Reid Zakos is a confident, independent, and powerful artist born in Calgary, AB. We love the type of atmosphere he creates with his dance/pop style music—he integrates sounds that flush you with energy. We feel on top of the world when listening to Reid, and we know you BuzzMusic listeners will too! Reid Zakos isn’t new to the music scene, as he has performed and been creating his eccentric sound for time (after all, it takes time to craft something as unique and intricate as Reid’s music). We’re living on the dramatic jazz-feel we get from Reid in his new music, and we know we won’t disappoint by sharing Reid’s latest song “Gladiator” with all of you!
Reid’s recent release of “Gladiator” is pumping us up full of energy at the office! We’re feeling fearless and free while listening to this track, and honestly it has such a fast-paced vibe, you might not be able to keep up with the melody! Reid has a piercing and powerful voice, and it seriously can’t be missed when listening along to “Gladiator”. Reid presents a sultry and sassy tone throughout “Gladiator”, it’s combined with power and accents that accentuate the feeling of the single. Reid Zakos is the definition of an artist who is his true self throughout the curation of his music, and we can see the deeply engrained blend of authenticity in “Gladiator”. AS a queer entertainer, Reid Zakos shows how exceptional he is as an artist, and how proud he is to be who he truly is. We love Reid Zakos, we know you BuzzMusic listeners will love Reid Zakos, and so what’re you guys waiting for—listen to Reid Zakos below!
“Gladiator” is available to listen to here, and Reid’s exclusive interview can be read below!
Hey Reid! Can you introduce yourself to our readers here at BuzzMusic!
Hey BuzzMusic, I’m Reid Zakos and I'm a dance-pop singer based in Vancouver!
I was born in Calgary, and I started out as a dancer and in theatre but then started singing and writing songs around the age of 12. I come from a pretty musical family, my dad is a jazz piano player so I was always encouraged to follow my creativity. My sister is also an amazing singer that lives in the UK now.
Your sound is incredibly unique—we love the sultry, dark and hypnotic tones you present throughout your music. Can you tell us more about your creative process, and how these tones come to be perfectly integrated within your music?
Thank you! My creative process changes and can be different every time, sometimes I write lyrics and melodies to tracks that producers send me that are already otherwise finished, and other times I have a more organic approach and start writing from the piano or with a guitarist/co-writer and then produce afterwords. I’m very lyric oriented - some writers start with a melody and fill in the words after but I almost do the opposite... The melodies come naturally for me once I know what I want to say or express. I guess some of the dark tones come from growing up in a house with hearing jazzy minor chords on the piano! My songs like "Neon", "Respect Me" and "Illogical Rhythm" come from heartbreak and overcoming adversity. I’m still exploring my sound and while some of my releases have sounded more dark and hypnotic I do also have some really fun upbeat songs including my new single “Gladiator”!
Who is your sole biggest musical influencer?
Hands down Lady Gaga! She is so fearless and artistic and goes for it every time! She really helped me love and accept myself and made me feel confident in both coming out and being different. Her music is so empowering and uplifting - even the slower/sadder songs soothe the soul. The first time I saw her on MTV in the “Just Dance” music video in the disco-bra I thought to myself “she reminds me of me”!
If you could produce a track and collaborate with two artists, who would they be?
I’d love to write with Justin Tranter or Allie X! They're both so talented and inspiring.
Are you planning on releasing more music throughout the rest of 2019?
I am! I’m featured on a song with Jayden Mckenzie called “Blurry Now” that’s coming out in September, and then I’m releasing more of a ballad I wrote with Tess Anderson closer to November.
Connect with Reid Zakos on social media
www.instagram.com/reidzakosmusic
www.twitter.com/reidzakosmusic