ZOOLOOK® Is Creating A Lasting Legacy & Shares Origin Of Name
Intro:
Nicholas Da Silva, known as ZOOLOOK®, is an award-winning musician whose work spans graphics, animation, film, and more. His contributions have been featured in leading publications like CNN & Adobe, and have appeared in popular media such as Marvel's X-Men Forever 2 Series. ZOOLOOK’s debut album, STONEFRENGE: Black in Space, dropped earlier this year on February 29, 2024 & features an original sci-fi animated video series. And if he isn’t screenwriting or running the popular IRIE™ reggae magazine, there is creative multi-genre music being made. Before reading our full conversation below, you can follow ZOOLOOK on his website today.
Rockers Challenge
Looking for a new sound to use & blow up on TikTok? ZOOLOOK® has a new dance challenge for the Remix of his exciting & well-loved song “Rockers”. Use the sound today & be sure to tag ZOOLOOK® in your video!
Meet: ZOOLOOK®
Me: How did you initially start getting into music & the industry?
ZOOLOOK: I’ve been drawing since I was two years old, so comic books and 2D animation were my first love. Then, when I entered the 7th grade, I took a piano class. One day, I was struggling to play with two hands. A ninth-grade cheerleader named Marianna, who happened to be a teacher’s assistant, showed me how to play the piano with two hands. I was smitten and inspired. I eventually continued to learn the piano on my own, and by the time I entered high school, I had already owned my first two keyboards, a Korg Poly 800 and a Yamaha DX7. I played guitar in junior high school, but I found the bass guitar to be more of my preference because I always started my song production by coming up with a bass groove.
After high school, I started experimenting with music and comics, developing a thematic soundtrack for my comic book stories. I would include a soundtrack or a single that best represented the storyline with every issue released. I then discovered Flash (originally Futuresplash before Macromedia bought it) and took my music seriously by creating songs with my animations. My work with Flash has connected me with artists like Deadmau5, Wcylef Jean, Front 242, and Dubmatix.
How would you describe the style of music that you make now?
My music blends multiple genres to create my unique sound, including funk, jazz, hip-hop, dub, and reggae. My goal is to push the boundaries of reggae and dub music by infusing other genres, sounds, and techniques. When I first got into music, bands like Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode, Chic, Jean-Michel Jarre, Moby, New Order, and Queen inspired me to find my own sound.
Where did the name ZOOLOOK come from? Has it ever changed?
The word Zoolook, which I've adopted as my stage name, is a tribute to Jean-Michel Jarre’s 1984 album, Zoolook. This album, where Jarre combined an actual band and processed vocal samples recorded in 25 different languages, has been a significant inspiration in my journey as a multidisciplinary artist and musician.
Who are some of your favorite artists, engineers & producers to work with?
Dubmatix and Razaman! I’ve been friends with Dubmatix for 10+ years and have learned so much from him. He is a down-to-earth guy who wants to help everyone with his knowledge! Dubmatix mixed and mastered most of the tracks from STONEFRENGE: Black in Space. He inspired me to want to learn to mix and master my music, and for that, I am incredibly thankful.
I met Razaman through Loopcloud, and I must tell you, he is a brother from another planet! His vocals, soul, and friendship have inspired my music. He is a Soul Rebel, and so am I! We are guided by an internal, spiritual calling that allows us to live within ourselves.
Nice! Are there any other musicians you would like to work with from your area too?
I want to work with Z-Man and Lil Flower Nasti in my area. I love them as people and musicians! Outside of my area, I am so into Bob Vylan. They rock!
What does a perfect studio or recording session look like in your imagination?
The perfect studio involves having some of my classic instruments to create my sound, including my Yamaha DX7, my Novation Mininova, and my Steinberger 5-string bass.
What are some other talents & hobbies outside of music that some may not know about you?
Filmmaking! I just finished my film degree and have been making short films. My purpose for getting the film degree was to turn my comic books into feature films on my own terms. I'm working on that now, including writing/producing the soundtracks for these. The comics include Dread & Alive, HITLESS, and, of course, STONEFRENGE.
That’s so awesome & innovative! Do you remember the first song you've ever made?
I do! I wrote a song back in high school and contributed the music to lyrics written by a classmate named Daniel. We recorded the song on a 4-track Tascam! It was like an homage to Joy Division, Love Will Tear Us Apart. I have been planning to reproduce that track but in dub-reggae style. I will do two versions: the original and the dub reggae version. Thanks for asking!
What's your favorite song that you've made so far?
Natural High! Why? As soon as I laid down the bass line for that song, I knew it would be my best track (to date). All the other elements of the song just fell into place like harmony! We Come in Peace (And Love) is a close second! It is special to me because there is a little bit of everything in that song.
What's been the most difficult part of your journey in music?
For me, it's navigating the distribution platforms available for independent artists. There are too many crappy options out there that don't get behind the artists, which is needed for independent artists to make any living doing what they love to do. The only platforms that truly support the artists are Bandcamp for distribution and Musosoup for music promotion.
That’s incredibly true & I couldn’t agree more. Any future plans you have for your career?
My future plans include more singles and albums and more movies and movie soundtracks. I want to collaborate with Bob Vylan on a track! From their music to their lyrics, they represent, and I want to be a part of that!
Is there any advice you would give to someone else who is thinking about getting into music?
Open your ears to multiple genres of music. As a musician, you can learn so much from the different genres that you will eventually find your unique sound. I don’t believe in doing something that’s already been done before. Get out of your comfort zone and experiment. Music is what you make it!
Any Final Words? I almost forgot to mention IRIE Magazine & your work there. What is your involvement with the publication?
I am the founder of IRIE Magazine, a music publication I've published alongside my partner, Michelle Monreal, for over 11 years. I am now returning to my roots in TV and animation by producing a video series and magazine for my video platform, ReelTV! https://www.reeltv.com
