Exposed Vocals Interviews Zak Alcatraz
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Zak Alcatraz: Through a friend and I also saw you on Twitter. It looked like a good opportunity and it was interesting to read about other musicians.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Zak Alcatraz: I grew up in Manchester, England. I was always fascinated by the music and sound effects in computer games when I was young. I then started to experiment with tracker software and then moved on to bigger workstations and started to DJ. I’ve always loved computers and I’ve always loved music so it was natural for me.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Zak Alcatraz: It sounds quite like my real name actually and a lot of people used to call me that.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Zak Alcatraz: I think it’s great. It’s the best way of distributing your music and it’s quick and convenient. I happily give my music away as I want as many people as possible to hear my tracks but obviously I can’t do that with signed songs.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Zak Alcatraz: Get out there. Just do it. Distribute your music as much as you can and promote and play your music everywhere you can. You’d be surprised at the amount of events that are organised without a band or musician.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Zak Alcatraz: Yes! When I DJ live there’s always the odd blip. But crowds don’t mind a blip or two here and there as it adds to the live element I think. But you do need to be prepared. You need a back up plan in case hardware or software fail. It’s never happened to me yet but I know it can happen so I come prepared. Nothing would be worse than the music going silent
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Zak Alcatraz: I’ve not toured yet but I have played in different places. I’m always a little nervous at the start when I’m in a new place but you just have to get stuck in and the nerves go away.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Zak Alcatraz: The majority of my inspiration comes from synthesisers and I work a lot on those. Once I have something that sounds nice I work on the melody and bass. I’ve realised that melody is probably the most important thing as it makes the hook. Sometimes even one note makes all the difference. Then its drums and song arrangement. Recently I’ve started to experiment with vocals.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Zak Alcatraz: No specific website as yet. Just my Soundcloud and Youtube page. Soundcloud is perfect and it came at the right time for me. It gets your music out there for free and there are record companies and agencies on it who can hear it. Perfect.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Zak Alcatraz: Hmmm….Most of them are songs in the style of music that I’m making or want to make. But you’ll also find some girl bands on there.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Zak Alcatraz: I’d upgrade the studio and travel with my laptop. There are so many places I want to go to.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Zak Alcatraz: I’m working with a fast desktop computer and I also have an old laptop to sketch ideas on. I tend to use the laptop the most as its with me all the time so the next upgrade will be a lightning fast laptop and more software. Definitely need a good mic too as I’m experimenting with vocals now.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Zak Alcatraz: Internet, Internet and Internet. It’s the best way for me I think. It does get you heard.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Zak Alcatraz: If I could choose to play anywhere then it’d have to be Tomorrowland. I’ve never been but it looks amazing. Wish I could play there tomorrow. That’s my dream. I’d want to be up there with Martin Garrix. He’s the man.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Zak Alcatraz: I’ve now started working on Big Room House and it’s sounding fresh. I’m also working with a singer so the next track should be at the next level and original.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Zak Alcatraz: Probably working in a shop.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Zak Alcatraz: I do remember. It was Michael Jackson’s Thriller. The only thing going through my head was that the album was great and I needed it. I still think it’s great.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Zak Alcatraz: You need the time and you need to be in the music making zone at the same time. It can be difficult. But hey…make music as much as you can I say. Get stuck in whenever you can and know that sometimes good music comes out even when you didn’t think you were in the zone.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Zak Alcatraz: Deffo a few more big house tracks and some gigs. It’ll be good I promise.