Hailing from Philadelpia, USA, Zenbi has become one of the fastest rising talents within the current Dance music scene. Establishing himself as an in-demand DJ and producer, Zenbi has put his signature on some incredible feats which has put him on the map as one of the artists to watch out for in 2016.
Touring worldwide, Zenbi has been seen warming crowds behind the decks of some of the most renowned clubs, events and festivals around the globe, including the likes of: BPM, Miami Music Week, Winter Music Conference, Groove Cruise, SodaPop Milano, and ADE. On the other hand Zenbi is also making big waves with his productions, catching the attention of A-list labels like: Skint, Hotfingers, Great Stuff, Twisted, Vendetta, Disc Doctor, Low Kik and SK Supreme among others, whilst being supported by some of the world’s finest spinners, namely: Moby, Mark Knight, Marco Carola, Stefano Noferini, Roger Sanchez, Umek, Danny Tenaglia, Wally Lopez, David Herrero, Erick Morillo, Dubfire, Paco Osuna, David Penn, Satoshi Tomiie, and Uner to name a few.
Whilst Zenbi is now cooking up his next projects for 2016, we’ve decided to catch up and get to know him a little better, whilst unveiling some of his plans for the coming months.
Hi Zenbi, how are you and what’s going on in your world at the moment?
Everything but sleep! 2015 finished up with a crazy flash mob engagement to my new wife (best friend, music collaborator and singer) Romina Mazzini – and a Vegas wedding that sealed the deal. There is lots of good energy and happiness engulfing me right now – which is certainly having a positive influence in my studio work. I’m happy to report I have a really solid pipeline of material coming out – with a killer Techno release on SCI-TEC and a great vocal House track coming on Robbie Rivera’s JUICY imprint.
Where are you currently based?
After 10 years of living in the Washington DC area, I decided it was time to pack up and move back to Philadelphia where I grew up and went to college. My wife and I enjoy one of the best city views I’ve seen in the US from our Philly apartment – and are blessed with a 1 block commute to one of the better underground clubs in the city.
How would you describe your sound?
Neeoooooww psssssh untz untz untz untz hey
Has your style gone through any changes along the years?
My early stuff was really, really minimal – which certainly reflected my tastes at that time (as much as it showed how much I didn’t know). As I’ve grown up, gotten older and grayer, I have decided to make a more conscious effort to increase the quality of my work and focus way less on volume or self-inflicted quotas…making songs versus tracks as it were.
Who were your influences growing up?
The first “house-influenced” vinyl record I remember buying was New Order’s ‘Technique’ in 1989 – ‘Fine Time’ is still one of my favourite songs. Music from Josh Wink, Chus & Ceballos, Dr. Kucho!, Moby, Fat Boy Slim all really stuck with me over the years. Seeing Mark Farina for the first time, without a doubt, was a watershed moment for me. I remember him weaving many of the Hip Hop, Jazz, and R&B songs I grew up with into his Mushroom Jazz sets.
How did you get involved in the Dance music business?
DJing, in my experience, eventually seems to share a road with promoting parties. Promoting parties always introduces you to some amazing talents – which, in turn, exposes you to most of the ingredients you need to establish a record label that reflects the music you are interested in at that moment in time.
Do you consider yourself more of a DJ or producer?
Although I’ve been a musician making music since I was as young as I can remember, some of my life’s most memorable moments came from my time in the booth. Example? Well, I met my wife while playing a set at Cielo in NYC! If I could do nothing but perform for the rest of my life, I’d be the happiest man alive. That being said, there is a certain satisfaction you can only realize when you see people dancing to YOUR music.
Where would you like to see yourself in the months ahead?
I am beginning to focus my energy on a side project I’ve begun with my wife. She has so much talent and passion for music – I can think of nothing better than to be performing with her in Ibiza by summer!
Which is your ultimate career dream?
My only goal at this stage in my life is to continue to be blessed with the opportunity to work on things that I enjoy.
Do you have any projects lined this year?
I’m in the process of getting my annual WMC Label Party off the ground in Miami – in addition to continuing to program events in NYC.
Who’s inspiring you in 2016?
I’m really impressed with Cyril Hahn – pushing the boundaries of underground and commercial music to create something that appeals to both markets.
If you could choose, who would you like to collaborate with?
I’m working on a few more hip House tracks this year – would love to get some studio time with one of the all time great producers Prince Paul.
Tell us something not many people know about Zenbi?
Zenbi cries during movies, even ones that aren’t sad. Is a massive adrenaline junky – hence the pilot license. Plays the trombone (although not in public) and used to admit to being a Republican.
Anything to add/shout outs?
Big thanks to all the really established producers that really helped me out along the way – guys like Dr. Kucho!, Chus, Paolo Mojo, DJ Dan, Mark Farina…
Thanks Zenbi!
Zenbi Online
www.zenbi.com
www.facebook.com/djzenbi
www.twitter.com/zenbi
www.soundcloud.com/zenbi
