London-based artist Zac Pajak has recently released his new single 'About Time', via Goldun Egg Records, co-produced with Jake Gosling.
'About Time' delivers the perfect blend of Zac's signature, genre-hopping songwriting to date. Fusing together laid-back RnB and poetic indie folk, the result is a perfectly positioned slice of melodic pop that radiates with warm positivity.
The single is taken from Zac's forthcoming EP, set for release on May 7th, and follows previous single 'Southern Comfort' and his debut EP 'Early Hours; which was released last year. To date, Zac has garnered support from the likes of BBC Introducing and Spotify, with his music boasting an impressive 50k monthly listeners across the platform. He lends his songwriting ability to the likes of Major Lazer, Mr Eazi, Raye and also McFly, where he co-wrote 'Wild and Young' from the band's chart-topping album.
We had a chat with Zac to find out more as part of our Get To Know series...
Introduce yourself and tell us a bit about you!
"I’m a singer songwriter from South West London who’s happiest in the studio or at a gig. I also have an unhealthy addiction to Dairy Milk and a pet tortoise called Curtis (after Curtis Mayfield) - both thanks to lockdown!"
Where are you from and what’s your favourite thing about the place?
"I live in a small town called Hinchley Wood where I’ve grown up my whole life. I’ve always enjoyed the slightly slower pace here when it comes to writing and recording but I’m still close enough to jump on a train into London for gigs and whatever else. I feel like I get the best of both worlds I guess. My favourite thing about where I live, and London, is the massive amount of great music thats around. I was lucky to have the local music scene in Kingston where I went to school, I’d always be able to find open mics and busy high streets to busk on and try out new songs."
Who are your biggest inspirations, musically?
"I grew up listening to bands that my dad would play me - mostly old blues, funk and soul like Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder. When I discovered music production that changed things in a big way. I love how a lot of artists now are taking inspiration from those old records and putting a fresh spin on a retro sound. I feel like NAO’s nailed it with her funk-inspired sound, SG Lewis is doing it with disco, Tom Misch with Jazz. That’s what really excites me, that crossover I think."
How would you describe your sound in the form of a hashtag?
"That’s a tough one! I reckon #AlternativePop or #IndiePop would describe it best."
Who would be your dream collaboration?
"Wow there are so many artists on my list which I’d love to collaborate with! I’ve always dreamed of working with Bon Iver as he’s been a huge inspiration of mine. Also towards the top of my list would be NAO - I’m totally obsessed with her voice and she’s got so much groove!"
You’ve had support from the likes of BBC Introducing & Spotify, as well as co-writing a track for McFly, and much more. What’s been your stand out moment so far?
"Yeah it’s all been a bit mental really! Being part of McFly’s latest album ‘Young Dumb Thrills’ was a crazy feeling the week it was top of the charts and co-writing the Major Lazer single ‘Tied Up’ with Mr Eazi and Raye was definitely another amazing moment for me - seeing how that song has travelled the world from London to Lagos where Mr Eazi shot an incredible music video still blows my mind! I don’t think I’ll ever get used to hearing songs I’ve written at concerts or on the radio but I think what tops it for me is actually the writing of the song. My favourite place to be is in the studio because it’s those amazing collaborative moments during the creative process that I love the most."
You recently released your new single ‘About Time’. How has the reaction been so far?
"The reaction has been really amazing so far! It’s been strange releasing music through lockdown without being able to get that reaction through performing the songs live, but I think it’ll be even better when we can finally enjoy live music together again. I really can’t wait to play this one live!"
What is the story behind the lyrics?
"The story is quite literally about my life and my relationship. I wrote it with a friend of mine Angus Parkin, we were sat in the studio just catching up and chatting and I mentioned that my girlfriend and I where thinking of moving out so we ended up writing a song about it. We drew on all these specific details from our conversation and we threw them into the song, mentioning the K3 bus which I used to get in to town for example. There’s also a little reference to the David Gray song ‘This Years Love’ which I’d really like to know how many people have noticed! It’s one of those super romantic songs which probably isn’t considered that cool but it means something to me."
The track is taken from your upcoming EP ‘Midnight’ due for release in May. What can we expect from the release?
"I can’t tell you how excited I am to share these new songs! The past year has allowed me the time to really explore where I could take things sonically and I’m really proud of where we’ve taken things with this EP. I tried to approach this EP with more authenticity, more musicality and just more realness - I think this record really feels like me if that makes sense!"
What else does 2021 have in store for you?
"Well I really hope we can get back to playing shows this summer, it’s hard to imagine but I’d love to be able to play some festivals again this summer! I’m currently working on a lot of new music I’ve written over lockdown too which I’m super excited about, plus a number of projects with a handful of other awesome artists so a lot more releases this year I hope!"
'About Time' is out now.
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