck, a house rental, a familiar and predictable life, friends and family. I left it all behind to find out what was really inside of me without the crutch of home. I learned that there is nothing that equates to the value of experiential knowledge. No one becomes truly successful without reaching the end of themselves because the end of themselves is where they discover the beginning of their limitless potential. Excellence isn’t just putting a lot of effort into something but trusting that you’re enough. When people see films, television shows or commercials that I am a part of or hear music that I have created, I want them to have a realization of who they are or who they could be if they believed and acknowledged the dreams inside of their hearts.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well we would start almost everyday eating at a different breakfast spot, including Wayward Cafe, Portage Bay cafe, and Morsel. Then for afternoons we could go to different parks to explore nature or museums like the Asian Art Museum, EMP, Van Gogh: the immersive experience, Discovery park, Volunteer park, Carkeek Park, Golden Gardens, and Japanese Garden. At night we could go to clubs and venues to see awesome live music, DJ sets, or just have a good conversation at Kremwerk and timbre room, which have some of the best underground electronic music. Jazz alley has some of the most amazing artists come through to perform live, as well as Showbox Market or Neumos. We could go dance the night away at the Monkey Loft. Also there some great 24 hour cafes where you can grab a late night bite if you’re craving a snack like beth’s cafe, the hurricane, and 13 coins.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents and God who have unconditionally supported me and always helped in my greatest need. Love you guys.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chesta_beats/

Other: https://soundcloud.com/chester_89

Image Credits
Personal photo is taken by: Dan Lao Black and white photo: Mark Lewis Tan Jumping Photo: Minnie kar Sitting photo IG handle: @nopanon.it

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