This time we caught up with the Northern California bred musician/producer Zack Arnett. Read on as we discuss all about his upcoming E.P. “Savage Beast,” his song writing process, making the E.P all on his own, Big Sur, and so much more . We hope you enjoy and make sure to check him out on tour when he stops your city.
MWN: Hello. Thanks so much for chatting with us. Let’s jump right into talking about Savage Beast your E.P which is set to release early next year. I think it is very interesting that you said that this E.P embodies the forces at heart of SUR “Love, Violence, and Nature.” I think that is a very powerful thing to say. What do you hope people take away from the record.
SUR: Every song is its own little journey and I was definitely feeling a certain way when I wrote each tune. I hope people feel the same way I did when I was writing the music and strike a chord somewhere within them.
MWN: So I know you cannot give away too much but what is one thing people can expect from this record?
SUR: To not see what is coming next.
MWN: Haha that is a good way to put it. I know when it comes to creating any form of art there is a lot of emotion involved in the process. So for this album in particular did you discover anything new about yourself?
SUR: Yes all kinds of new things. I basically explored a new genre of music. I am still figuring it out right now. I definitely stretched myself in some of these songs and did not take the path I would have taken two years ago, but it was kind of a personal challenge for me to tap into a new sound and express myself that way. It was a lot of fun.
MWN: That is awesome. I heard that yous self produced the entire E.P. Doing all the instrumentation and putting it together must have been very hard and rewarding at the same time knowing you did it all on your own. Is there any advice you would give to artist wanting to take that route?
SUR: My advice would be to listen and create a vision for what you are trying to do. Know what your intent is. You don’t always have to have a fluid understanding of what you are doing at all times, but it is impirtant to give yourself balance and run with it. Now a days anyone can do it. The idea is the most impirtant part.
MWN: I know when you were writing this you were out in nature and in the city- I am sure that must have inspired many of the songs on the E.P. So I am curious- when you recorded this E.P how did you go about deciding what songs make it on the record? Is intuitive?
SUR: I did not even know I was making a record when I was making this. I was just making a combination of songs. I was just making music based off the way I was feeling. There was a cohesive through line with the tone even though the songs are all very different there is cohesive tone that rides through it. I just let it happen and trusted the process.
MWN: It sounds like it all came together very natural. I love how organic the process sounds and I am very excited to listen to it fully. If you don’t mind we can jump into some fire round questions so your fans can get to know you a little more. Alright what is your dream stage to play?
SUR: Dream stage is actually in Big Sur where all this is conceptualized. It is this outlook area it is not a stage at all. It is this place I go to and think. I have always wanted to have a concert there. It is a cliff overlooking the ocean.
MWN: That sounds beautiful. Do you remember your first recollection of live music?
SUR: I do. I saw the band cake live. It was one of my first legitimate rock shows.
MWN: That is awesome. Do you remember the first album you ever bought?
SUR: I loved it. Fresh Prince
MWN: To wrap things up once again thanks so much for taking the time to answer these questions. Lastly, is there anything you guys would like to say to the people who are going to be reading this interview?
SUR: Yes I hope the music kind of puts everyone in the right mind state. I would hope that they can use it as a soundtrack in their daily lives. I want to wake people back up. With technology people are kind of loosing touch humanity a little bit and I am hoping the music opens them up a little bit to re discovering how to connect and communicate in a positive way, and have a blast doing it.
MWN: I love that message. I am so excited to hear this album in full once it is out to the world. Once again thank you so much!
SUR: Thank you!
Interview By: Maria Limon | @shotbylimon
****
Artist Links: Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram