Greg Zaccagnino, better known simply as Zaxx, is the latest rising star in the electronic music scene. In a very short time he has transformed from bedroom producer who was looking to create a track people would hear around the world, to a DJ who has taken the electronic music community by storm. Gaining massive support from the likes of Tiesto, Hardwell, Afrojack and Tritonal, it is no surprise that he has sure taken the right track to attaining his goals. I first heard of Zaxx after he remixed The Chainsmokers‘ hit track “Roses”, and was blown away by the track. He didn’t stop there, as has also remixed other tracks from artists ranging from Sander Van Doorn to Alice Deejay and Seven Lions to W&W. You can catch Zaxx at Sunset Music Festival this weekend, or at Electric Zoo: Wild Island over Labor Day Weekend in New York City over Labor Day Weekend!
I had a chance to chat with Zaxx about where he started, his favorite sets and what he has in store for fans in the near future. Check it out!
Where did you get the name Zaxx?
I got the name ZAXX from my last name which is Zaccagnino. I just put 2 X’s at the end and thought it sounded cool.
What motivated you to start producing music? Have you always been into electronic music?
What motivated me to start writing dance music was honestly my childhood of being a complete nerd I never left my computer, and I was always around music from the games I’d play as well as the people around me. I would listen to this really upbeat trance stuff and think, “I wonder how they make this.” It was always a question to me.
What’s the number one thing you want your music to do for your fans?
I want my music to be an escape for my fans. I know when I listen to certain songs they can make me feel 100 emotions at once. They can make me feel sad, happy, or excited, and I want my music to have the same effect.
Which music aspect is most important to you in your live sets or live production?
In my live sets I like to make people feel like they’re in some kind of nostalgic euphoria, which is why I play a lot of classic remixes, most of which I’ve made myself. There’s just no better joy than hearing a song you really love live.
How did you feel about working with The Chainsmokers on the track “Roses” and why did you decide to remix it?
As soon as I heard “Roses,” I knew I wanted to put a twist on it. I hit up the guys soon after, and thankfully they let me remix it! It’s an essential song in my sets and it was awesome working with them.
What recent show has been the rowdiest to play as an up and comer?
The rowdiest show I’ve played lately was probably UME in South Padre. It was complete madness and definitely one of the best crowds I’ve played for in my life.
Are you excited to be playing Sunset Music Festival and Electric Zoo this summer?
I’m extremely excited to play both of these festivals, especially because they’re kind of an outlet to show everyone what new music is coming and that they should be excited for it!
Which artists in the music scene do you learn from or enjoy watching when you play big events?
I’ve learned a lot from artists that aren’t even in the dance scene and a lot from some that are. One important thing I’ve learned from watching these guys is that the key to being successful and being happy is to do this for yourself- to make the music you love and be happy doing it.
What’s the best banger that you’ve heard dropped lately in a set?
The biggest banger I’ve heard lately is Carnage’s remix to “BTFWD” by this dude Terror Bass. Snake played it at EDC NY and my face melted off.
Which Star Wars movie is the best?
This is the hardest question I’ve been asked so far. I honestly don’t have a favorite because in my opinion they’re all great!
What can we expect to see from you in the future? Do you have any announcements or releases coming up?
Expect to see a total rehash on ZAXX. I hope the new music coming will blow people away. It’s being made and finished with a lot of love, hard work and determination, and I can’t wait for everybody to hear it. We also have some pretty dope collaborations in the works to keep an eye on, but I’ll save that for another time :-)
Follow Zaxx on Social Media:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud
