We were lucky to catch up with Z. Lew recently and have shared our conversation below.

Z., thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Honestly, I had no intention of starting a business. I was deeply immersed in my artistry, focusing solely on my music. However, the idea for what would become my business kind of just fell in my lap, evolving naturally from my experiences and challenges. I am now fully actualizing and understanding the business side of my artistry, and it has been a journey of transformation and discovery.

For those who may not know, my name is Z. Lew, and I’m an alternative R&B/pop artist from Phoenix, AZ. The journey to building a career in the entertainment industry is anything but straightforward. There is no singular path to success, and the road is often fraught with unpredictable twists and turns. I had always been passionate about music and creating, but the complexities of the industry were something I had to learn to navigate.

As I continue to build my music career, I encounter a myriad of challenges—everything from marketing myself effectively to needing help with managing other logistical tasks. The struggle to balance the creative aspects with the business necessities became increasingly apparent. It wasn’t long before I realized that the traditional model of pursuing a music career wasn’t just about making art; it was also about understanding and managing the business side of things.

As a musical artist, I don’t see my journey as one where I’m solving a problem per se, but rather as an ongoing exploration of my own creative expression and how it resonates with others. I don’t approach this with the mindset of having a definitive solution or a formula for success; instead, I’m driven by a deep passion for my craft and a desire to connect with people through my music.

The logic behind why I believe my art will find its place comes from a place of genuine humility and personal experience. My music is an extension of who I am, shaped by my own experiences, emotions, and observations. I’ve found that when I create from an authentic place, there’s a natural resonance that occurs with others who share similar feelings or experiences. It’s not about having a unique formula, but about being true to my voice and allowing that authenticity to reach others.

What excites me most is the potential for my art to touch people’s lives in a meaningful way. I don’t assume that everyone will connect with my work, but I believe that by staying true to my artistic vision and continually evolving, I can create something that others might find compelling and relatable. It’s a journey of discovery—both for me as an artist and for those who engage with my art.

Ultimately, my approach is rooted in a sincere commitment to my craft and a hope that my art will resonate with people on a personal level. I’m motivated by the idea of sharing my music with the world and seeing how it might find its own place in the hearts of listeners. It’s less about solving a specific problem and more about the ongoing process of creation and connection.

Z., before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Z. Lew, and I am an alternative R&B/pop artist and engineer based in Phoenix, AZ. My journey into the music industry began with a deep-rooted passion for creating and experimenting with sound. From an early age, I was captivated by the power of music to convey emotions and tell stories. This fascination led me to explore various facets of music production and performance, ultimately shaping my path as both an artist and an engineer.

As an artist, I create music that blends elements of R&B and pop with a distinctive alternative twist. My work reflects a wide range of influences and experiences, offering a unique sound that sets me apart in the industry. I pour my heart into crafting songs that resonate on a personal level, aiming to connect with listeners through authenticity and emotion.

In addition to my artistry, I also provide engineering services. This aspect of my work allows me to assist other musicians in bringing their own creative visions to life, whether through mixing, mastering, or production. By combining my artistic sensibilities with technical expertise, I strive to deliver high-quality, polished sound that enhances the impact of every project I work on.

What sets me apart is the fusion of my dual roles as an artist and engineer. This dual perspective allows me to approach music with a comprehensive understanding of both the creative and technical aspects. It’s not just about creating music that sounds good; it’s about ensuring that it feels right and communicates the intended message effectively.

One of the things I am most proud of is the ability to remain true to my artistic vision while continually evolving and adapting in a constantly changing industry. I take great pride in the authenticity of my work and the connections I’ve been able to build with my audience. Seeing my music resonate with others and knowing that it has made a difference in their lives is incredibly fulfilling.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by a genuine passion for music and a commitment to excellence. Whether you’re looking for an artist who pushes boundaries and explores new soundscapes or an engineer who can bring a meticulous touch to your project, I am dedicated to providing a unique and high-quality experience. My brand is all about authenticity, creativity, and collaboration, and I am excited to share this journey with you.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that stands out and truly illustrates my resilience is the journey of creating my debut EP, Good Vibrations. This project has been a significant labor of love, and balancing my roles as both an artist and an engineer while overcoming various obstacles has been both challenging and rewarding.

