Estefany Mendez
Sep 30, 2022
Getting to know DJ and Producer 4nzek
American producer and DJ 4nzek is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His music is out of this world! One gets lost in his sound. He describes his music as "melodramatic and ornery." The melodic structures in video game music from the 90s were an early influence on his compositions. 4nzek has stated, "Once I’m in the zone, it often feels like the songs write themselves." He shares his love with the fans. Check out his new single "Mantis"!
Get to know 4nzek in this bio interview!
What is your name?
Michael
What inspired you to choose your artist name?
Mostly because I thought it rolled off the tongue well and the 4, z, and e align nicely when it’s typed out in most fonts. It also alludes to my deeply analytical nature as an artist and a thinker in general.
What do you want to be known for in your music career?
Producing technical, melodic, and emotional music that haunts people. I want to be known for merging rock and bass music in a way that doesn’t do a disservice to either genre.
What first got you into music?
It’s difficult to say at this point, but most likely it was my mom signing me up for piano lessons when I was 4. Even before that, she would always play music on our stereo system. We had speakers in nearly every room of the house.
Who inspired you to make music?
I started writing my own music almost immediately upon learning the piano. The melodic structures present in video game music from the 90s was a definitive early influence on my compositions. Probably the first band that inspired me to treat music seriously as an outlet for my emotions was Linkin Park.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Melodramatic and ornery lol
What is your creative process like?
I try not to force anything when it comes to writing or arranging. I’ve made a habit of pursuing every idea I have until it either exhausts itself or evolves into a full song. Once I’m in the zone it often feels like the songs write themselves.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
My dream collaboration would be with Seven Lions, Virtual Riot, or Skrillex.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Any of the top melodic bass music producers–Chime, Au5, Ace Aura, Mitis, Virtual Riot, etc.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Thank you for the support, no matter how small. You might not think it matters much, but it does and every little bit helps.
What is the most useless talent you have?
Committing video game music to memory at a high level of detail lol
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
I sing all the time–often just improvised melodies.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Oh I don’t know–at best I’d probably be lurking around academia somewhere studying something obscure. At worst I’d probably be getting myself into trouble.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
It has lowered the barrier of entry that’s for sure. If you’ve got art to showcase, you can get it out there and if you’ve got something to offer you can find people to network with. There’s no longer any excuse not to.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
All of them to be honest. Doing what they do can’t be easy.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
I’ve never known good advice at the time of hearing it, but in retrospect, the best advice I’ve ever been offered was to take things one day at a time and to not worry about crossing bridges before getting to them.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I know there’s no chance of it happening, but I wish the industry would stop pandering to the lowest common denominator and instead aim to enrich audiences with great music.
What’s next for you?
Only time can tell. For now, I’m gonna keep producing and getting my music out there.
Where can the fans find you or more information about you?
Anyone who wants to is welcome to message me on any of my socials!