[ADMIN]
How and where was the mix [Transmissions] recorded? What’s the idea behind the mix?
[OWEN Z.]
The mix was recorded early this morning, here in Keene, NH… just trying to do something different every time and enjoy the process!
[ADMIN]
When did you start dj’ing or making music?
[OWEN Z.]
In 2016, my roommate and I bought a $200 mixer. I would use it for fun at small gatherings and some college events. Eventually, I overcame shy feelings and decided I would openly use it as an outlet. I’ve made music in that time, but very sporadically and with heavy deference to sampling. I consider it a hobby, I don’t make money but I like to do it whenever I can.
[ADMIN]
What external factors have the biggest impact on your process?
[OWEN Z.]
Half of me just enjoys doing something fun and different every month. But the other half is paying attention to what it can possibly do for me as a listener, in a closed-loop sort of way. Ultimately it all leads back to the original music impacting me as a listener, I don’t want to present it as anything bigger than what it is.
[ADMIN]
What’s your process for putting together a mix?
[OWEN Z.]
I just am always listening to my favorite music and thinking about what would be really fun. A lot of what I enjoy in mixing is that it’s not hard at all, the music is in such great supply and the technique doesn’t need to be complicated. I prepare things ahead of time and then just hope it holds up, lol.
[ADMIN]
Is there any specific genre, album, or artist(s) that’s been inspiring you lately?
[OWEN Z.]
It was nice to revisit Jenny Hval’s music for this mix, I think Autechre are great, and my favorite music recently has been Chuquimamani-Condori. I also love DJ Lostboi. I’m looking forward to hopefully playing a gig or two this summer and I’m thinking about what music would be good to hear in that setting.
[ADMIN]
How would you describe your sound?
[OWEN Z.]
I would be embarrassed. Depends on the situation though, for sure. That’s why playing music with other people in any context is so fun, the interplay that happens!
[ADMIN]
How or when did you realize you would become an artist?
[OWEN Z.]
When I realized how much music is. Music, so good.