Zig Zach over the years has built a reputation for himself in the industry, not only as a DJ but also as a promoter that has helped shape Singapore’s electronic music scene into one of the best in the South East Asian region. The owner of Blackout Agency, a creative music consultancy and DJ booking agency has worked and toured acts Ame, Red Axes, Roman Flugel, Marvin & Guy, John Talabot, Tim Sweeney, Manfredas, Ata and continues to bring in top quality electronic acts to Singapore and the region. When he isn’t organizing events, he DJs at parties and festivals regionally such as Karma Kastle (BKK), Lighthouse (HCMC), Jiro (KL) W Hotel (Bali), Wonderfruit Festival (Thailand), Epizode (Vietnam). He has also made appearances internationally on the infamous Red Light Radio (Amsterdam) and at the Correspondant X SoHaSo Amsterdam Dance Event Showcase.
From Muay Thai Fighter to DJ, was there any major issues transitioning from one stage to the other?
Hmm well I didn’t think there was any trouble transitioning for me ? I’ve actually been DJing since I was 18 and started off with vinyls and turntables. However, I’ve always had my mind set on being a professional Muay Thai fighter so that was my priority and goal in life then. Due to the intense training camps and lifestyle I couldn’t really DJ much. They don’t exactly go hand in hand! When I was free from the gruelling fight training, I would play at house parties or clubs and do it for fun mainly. So I’ve always been in the DJ scene from a young age, its only when I stopped fighting professionally that I started to DJ more regularly and it all snowballed into THIS?!
What would you say about the state of House and Techno in your home country of Singapore?
The House & Techno scene is a vibrant one in SG and without a doubt we have one of the best scenes in S.E.A. We’ve had a very strong foundation and music culture since the old Zouk days. The clubs and pop up parties of today still feature International Guest DJs weekly and local DJs here travel regularly to play in clubs and festivals regionally.
What do you think can be done to improve the situation for House and Techno in Singapore?
I think the local radio needs to dedicate time for other genres of electronic music and subcultures. I remember growing up and tuning in to X’Ho playing experimental stuff, Drum and Bass and other genres of music on 98.7. Right now its just constant bad music on the airwaves. There needs to be a way to reach the youth of today and to start them listening to quality music and to find out about the underground culture. Otherwise we’re gonna end up with a tacky bottle popping culture and generation forever. Yuck!
Could you tell us what’s next for Zigzach?
For DJing, I would like to try and play abroad more this year. I took quite a step back as I was doing a load of events in 2019 and I really didn’t have time to DJ.
Events wise, I’m going to focus a bit more on the Island Escape project as I see a lot of potential in it. I’m also looking at doing events in Bali and maybe Jakarta this year too.
Of course the occasional pop up party in SG under my Blackout Agency.
Lastly, I’m also working on a very cool project with a friend which I think will be a game changer for the region. Very excited about it actually, but I’ve gotta keep it off the record till things are finalized.
https://soundcloud.com/zigzach/zig-zach-city-nomads-ritual-april-2016
Tell us about the curated mixtape you’ve put together!
This mixtape represents the sound of my night, Ritual. Whenever I do mixes or podcasts I try to do stuff that are more for listening pleasure. Something you can put on while you do your work or at an after party so everyone can just chill and hangout. And most importantly, I want people to play my mix more than once…. If you think about it, there’re so much music out there now that you almost never need to re-listen to a set unless it’s THAT good. Listen to Zig Zach’s curated mixtape for City Nomads here.
You’ve been traveling quite a bit for gigs overseas. Where do you think it’s the next popular destination in Southeast Asia for quality parties?
Bali has always been the “Ibiza of Asia” for me. There are stunning villas, great restaurants, cool cafes and beautiful beaches, it’s the perfect holiday or party destination. I mean it’s hard to not to like Bali. Besides, with W Hotel, Koh, and Jenja bringing in quality acts week in week out, you’re spoilt for choice.