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 making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I think the first thing to realize with creativity, is that it will come and go. We can’t always be full of inspiration and drive to create. Something I heard recently in passing, really resonated with me and I feel its appropriate to share. As a creative, its in our best interest and in the end user’s best interest… to be selfish. By that I mean that an artist should create so that they are fulfilled. They should create something that moves them. That inspires them. That lights that passion and love inside them. In fact, if you look at the most beautiful art, the best athletes, the best music, etc. The people behind that, are serving their passions and desires first. Anything else is simply….commerce. I personally keep my creativity alive by not getting too caught up in the stress and pressure that can build up around my music career. AND…life in general. I am sometimes ok stepping away from my drums for a minute to enjoy life. I try to schedule short escapes or vacations. Whether its a trip to wine country for two days, a stay-cation at a nice hotel in the city or a full week trip on a cruise ship, stepping away from what I love, ends up helping me. I also find creativity from watching other musicians perform. Especially drummers. I see and hear new ideas, methods and techniques that motivate me. One of my main sources of creativity comes from the instruments themselves. New drums or recording equipment are so awesome to me. Getting a new drum that sounds amazing, looks rad, or that I helped design is very inspirational to me.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I have the privilege and ability to have a job doing what I love. I have been attracted to, and in love with drums and drumming since as far back as I can remember. How they look. How they sound. How they function. How they make me feel when I hit them. I can stare at a beautiful drum/drum-set for hours. A common cheeky term amongst musicians is “gear porn.” And that is totally true. hahaha. I personally find the process of recording drums the most exciting. I own a collection of over 30 drum-sets, 50 + snares, and hundreds of cymbals. I use them to create specific sounds and vibes for each song and project. I find it inspiring to get a drum sounding just right. I love the engineering aspect as well. I.e. how to capture the sound of recorded instruments.
When I first moved to Los Angeles, I got a position working at Drum Doctors. This company specializes in the drum recording and session world. They are experts in which drums to use, and how to tune the drums. I’ve gotten the opportunity to work in some of the best recording studios in the world. And alongside the best drummers, producers and music professionals in the world!
In 2009, I opened my own recording studio in Burbank, CA. I’m very proud of that accomplishment and have been able to record hundred of songs there for artists and clients all over the world. Clients I’ve worked with include: Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Corey Taylor, Black Star Riders, The B-52’s, fox sports, Paramount pictures, Sony Pictures and many more. I love playing all styles of music. Rock, country, pop, blues, jazz and world percussion are fun and motivational to me. I would get bored if I only was able to play one type of music or one select group of songs! 2024 is off to a great start. I have a full schedule ahead of me and lots of new music to record.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think the three qualities that have helped the most in my journey are my work ethic, dedication, and focus. I pride myself on putting as much time and effort into my craft as possible. I get up early in the morning (5;30am most days) to keep my body conditioned and to get a jump on the rest of the world. I find peace in the darkness and solitude of the early morning. I try to make every day as productive as possible. If I don’t have a gig or session, I’ll practice or learn new songs or concepts. I’ll work on finding new work or opportunities. I’ll also focus on social media and marketing myself to anyone that can use my services. I try to make the most of everyday and use as much time as possible to improve and grow my brand. Its not unusual for me to have a 50-60 hour work week.
My advice to anyone starting out, is to make the most of your time. Find what your deepest passion is and go for it! Focus on your goals. Both short and long term. Find professionals or experienced people doing what you want to do, and ask them questions and for guidance. You’ll be surprised by how much others are willing to help you. Be courageous and fearless. The last think you want to happen is to have any regret that you didn’t give it your 110% best shot.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
One of the best pieces of advice that I received upon moving to Los Angeles, was to get out and meet as many people as possible. I”m always on the look out for musicians, artists, drummers, podcasters, producers, etc, that I am unfamiliar with or haven’t had a chance to meet in person. I’m a believer in a strong friend group and music community. This is one of the best ways to grow your career and yourself as a person. I think its fun to get to meet and talk to new people of all ages and backgrounds. Time has become a precious commodity these days, but if someone reaches out and has a great vibe and there is a prospect of a positive and healthy relationship, why wouldn’t you take a moment and help each other?
I’ve learned that the LA music scene and community is smaller than one may think. Usually you have a mutual friend or common connection with new contacts.
lastly, referrals have been of of the core parts of my growing career. I don’t take any referral lightly. I go into every situation with 100% attention and commitment. I always recommend and preach the same to those around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ZakStJohn.com
- Instagram: @ZakStJohn
- Facebook: @ZakStJohn
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/ZakStJohn
- Twitter: @ZakStJohn
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/ZakStJohn
Image Credits
Kim Clayborne, Vico Velaz, Tatiana Erse, Jasmine Day
