We had the chance to chat with the really cool upcoming artist Zone+. The producer has picked up some great momentum and hype at the moment with release on great labels like All Day I Dream and Anjunadeep.

WWD: Hey Zeyad, thanks for taking some time with us today. You’ve been traveling and producing constantly this past year. You’ve had releases on many of the best labels around right now such as All Day I Dream, Tale & Tone, Anjunadeep, Earthly Delights, and many more plus have an upcoming remix on Hicky & Kalo’s label, Plaisirs Sonores Records. You have your own unique sound. We’d love to know where does your influences originate?

My influences have always come from many different places. I always listened to a real mixture of styles and genres when I was growing up. From sources like my dads old tapes or to melodies played live on instruments that were around me as a child. The music of the world just became part of me and is a deep well inside me that I draw from when in the studio.

WWD: When an artist or label asks you to remix one of their tracks, what elements do you look for to determine if you want to do it ?

I will first open the sample pack and listen to each element separately and just see what sparks a feeling. What resonates with me. Then, I just take it from there and start to build up the vibe. It can be a drum rack or any melody. There’s no particular sound I look for each time. It’s whatever works with the creative process that day.

WWD: You were born in Bahrain, and you currently live in Dubai. Do you feel a correlation between where you come from/live with your music ?

Yes, I do see a correlation with the music scene that’s currently growing in the region. The crowd is becoming more educated and finally are patient which allows me to do my own thing. There’s definitely been more interest globally in sounds and harmonies with a more eastern feel but I don’t really feel it’s the music regardless the genre as long as you give them a nice journey.

WWD: Do you have family with musical backgrounds ?

I don’t have anyone with a musical background in my family but my Dad used to listen to Pink floyd, The Eagles and Bob marley so growing up I would steal his tapes and go to my room, lock the door and just sit there and listen to it over and over. The music was so inspiring for me as a kid that I’d say this is what sparked my passion for music. I also play the classical guitar which is useful in being able to actually write chord progressions and melodies..

WWD: What or who first peaked your interest into electronic music ?

I really can’t remember how exactly but I can say that I had experiences with many other music genres like rock, pop, psychedelic music etc. I guess when you love music you just keep exploring and I think i found trance which then lead to other less commercial sounds and vibes. I realise now that these other sounds are all big part of my productions.

WWD: When did you start DJing and producing ? How did you get into it ?

My first gig was 4 years ago with Yokoo in Bahrain and for production I started teaching my self on fruity loops 2013 but my first production was released in 2016 on Akumandra with my childhood friend Usif. He was the one that pushed me to open a Soundcloud page and just put music out there to share it with the world. Thanks Usif!

WWD: What instruments or equipment do you use in your studio ?

My home studio consists of a Korg Minilogue, Korg volga sample, Moog Sub Phatty, Ableton push and a Roland Tr8. I try to limit my studio and slowly build it when needed because I will be all over the place finding sounds when it is crowded with instruments. I believe in less is more. You understand everything about the things you use rather than only discovering a small percentage of what each piece of equipment does. The better you can maximise the sound manipulation that you can make from a single sound to create different sounds.

WWD: What would you say your style/genre of music falls into ?

Deep house/Melodic minimal as long as it is groovy and hypnotic in a way. What would you say it is? Everyone hears or feels it a little differently.

WWD: What/where was your favorite place to play last year ?

Most of the places that I have played in have a special place in my heart and the best part is you meet amazing/awesome people from all around the world. That could be anyone from the artists, the crowd or the promoters and their friends. It’s because of music we get to meet each other. I would say from the top of my head “Sandbox Festival” in Gounna, Egypt defiantly one for the books.

WWD: What makes you the happiest ?

Being in the studio producing music is my happy place.

WWD: I’m sure you can get so wrapped up into producing music and you’re traveling to go play in other countries, so what do you do when you need to take a break from music ?

I like to be at the beach with friends but music is a big part of my life even when i’m relaxing. Not only electronic music though. Soundtracks, classical and old 80/90s music as well. If it’s good it’s good.

WWD: Anything to look forward to this year ?

There are few unfinished projects that hopefully I can finish this year and few collaborations with talented producers.
Also, hopefully, I can make it to Burning Man. The tour plan for the year has me ready to return to places I played before to keep growing as well as visiting new countries like Australia, Canada and India. I’m so happy people love my music enough to bring me there. Every year I look forward to my new musical journey and enjoying it as it comes.

Follow Zone+ on Facebook, Instagram and Soundcloud.