Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zak St. John. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Zak, appreciate you 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?
No doubt, being a musician has its difficulties and stresses. Including, but not limited to: not knowing when your next paycheck is coming, when work is going to happen and the fact that YOU are your own business in most cases. And then there are the real world/adult concerns. Insurance/medical care, retirement, investments, and being a good partner to your significant other, are all examples of things that tend to fall in place easier for a non artist/creative. And I can definitely see why other people prefer a set schedule and routine at a 9-5 job, Monday – Friday.
However, all that being said, I wouldn’t want to live life any other way. I’m absolutely thrilled to start each day. I REALLY love playing drums. I REALLY love recording and writing music. I REALLY love touring and traveling the world. I thrive on new adventures and experiences. I can’t wait for what each day/week/month/year has in store.
One example of what I love about this career, is when I walk into a recording session. Sometimes you know the rest of the team/players and sometimes you don’t. Regardless, its fun to connect and learn about people and how they work/play/talk etc. I also really look forward to creating drums parts that will excite and accentuate the music. Being an asset is very inspirational to me.
Another example is when you roll into a city. I love experiencing what makes that place special and unique. I really enjoy immersing myself. I’ll try to find great food, great drinks, and stores that are unique or useful. And the buzz an area has when there is an event or concert, is really something. Cities have a pulse and vibe if you pay close enough attention.
Only a few lucky few humans have the ability, courage, and fortune to be able to do what we do. So, I make sure that I don’t waste a single moment or opportunity. Of course, there are tough days, but those only make the good/great days all the better.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I grew up in a musical household. My father was a professional guitar player in Wisconsin. I had the fortune to be around and hear music from minute one. And despite his best efforts to groom me into a guitar player… or really anything besides a musician, my attraction to the drums was undeniable. I loved how they looked, sounded, and how it felt to hit things with a stick. hahaha. I was playing by the age of 2 and by 4 years old, I had my own drum kit. (fast forward 35 years… I currently have 36 drum kits.) !!!
I was always playing in musical situations with my Dad and also began playing with as many other bands as I could. At the same time, it was important for me to do well in school and get a college education. But, after I finished college, there was only one place to live. Los Angeles. I move to LA in January of 2007. I didn’t know anyone here and had to carve out a place for myself. I instantly immersed myself in Craigslist, music stores, live shows, etc. I auditioned for 100’s of bands and learned 1000’s of songs. I eventually found some great fits musically, financially, and with musicians that I really enjoyed being around. From there, relationships grew and new contacts turned into new and bigger opportunities.
I was well aware that the recording world/scene was the hardest to crack. And unfortunately, was the core to my passion and love for drums. How would I be able to get in that world? Well, a friend suggested I look into working with Drum Doctors. Drum Doctors is a niche company that works with/in the LA recording industry. How perfect? I was lucky enough to land that gig and found myself working with drummers who were my heroes, world class musicians, legendary producers, and the very best engineers, in the most iconic studios in the world. Having seen how this was all done by the best in the world, is something that I was truly fortunate to experience.
Those two core parts of my career are what formed me into who I am today. With those experiences, I am able to work with many different people and personalities and in many different musical settings. I can learn an entire set of music for a show in less than a day and play at a high and confident level. Or learn music for a session quickly and create a drum part that enhances the music. Just my learned communication skills alone, are so important when you’re a hired session musician or hired gun etc.
I’m most proud of my ability to show up to a gig/session and make the client/artist/band feel comfortable and confident in what they are trying to accomplish. They know I will have the best drums, tuned specifically for the musical need, I know how to be a team player and I will do whatever it takes to make a gig or show successful. I stay in shape and I make sure I look the part and act the part.
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 the lack of structure and the absence of stability is what most struggle to understand. Really, its the fear that most can’t overlook or ignore. The terrifying leap of faith. And maybe you’re sitting in your office right now reading this and love your job (in a non-creative industry) and have a passion for what you do. Totally rad. You’ve found what I’ve found, and get it.
Drumming and music is what I hold most near and dear to my heart. I couldn’t exist without music and drumming in my life. The passion and driving force gives me no choice but to take that leap each morning into the unknown. I call it a curse and a blessing. Because from time to time, it can go either way. And that applies to all creatives at all levels. BUT, the worst would be not doing what I was meant to do. Its my addiction. Its my obsession. And to me, the greatest drug and high I could ever experience. For that reason, I am able to deal with and push through the unknown and facilitate the lack of stability. I found the courage and can ignore the fear, that most humans simply do not want to ignore.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
No secret here. But in the world we live in today, ACCESS makes a creative’s life and career more difficult. In the past, you had to purchase your music/art, Now, there are so many ways to obtain art and music for free. I’m not saying you shouldn’t listen to Spotify or watch videos on Youtube, but if you do, and you enjoy what you are experiencing, find the music or art where it’s available for purchase and support that artist, so they can continue to produce what they do. And if you see that they have a concert/movie/art show/book signing etc, go out and support that live event. Buy a ticket. Buy a shirt, Buy a painting, Buy some popcorn, Enjoy an evening out. :)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ZakStJohn.com
- Instagram: @ZakStJohn
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/zakstjohn
- Twitter: @ZakStJohn
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/ZakStJohn
Image Credits
Kim Clayborne Photography, Simile Branding and Photography