A path was laid out ahead of Zacariiah when he went to college. Engineering isn’t a major one just walks into, but life had other plans. Find out just what pushed Zacariiah towards more and eventually set him on a new path forward in this back-and-forth exchange where we also discuss growth, independence, and his latest single, “YAC.”
Kendra: You dropped your debut single back in 2020 and have delivered numerous singles since then; an EP and 2021’s ‘Surgery on Myself.’ But let’s take it back to before all of that. What initially drove you towards wanting to be an artist? Was there any other career path you were on before this?
Zacariiah: I was originally in college pursuing an engineering degree and had no musical background whatsoever but then got introduced to my first DAW (Ableton Live) and got hooked. Ever since then, I’ve been producing my own instrumentals and eventually my own songs and never looked back.
Kendra: Back in the present, you dropped “YAC” at the tail end of June 2024 and it’s a vigorous emotional explosion, to say the least. You’d noted this song represents an alter ego for you, a shift towards growing into a better person. Was this inspired by anything or was this a creative decision you felt necessary to grow as an artist?
Zacariiah: I felt like this song was a personal and creative decision because I’ve held onto these songs for so long, I wanted to show growth, confidence, and the chaos in my head and thoughts that were spilled into this new album.
Kendra: It’s important to highlight that you mixed and produced “YAC” on your own. Have you always approached things from the perspective of, “If I want something done right, I’ll just do it myself?”
Zacariiah: Yes, for sure. I’ve always loved having full control of any project I work on which can be a good and bad thing but it allows me to fully express myself and my own emotions to the fullest with all creative and technical decisions going through myself.
Kendra: “YAC” is going to be part of your sophomore release. How would you say you’ve grown as a songwriter since ‘Surgery on Myself?’
Zacariiah: I feel like I’ve grown a lot. A lot of these songs have been made over the past two years and even since my newest one, I’ve grown a lot. I’ve learned a lot about the writing process and how important it is to be consistent and practice a lot on production and writing.
Kendra: Time for a side note – With it being summer, I’d love to know – and for you to share – your favorite road trip song. Like, what’s the one song that has to be on your mix when you hit the road?
Zacariiah: I absolutely love anything by Inner Wave or the older, more indie-like songs by Tame Impala; my biggest inspiration.
Kendra: Lastly, with “YAC” out now and a new album on the way, what are your plans as we start to roll into the fall?
Zacariiah: My plans are to promote this project as much as possible and hopefully get some good feedback while working on the next few songs I already have in the works!
