Meet Zaku | Artist

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

Hi Zaku, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up, my father worked a corporate job overseas. While the opportunity to live abroad in my youth proved to be an enriching experience, I didn’t see the appeal in my dad’s job. Sitting behind a desk was definitely not where I wanted to end up in the grand scheme of things – it was not for me. Thankfully, my parents fueled much of my eagerness to try new things, and fostered my creative itch in many ways. Ultimately, I learned early in life to love and appreciate the human experience. Art is boundless with so many forms, constantly changing with the times. Naturally, I feel most myself through expression. Every day I look forward to creating and discovering something new.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
If I had to keep it simple I would say I am a singer. But, I am an artist after all, which encompasses an enormously broad umbrella. I think my proudest achievement so far has been all the work I have been able to achieve the last two years, whilst remaining as an independent artist. My level of involvement in the process of any project I’m working on is very high. I write all of my lyrics – a surprise for many apparently, which never fails to yield a grin from me. Often times I get to work with my producers directly when constructing a song, allowing opportunities to add some ideas I might have sonically. Other times, I put full trust in my producers to totally change something we’re working on. Getting a music video done, can be one of my favorite parts of the process. Having experience acting and being on camera, bringing an entirely new dimension to a song is truly thrilling as an artist. I write almost all my videos, collaborating with my team on concepts and visuals.

I’ve been at this grind for a couple of years now, and patience has been so important in finding success. 3 EP’s later, and a catalogue of music videos has taught me, there’s no shortcutting hard work. A lot of the time, that comes with sacrifices. I like to take those moments to learn more about myself. I think knowing and being comfortable with oneself is one of the most important lessons in life for any person let alone any artist.

The ideas and ambitions I have are extensive. That being said, the Zaku brand is just beginning to get it’s toes wet. I think the well of potential is bottomless. More music will continue to be released, but I’m also currently working on some unique exclusive merch targeted to drop this summer!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Depending on which friend is visiting, the first stop will either be the beach or a nearby dispensary! I’m lucky to have friends visit all the time here in LA. My idea of a classic and authentic time in LA always consists of a comfy 2 hour ride in traffic catching up on lost time. I in no way enjoy traffic, but I’m never in a rush when a friend is visiting from out of town. Might be a weird thing to say, but I find some form of nostalgia in it – whilst also being able to say, “See, told ya the traffic was s**t.”

To eat, grab some tacos from my favorite local taco truck, or a torta if I’m really feeling myself that day. Zip on over to a spot in the Palisades just in time for the sunset and a baller view of Los Angeles. Then we can hang out at my place, which goes without saying, is always a vibe. And then honestly, I’m too busy, they have to find some stuff they want to check out in the city on their own! I don’t have time to be a tour guide most of the time, but if I get a free day, I am ALWAYS down to make a trip to Joshua Tree.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I think the most impactful people/moments in my life have been in team sports. If you have known me since I was a young boy, you would know how active I was as a kid. Every season I was playing a sport, no matter where my family moved. Through the years I have been on countless different teams, in all sorts of sports. Every team was special to me. Every coach had an impact on me, some more than others, but they never failed to provide a sense of security and trust. Having bounced around quite a bit when I was young, the feeling of having a team and identifying with a group of kids was special. I’ve shared and experienced every emotion with most of my teammates. Some of my most impactful coaches instilled the work ethic and perseverance that continues to drive me today. My shout out goes to the teammates and the coaches who taught me lessons about community and passion.

Instagram: @zakumusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zakumusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/zakumusic

Image Credits
Fambo Films, Carlos Perez