Houston-based DJ and producer Zachary swung by to dive into his roots, his win in the BOO Seattle Discovery Project contest, his plans for the future, and more.
Texas has produced many artists who have shaken things up with mind-melting tunes and unique performances, and Zachary is one of the latest to carve out some space for himself. Being dynamic is the name of the game for this budding talent, as he’s consistently churned out some impressive releases that span genres from house to dubstep and more.
Early sign-offs from major acts like AFROJACK’s WALL Recordings and Showtek’s 2-Dutch helped bolster Zachary’s rise even further, and he’s only continued to bring the heat in 2024. This year, he has dropped tunes like “My Mind” with Clayne and Solace, and “HIGH ON MY MIND” with Sample Bandit. He’s also put his spin on Doja Cat’s “Ouchies” and Little Simz’s “Torch,” among other remixes.
More recently, Zachary found a victory in the BOO Seattle Discovery Project contest, where he was selected as the winner by Ray Volpe. This allowed him to travel to the Pacific Northwest to take the stage at the Halloween-fueled affair, and there was no better time to catch up with him than now. Read on for the full conversation with Zachary and listen to his mix on SoundCloud for a taste of his style.
Stream EDMID Guest Mix 445 || Zachary on SoundCloud:
Hi Zachary, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us today. Before we discuss some of your more recent successes, let’s start with where it all began. Do you remember the first time you heard electronic music? Who were some of the artists you listened to early on who led you to find a love for this sonic spectrum?
No problem! Thank you for interviewing me. I definitely remember the first time I listened to EDM! I got introduced to it by stumbling upon Afrojack’s 2016 Ultra Music Festival Miami performance on YouTube, and through that, I found other influences through Zomboy, Skrillex, and Avicii.
Was there a moment when you realized you wanted to pursue a career as a DJ and producer? What were some of your first steps as an artist?
There was, for sure, a moment! It was watching Timmy Trumpet’s 2017 Tomorrowland Belgium set, and from then on, I locked in on making this a career for myself. The first step I took was to watch YouTube tutorials and learn how to make future house from scratch on my old run-down laptop using Fl Studio 12.
You’ve produced a pretty dynamic range of styles over the past few years, from house and techno to dubstep and drum and bass, and more. Can you share your approach to production and the influences that helped you embrace that range?
My approach to producing across genres involves immersing myself in various music styles each week, from familiar genres like bass and house to styles outside my usual range, like indie or drum and bass. This variety keeps me inspired and opens up fresh ideas.
Connecting with other producers on Discord is also crucial. These interactions allow me to see new production techniques, stay updated on trends, and gain new perspectives to shape my work. Having a community to exchange ideas with—whether we’re troubleshooting or just sharing feedback—keeps things fresh and drives me to keep improving my music.
This year, you dropped some solid tunes like “High On My Mind” with Sample Bandit and “Remember Me?” which show off your differing styles. When you sit in the studio to produce tunes, what gets your creative juices going to head in a specific sonic direction?
When I’m in the studio, my creativity often flows from my emotions and personal experiences, which guide the sound I want to create. I draw inspiration from various genres and collaborations with other artists, as their unique perspectives can push me in new directions. Ultimately, I strive to blend my influences into something fresh and authentic!
Your remixes have also been solid. I loved your take on Doja Cat’s “Ouchies” and Joey Valence, Brae, and Terror Reid’s “Doughboy.” How do you decide on the tunes you want to put your spin on?
I choose tracks that resonate with me and have unique elements I can reimagine, especially if I see the potential to bring out a different vibe or energy in the remix!
Gaining support from major artists and labels is important for rising acts, and you’ve done just that with some love from AFROJACK (WALL Recordings) and Showtek (2-Dutch). How has their support impacted your career as an artist so far?
Receiving backing from prominent artists has changed my career. Their support has helped me to reach a broader audience and provide access to chances I might not have encountered on my own. Their endorsement has also fueled my confidence and drive, motivating me to keep refining my sound and pushing my creative boundaries!
One of the biggest recent sign-offs you’ve had was winning the Discovery Project contest for BOO Seattle – congratulations on that! What emotions ran through you when Ray Volpe selected you as the winner?
Thank you! When I found out Ray Volpe chose me as the winner, I was honestly overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude. It felt surreal to have my work recognized by an artist I admire!
That win led to you playing the festival itself. Can you share what performing at the PNW’s biggest Halloween festival was like?
Performing at BOO Seattle was an incredible experience—definitely a career highlight! The energy from the festival was unreal, and being part of BOO! brought playing my first ever live set made a unique vibe that made the set feel even more special. Playing my music in that atmosphere and seeing people respond was surreal, and it reinforced my passion for performing live and connecting with fans through my music. Also, meeting Ray Volpe in the flesh was definitely the cherry on top!
Finally, now that most of the year is behind us, what are you looking forward to in the final months of 2024 and beyond? Are there any specific goals you hope to achieve next year?
In the final months of 2024, I’m focused on wrapping up and releasing a few new tracks and collaborations that I’m really excited to share. Looking ahead to next year, one of my biggest goals is to release more original music and hopefully work with some of my favorite labels. I’m also aiming to play more shows and expand my reach as a live performer, bringing fresh energy to my sets and connecting with even more fans!
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