The creation of Good Vibrations began with a surge of creative energy and excitement. However, the path to completing the EP was not without its difficulties. Early on, I encountered several major challenges—technical issues, unexpected delays, and periods of creative block. One particularly stressful moment occurred when I was halfway through recording the project and my computer completely died.

I took the computer to a repair shop, hoping for a quick fix, only to receive a quote for a full data recovery that was far beyond my budget at the time. Faced with this setback, I realized that I would have to re-record everything. This was a daunting prospect, especially since I had already captured some takes that I truly loved and found nearly impossible to recreate. The thought of losing those takes was disheartening, and the stress of starting over was immense.

Instead of letting this challenge derail the project, I chose to face it head-on. I focused on re-recording with the same passion and dedication that had driven the initial sessions. It wasn’t just about replacing lost takes; it was about preserving the spirit of the music and staying true to my artistic vision despite the setbacks.

Through perseverance and a resourceful approach, I managed to complete Good Vibrations, and the project was met with positive feedback from both fans and critics. The experience taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying committed to your goals, even when faced with significant obstacles.

What made this story particularly meaningful was not just the completion of the EP but the journey itself. It reinforced my belief that resilience is an integral part of the creative process. It’s about facing challenges with determination, learning from each experience, and continuing to move forward with passion and dedication, even when things don’t go as planned.

This journey with Good Vibrations has deepened my understanding that resilience involves not just overcoming difficulties but also carrying forward with unwavering dedication to your craft. This lesson is something I carry with me in every project and in every step of my career.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Certainly! Here’s a response from an engineer’s perspective about the lesson of “less is more”:

One of the key lessons I had to unlearn as an engineer is the idea that more expensive and heavily promoted software and hardware automatically translate to better results. While it’s a commonly held belief, I’ve found that embracing the principle of “less is more” has been far more impactful in my work.

The backstory to this realization involves a few pivotal experiences, including the honor of mixing and mastering projects for my fellow peers Jonny Haze and Peyton Watts. Early in my career, I was obsessed with acquiring the latest and most expensive gear and plug-ins, believing that these high-end tools would somehow elevate the quality of my work.

However, I soon learned that simply having access to the most advanced equipment doesn’t guarantee superior outcomes. The turning point came when I was working on Jonny and Peyton’s projects. I did not have a range of high-end software and hardware at my disposal, I found myself facing challenges but overcoming the more I learned each tool within my toolbox. Soon I began achieving the sound I envisioned. It wasn’t until I took a step back and focused on fundamental engineering concepts that I began to see real improvements.

The lesson I had to unlearn was that understanding and mastering the core concepts of audio engineering—such as proper equalization, compression, and spatial effects—is far more important than owning the latest gear. It became clear that the true value lies in knowing how to use the tools effectively rather than relying on them to compensate for a lack of technique or knowledge.

For instance, I discovered that my trusty, more affordable tools could achieve excellent results when used with a thoughtful and skilled approach. Rather than over-spending on new plug-ins or gear, I focused on refining my techniques and understanding the principles behind them. This shift in mindset allowed me to get the most out of my existing resources and achieve the best possible sound for each project.

This experience taught me that mastering the art of audio engineering is about quality over quantity and that the right techniques and approaches often yield better results than the latest technological advancements. The principle of “less is more” has become a cornerstone of my practice, reminding me that effective engineering is more about skill and knowledge than the size of one’s gear collection.

Now, I prioritize learning and applying fundamental concepts, which has not only improved the quality of my work but also made me more efficient and creative in my engineering practice. This lesson has been invaluable in shaping my approach and continues to guide me in my work with artists and projects.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bio.site/Z.Lew
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/z.leww?igsh=MTcxaWE4d242OHVheA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@z.lewwww

Image Credits

Max Salcedo
Harrison Raska