In a world where genre lines blur and identity is constantly under negotiation, Zeke the Zombie Slayur emerges as a full-spectrum visionary. With the release of his sprawling 26-track concept album 'I’m Glad I Made This', the Brooklyn-based polymath delivers an unflinching self-portrait of modern artistic life: part memoir, part manifesto, and entirely uncompromising.
From the moment the first track hits, 'I’m Glad I Made This' feels like a conversation between Zeke and himself, Zeke and the listener, and Zeke and the culture he exists within. The project wrestles with everything from envy and exhaustion to purpose and perseverance, filtered through the lens of a young Black artist carving space for himself in a chaotic, capitalist world.
So with the new album out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Piano, My grandpa used to be an organist for his church and he would let me sit on his lap and watch him play.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I loved Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and listened to gospel music a lot. Also black eyed peas and Gorillaz. All good shit at the time. My friend Dan put me on to Taylor and Ed Sheeran when I was in elementary school.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I bought the Lemonade Mouth soundtrack and some One Direction album on Itunes for my tenth birthday.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Wont Do - J Dilla, Addiction - Kanye West, Boyfriend - Big Time Rush.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I lay in bed and think about my feelings or wash dishes and think about my feelings. I write a little then go do my life things like taking out the trash or indulge in self sabotaging behavior like procrastination or going skating without a helmet. Then another idea would pop into my head. Maybe I write it down, maybe I don’t.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Busta Rhymes, Astrud Gilberto, Wham!, 702, Bad Brains.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Fall Out Boy 2005-2007 era because I love their attitude. Green Day Live at Woodstock ‘99 because of the huge mudfight and the performance was so good or Talking heads.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
When I don’t want to talk to people I talk to my instruments, and when I am frustrated music provides clarity.
And what is the most frustrating part?
My instruments speak a funny language.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Have no fear. There is no such thing as wrong when it comes to making music as long as it makes you feel something.
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Zeke The Zombie Slayur's new album 'I'm Glad I Made This' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.