We likes ZEBO

It was was an obvious choice for the staff here at Fakebeat to approach ever present Chicago DJ, Zebo, for an interview. One, because he has been working the Chicago scene for almost a decade now, and two, because he is a true believer in mixing styles and breaking down barriers for the love of music as a whole.

In 2007 Zebo seemed to finally get the recognition he deserved. He was booked to open up for a really impressive list of acts including: Kool Herc, Mixmaster Mike, Grandmaster Flash, Farley Jackmaster Funk, Spankrock, Klever, Craze, Riot In Belgium, Para One, Mr. Oizo, Surkin, Orgasmic (of TTC), Easy Star Allstars, Q-Bert, Flosstradamus, The Fluokids, Ayres, and more.

Things are looking bright for him in the recording industry as well. SES001, the first record on his new label SES Recordings,  sold out on http://turntablelab.com in just 3 days!

AB: How did you get started? What was your first big gig?

ZEBO: My first big dj gig was in 1999 at a rave party called FUSE 2.  It was thrown by Direct Drive and ATP productions.  My first set at a party was right before Dj Spooky.  Needless to say, I was quite nervous.  I had never played on a sound system that big.  It was a life-changing experience.

AB: Did you get a chance to chill with Spooky? What was he like? He seems like a really smart dude. Id be intimidated just talking to him.

ZEBO: I did not have the testicular fortitude to engage in conversation.  I just said hi and told him to have a great set.  Like I said, I was very nervous.

AB: How would you describe the style of music you dj now?

ZEBO: Eclectic, I really don't have a specific style. I guess the best thing would be "Dance Music," which I realize is probably of no help to you.

AB: Well let me put it this way, what do you like to play the most?

ZEBO: Bmore, Electro (or what is called electro these days), House, Hip Hop, Reggae, Soul / Funk, Downtempo, R&B, Rock, Jungle, Techno, REAL Electro, Freestyle, Ghetto-tech, Juke, Booty House, Drum Breaks

AB: Ok so heres a deep one...How does spirituality fit into music for you, or does it? 

ZEBO: I guess that would depend on the gig.  Some gigs you are expected to play a certain style of music in order to keep people dancing at the club / bar and generate $$$ for said venue.  Then there are gigs that you are booked to play because people like what you really like and / or your production work.  Those tend to be the most "spiritual" as it is a true representation of what makes me happy.  I guess you could find that with all types of music though.  People can have quite the spiritual experience through dancing.  They put away all of their reservations and stress from life and express themselves by shakin' dat ass.  I love to play music and have people dance.  That is quite a spiritual experience for me.  Music is definitely spiritual on many different levels.  It is just up for individual interpretation.

AB: I think a lot of djs would agree with you. Do you have any original music you are working on right now?

ZEBO: My music is not very "original" as I am a sample-based producer.  I like to gain inspiration from all different sounds / types of music and incorporate them into dance tracks that I put together.  Maybe someday I will take a shot in that manner, but right now I am very happy with the way I make beats.  I don't think one way is better than the other, although I will admit it is much more difficult to compose.  As long as you are making people dance you are doing something right.

AB: Well its 2008 now, man. People are making mash-up albums with 100% non original content, that are still very relevant. What sort of stuff are you sampling?

ZEBO: Anything and everything that I can get my hands on.  If you hear a sound and hear that it has potential in a track, you use it.  Lately I have been making Baltimore Club style tunes and I draw influence from the rave era that I grew up in and find samples from old soul / disco tracks that were used in big house tracks in the mid to late 90s.  I am also a big fan of remixing tracks for people.  Usually that will be with a rap track or something as the BPM range for that style usually fits nicely into a bmore or juke tune.  I also pull from rock, reggae, funk, etc...

AB: Over the last year you have opened up for some pretty big acts. Got any good stories?


ZEBO: The one that I got a kick out of the most was opening for Grandmaster Flash.  His manager had faxed a list that was over 10 pages long of songs that I was not allowed to play when opening for him. The rest of the crazy stories I really can't talk about ;)

AB: That's funny. Can you remember what tracks they requested you NOT play?

ZEBO: Pretty much any classic hip hop, soul, or dance track. It was ridiculous. Some of them were like: A Tribe Called Quest (Complete Discography) Because there was the possibility that he might play them.

AB: So what did that leave you with?

ZEBO: I played some Tuvan Throat Singing Records.... It went over well with the Zentra crowd.

AB: Hahaha! I'm dying over here. That's really funny.  What artists are you interested in most now?


ZEBO: Right now I am really feeling Dj Blaqstarr, boy 8 bit, Scottie B, Tittsworth, Burial, U-Tern, Bird Peterson, Tactic, The Cool Kids, 33hz, and others.

AB: Favorite records list for 07?

ZEBO: 1. SES001 2. SES001 3. SES001 4. SES001 5. SES001

AB: Ok lastly, do you have touring plans?

ZEBO: I have held back from traveling as I work a full-time job and have my club residencies.  In '08 I have decided to move out and play other cities.  In February I will be in Madison, WI.  In March I will be visiting Minneapolis, MN to play the "Too Much Love" party out there.  Then in the middle of March I will be playing a couple of events at the SXSW music conference.  I also plan on hitting L.A., Santa Barbra, Seattle, and possibly Vancouver for a mini west coast tour in the summer.  It is time that I spread my wings.

AB: Chicago cats are all spreading their wings right now it seems. I'm excited for you man.


ZEBO: Thanks homey!  Chicago is a great city and if more djs, performers , and promoters come together...  We can do great things in 2008.  Just look at all of the talent that are making names for themselves.  I feel that we are pretty segregated in the music scene though.  If people could come together and work toward a common goal Chicago could be the next Paris in '08.

You can catch Zebo opening for Pase Rock at Lava Lounge (1270 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago) on February 8th. He also holds many residencies in Chicago including: Thursday nights @ Berlin with Heather Doble, Friday nights @ EvilOlive with Pr3-Frosh, Saturday nights @ Sub T with weekly guests, as well as monthly appearances Blamby @ Moonshine with Local Hero, Marco Morales, Trew + Guests, Outanced @ Funky Buddha Lounge for Avant Trill, & Syndicate @ Debonair Social Club.

His music productions can be found on soundclick (www.soundclick.com/zebo) and his myspace page (www.myspace.com/djzebo).