So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Well, I am DZ I am 18 years old born and raised in Birmingham Alabama. When I heard Outkast for the very first time I just knew I had to become an artist.
How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Well my actual names is Derrick Zorns, but DZ is a nickname of mine; and so I thought it would be a better stage name than using my actual name.
What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
I like online music sharing, I think it’s good because it helps the artist get their music out there faster and to a wider range of listeners. I do give my music out for free. I actually just started making songs and putting them on Youtube, but I’ve been writing for years.
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?
My advice would be to keep working at it, especially if it’s something you really want. With all the effort put in it’s bound to be a success.
Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Of course, it happens to the best of us. When it does I just keep going, and when it’s over I practice again and again to ensure it doesn’t occur again.
Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Right now I do not, due to having a disability called Cerebral Palsy, but in the near future I do plan on touring.
Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
I would have to say my inspiration comes from my own life. My songwriting process is pretty simple, I listen to the beat I’m working with at the time repeatedly and just write to it.
Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
I currently do not have a band website, but I do have online platforms such as a Soundcloud as well as a Youtube channel. (soundcloud – DZ, Youtube- /UCumvVaS4LlCH97-CNM60FNw)
If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
First, right off the top I would invest to get more money and give some to those those that are in need. Pretty much that year off I would just help others.
Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
I have a few ideas I’m thinking about, but right now I mainly use audiotool to make my beats.
If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
That one artist would have to be no other than Outkasts Andre 3000, I mean he’s half of the group that inspired me to become an artist. Honestly I really can’t think of a place just as long as it’s us performing together.
So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Well right now I am working on a mixtape that I’m thinking of calling “The Experiment”.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
It would most likely be working towards becoming a counselor.
Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
My first album I ever bought wasn’t that far back, it was Kendrick Lamars Good Kid M.A.A.D. City. The only thing going through my mind at the time was learning every last lyric.
How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
I stay close to God, I pray every night to build my relationship with him.
What should fans look forward to in 2016?Â
Just some more music from me.
