LAUREN: Let's just get this out in the open - What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
ZU: A while back I was performing for Prince’s birthday party at Purple Rain. He came backstage and told me ‘What you are doing is amazing, man. It will catch on later… just keep going.’ I stood there in awe, like 'Oh shit! That was Prince!'
LAUREN: Your song ‘Speakers' is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
ZU: I’d already heard 'Speakers' a thousand times in my head and knew there was something to the track. I felt that if people ever got the opportunity to hear it on the radio they would love it, because it is just a really fun song. Especially the EDM and hip-hop kids - I figured they would really be feeling the vibe. I was standing on the corner one day and heard my song playing. I got so excited because a complete stranger was in his car with the windows down, bumping my joint.
LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
ZU: I was remixing dance music for a label. After I finished that project, I handed them a song I was working on - 'Speakers' - thinking it would impress him. He turned it down, saying ‘Naw, Zu. Leave that to the big boys.’ That really pissed me off because I knew it was a good track. So I went home and came up with my sickest lyrics and heaviest hooks to show him that my stuff could bounce louder than his. The trick was I did that whole song without a bass line. That was my rebellious response coming out in 'Speakers'. My goal to this day is to make a million bucks off that song, just for that dude telling me 'No.'
LAUREN: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
ZU: Yeah, about that… I grew up in a really bad neighborhood. As an angry, headstrong runaway child dealing with street-life, car accidents, deaths in the family and tons of abuse... I had to use music to channel it all into something useful. It kept me going. I listened to everything from underground to mainstream. Yet out of all the music I listened to, only a small ratio had any real art. I decided to block out what everyone else was doing and saying and create my own path from there. So my concepts and metaphors are all in the lyrics and hooks. I wanted to come up with my own style and sound, something different than the world was used to hearing.
LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
ZU: I’m complicated but polished. I play on the madness because I'm a visionary. I have a very fun-loving personality, I'm quick with the wit and smart with the mouth; but nice and kind at the same time. I’m charismatic… bigger than life. Let me stop there, I’m getting too high off myself!
LAUREN: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
ZU: Well, in my blueprint there are really three of us - the owner, the coach and the player, so to speak - coming up with OnPlanetZu's concept and image. We present OnPlanetZu as a multimedia entity where the music, the bridges, the rhythms and attitude come through as unpredictable, and the personality of OPZ dominates everything. We develop all kinds of creative plans and ideas and pick the ones that are best for the tasks at hand. I’m lucky to have people who are really on the same page with me. It makes anything seem possible.
LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
ZU: Yeah, I came from a musical background. Grew up in the church listening to gospel and sang in the choir. My cousin (on the side of the family we unfortunately don’t talk to) is producer/manager Barry Hankerson, who produced R. Kelly and Aaliyah. Ultimately, I am a self-taught artist who has always loved and needed music.
LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
ZU: The most rewarding thing is doing shows and having the people go crazy, seeing them enthusiastic and excited. Or when they get pumped seeing you walk down the street, know your name and want to get an autograph or take a picture with you. The most challenging thing is staying competitive in this saturated business, finding different ways to market yourself and get record sales. It’s just so easy to take music offline or steal it. It’s hard to make a living on sales unless you have heavy marketing. I strongly support those out there who are trying to turn the fans’ focus back to supporting the artists that they like - as a contribution to art and the artist.
LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
ZU: Oh boy, there’s too many to name. Number one; Prince. George Clinton, Rage Against the Machine, Busta Rhymes, KRS One, Public Enemy, Limp Bizkit, Bootsy Collins, Skrillex, Bassnectar. That’s just a few. All these artists I’m naming have charismatic, dapper, over-the-top personalities. That’s one thing I really like about them.
LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
ZU: Aside from the Prince birthday party, my best and most memorable performance was at the Wilton Theater in front of three thousand people for a battle of the bands. George Clinton was the judge. Out of twenty-six bands, mine won first place. George Clinton liked us so much he offered to do a song with us. That was with my rock band, BaZerk. The song was ‘What Y’all Know About It’ on the album ‘American Made Monster.’ As a matter of fact, George is also going to be featured on OnPlanetZu’s next album ‘King of the Planet’ on a dance track titled ‘Headphones.’ It will be released this summer.
LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
ZU: First of all, you must have a strong heart! Second, you must have an unbreakable will. Third, get used to rejection. After that, give it a college try, but do the music that you want to do, keep it fun and just keep going. Don’t sign the first label you get. Don’t give up your publishing, don’t compromise on your royalties, just keep putting your music out and it will come. Last but not least, in doing this music you will discover a lot of things about yourself that you might not know. Find out who you are, what your beliefs are, how much you want the music, how passionate you are, and how you handle attention and power.
LAUREN: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
ZU: Are you crazy? I got a whole bible happening! First off, OnPlanetZu has already got one album out, ‘Adventures of Yo Mama.’ It features ‘Speakers’ (which just won best electronic hip-hop song at the Akademia Music Awards). We also recently found out that OPZ’s newly released remix ‘Fyah For You’ has been nominated for best song at the Akademia in another category. It has a corresponding video on YouTube and features reggae artist, JahgunJahgun. The song is a remix of ‘Fire’ off the ‘Adventures’ album. We are very excited to announce the summer release of OnPlanetZu’s second album, ‘King of the Planet.’ It features George Clinton on ‘Headphones,’ and a party-favorite song called ‘Good Time’ featuring Angelo Moore of Fishbone. Both of those tracks will keep the dance floor busy! On this new album, you will hear more bass, more electronica, and more OPZ. There are a number of OnPlanetZu side projects out there. Earlier this year I collaborated on two fun mixes with that sassy rap artist Kayanne, and they're coming out on Cleopatra Records later this year. Aside from that, a new photoshoot will soon be published featuring OnPlanetZu in a new line of clothing from our sponsor, Rude Boy. I’ve also got another band out there. It’s a hip-hop rock band called Bazerk, and we have a heavy new album coming out called ‘Invincible.' Trust me, that is definitely more than enough to keep a boy busy!
LAUREN: Thank you so much for talking with us about your extensive career in music, Zu. You have already achieved much, but we are convinced that the next year will bring you to a higher plateau of fame and fortune!
http://www.onplanetzu.com
