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In this exclusive Music Mondays article we got the chance to sit down with artist and producer ZakkyBounce from Gloucester, England. We discussed everything from their early roots along with their creative process and much more in this conversation.
2/7/25
ZakkyBounce’s music has long since captured my attention as a fellow artist and producer in my city of Gloucester, England. ZakkyBounce is well known for his golden voice, smooth delivery and incredible talent for beat making. ZakkyBounce is well known for his sound that is quintessentially British, exploring genres ranging from dubstep to hip hop. His beats are masterfully crafted and no doubt done so with a great deal of love. We caught ZakkyBounce to chat about his journey in music thus far and talk origin story, the local scene and what inspires ZakkyBounce to create his music.
Konbini2004: How did you first get into music, and what inspired you to start rapping and producing?
ZakkyBounce: To be completely honest with you, I didn't always want to be a music producer. I originally went to college and studied performing arts. I wanted to be on stage, but I started to lose my self-confidence, so I picked something a little more behind the scenes, so to speak. That being said, during the course I started branching out and listening to EDM and loved how hype it made me feel. I wanted to replicate that feeling, y'know?
K: What was your first experience with music, and how did it shape your passion for it?
ZB: Experience wise, I guess I could mention college again! On the performing arts course I was part of a production of Blood Brothers. Blood Brothers is a musical, so naturally I had to sing to be a part of it. I really enjoyed it, if I'm honest. I think that was the catalyst for my passion for music!
K: Who were your biggest musical influences growing up, and how have they impacted your style?
ZB: When I started producing I was more interested in the EDM side of things. Dubstep, house, etc. Skrillex's EP Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites was doing the rounds in my friend group at the time (I feel old now). I absolutely loved how crazy the sound design was! He definitely impacted my sound at the beginning. I absolutely love dubstep in all its forms!
K: Can you tell us about your local music scene and how it has influenced your career?
ZB: So, I recently joined a collective called SWK (The South West Killective). We are a group of local talent who collaborate together, support each other and chill together. We've put on several events called "Cypher In The Cellar" to demonstrate not only our talents, but those in the south west region too! They've inspired me to go on a hip-hop journey, rather than an EDM one. My music has gotten better, my video editing has gotten better and I just overall feel like I'm becoming a better person since joining SWK.
K: What was the first song or beat you ever created, and what did it mean to you at the time?
ZB: I remember making something years and years ago called "Stolen". I submitted it to the BBC way back in the day. I don't have a copy of it, but I wish I did right now! I can't remember how it made me feel, but you gotta start from somewhere and I'm glad I did.
K: How did you develop your unique sound as both a rapper and a producer?
ZB: Branching out of my comfort zone when it comes to music helps! listening to lots of different genres plus going to live local events both inspire me heavily! Also, I know this might sound a bit unexpected, but I’m a huge fan of the YouTube series *Epic Rap Battles of History* as someone on the autism spectrum. They are so incredibly well written and performed. I am heavily inspired by them.
K: Were there any challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them?
ZB: Yes! Absolutely! Multiple challenges; I was unemployed, depressed and suffering from alcoholism for a very, VERY long time. Those things definitely got in the way of me seeking my true passion, you know? But I can confirm as I'm writing this, my job is great, I'm feeling good and I'm over three years sober! Not all my problems are solved, but I'm definitely more confident now!
K: What role does your family, friends, or community play in supporting your music journey?
ZB: SWK is supporting me lots and lots! They're the kind of people who give you constructive criticism, you know? That's the thing that will help you develop as an artist. I have plenty of friends liking, commenting, sharing my posts on social media and attending the events I perform at. It feels good!
K: Did you have any formal training in music, or are you self-taught? I'd like to mention DJ Elle B here from The Sound Of The Sunken Foal. She taught me how to mix! I DJ'd with her multiple times at Rene under her wing and I am incredibly grateful for her support!DJ Flexie also taught me things regarding mixers, helped with FL STUDIO and booked me gigs! I apologise if I leave anyone out right now!
K: How do you balance being both a rapper and a producer? Do you prefer one role over the other?
ZB: Now this is a hard question. It varies? Sometimes I like one over the other and then vice versa. Typical! But it's okay. I'm still happy to do both at the moment.
K: Where do you draw inspiration from when writing lyrics or creating beats?
ZB: I listen to a lot of instrumentals in my chill time. Artists like J Dilla (RIP), jonwayne, Dibiase, Tokimonsta, Shlomo, etc. Also, sometimes just watching another producer/rapper can spark the inspiration!
K: Can you walk us through your creative process from start to finish on a track?
ZB: I want to sound really cool and clever here, but if honest? 99% of the time I start with an empty canvas and just jam and see what happens! Do I start with drums, the melody? Do I sample anything? Who knows! That's just part of the fun.
K: How do you decide which beats or instrumentals to create for your own music versus for other artists?
ZB: If I'm making a beat for someone else, it helps to listen to their catalogue and have a feeling of what their vibe is, y'know? It's still a zakkybounce piece but with their flavour mixed in, if that makes sense?
K: What’s the most personal or meaningful song you’ve ever written or produced, and why?
ZB: “Mother" is a dubstep piece I wrote. I was thinking of her when I was making it. She unfortunately passed away in November 2012; she is still missed dearly not only by me, but so many others. I get goosebumps whenever I hear the track now.
K: How do you stay motivated and creative when facing writer’s block or creative burnout?
ZB: Getting out of the house helps. The same four walls can drive you completely insane, so it's wise to change your surroundings a lot. Going for walks, listening to music as you go...it can be healing!
K: Are there any specific themes or messages you try to convey through your music?
ZB: It depends on the song. I've covered heavy themes before like depression, existential dread, etc but sometimes I just make songs for fun! It all depends on how I feel in my real life.
K: How do you incorporate your local culture or experiences into your music?
ZB: I've collaborated here and there but I definitely need/want to do more! So far I'm collabed with VibeJazzy, Konbini2004, ChaosGremlin, DJ Elle B and the SWK! To be fair, the SWK track is currently unreleased as of writing this; it sounds bloody good, though!
K: What’s your favorite part of the music-making process: writing, recording, producing, or performing?
ZB: Producing is definitely my favourite part. It's so easy to get lost in it; I could sit and produce for hours and hours if I have a good idea. Just writing about it makes me want to do it!
K: Do you collaborate with other artists often? If so, how do those collaborations influence your work?
ZB: I've collaborated here and there but I definitely need/want to do more! So far I'm collabed with VibeJazzy, Konbini2004, ChaosGremlin, DJ Elle B and the SWK! To be fair, the SWK track is currently unreleased as I'm writing this; it sounds bloody good, though!
K: What advice would you give to aspiring rappers and producers who are just starting out?
ZB: You want my advice? Listen, yeah. You are going to die. Stop putting things off till tomorrow. Time waits for no man. Do it scared! No one is ever "ready". You either do it or you'll live to regret it! Stay consistent; even when you feel like you can't do it, push it! If people start hating on you, you're doing something right. Strangers will be your best supporters. Money isn't everything. Finally, never forget where you came from.
K: A huge thank you from myself and everyone at Music Mondays to ZakkyBounce for allowing me into his world for this interview. I have no doubt the future is bright for ZakkyBounce his work ethic and talent are a rare combination and he is surely on his way up. You can find ZakkyBounce at one of his shows here in Gloucester city at regular intervals at the heart of the local scene. Please do go and show some love to his latest project Flying Object out now!
Follow ZakkyBounce: www.instagram.com/zakky_bounce/?hl=en
Written By Konbini2004: linktr.ee/konbini2004
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