We were lucky to catch up with Arkh Zeus recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Zeus, thanks for joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I would say that I am currently unhappy as a creative. I’ve known what it’s like to work a regular job since I was in high school. That aspect of my life hasn’t changed quite yet, and has gotten more in the way of my time to create as I get older. I would hope to one day wake up and never have to work a regular job, ever again. In a perfect world, I’d continue to create as much as I want, when I want. I think that’s when I’ll be at my happiest.
Zeus, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Arkh Zeus. I am a recording artist, music producer, audio engineer, and entrepreneur. Beginning my pursuit in music at age 14 led to several doors opening along this 10+ year journey of mine. In the latter years of my career, I founded Zenith Royale and Zen Division. Zenith Royale is a record label that I started. My goal with the label is to elevate a roster of distinct creatives by providing exclusive nurturing to their crafts as I best see fit. Zen Division is a creative agency that’s meant to carry out the same goals as my label, but on a much broader scale that isn’t confined to my label signees.
I think what sets me apart from others is that I do not allow external forces to influence the timelessness of my ideas. Everything that I do creatively is an ongoing manifestation of so many ideas that date back to my days as a child. I cling to album curation the most when it comes to my creativity. In today’s market, most artists seek to compile a bunch of songs and release it as an album in hopes that most of the songs will land on a listener’s playlist, opposed to creating a world/experience with their bodies of work. I knew that I was meant to curate the way that I do when I took a look at my insights and discovered that the 2 longest songs on my longest album to date were (and still are) the most streamed songs on it.
I think my music calls upon those who yearn for a place in the world. It’s very easy for many of us (including myself) to feel lost and disconnected from the world at times. Making music makes me feel like I exist, and I hope that I validate the existence of those who feel the same way; whether they’re a consumer or a fellow creative.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I think the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom. I am free to express myself in any creative way that I feel, and there’s no real boundaries that get in the way of that. I also love the flow of impact that art has once an artist decides to release something to the world. Art changes lives, everyday. That’s some real life magic if I couldn’t call it anything else.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I think non-creatives will probably never understand just how much I love this shit. I once said in a song “I’ve been havin’ my fun, but I was never really playin'” and I can’t stress that enough. I have so much fun doing what I do, but I’m probably one of the most serious artists you’ll meet at the very same time. Many non-creatives have already express their struggle to understand me in some regards. It used to bother me when I was still new to this, but nowadays I accept it with grace. I don’t play about my art, and that shows the most when you compare it to people who don’t try. People who do nothing but play around with this shit lack integrity in my opinion. As an artist, you should stand for SOMETHING.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/arkhzeus
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/arkhzeus
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/arkhzeus
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/arkhzeus
- Other: https://linktr.ee/arkhzeus