Hailing from Chicago, Alex Zelenka is a musician, producer and collaborator who’s dreamed of becoming an artist from a young age. On his sonic journey, he’s demonstrated unrivalled grit and determination to realise his aspirations, perfecting his production, DJ and songwriting craft over many years.
Playing live, he’s performed a plethora of shows in almost every major city in the USA as well as touring Europe and supporting Crystal Castles on their 2016 tour. With his studio music releases, he’s been just as prolific; since dropping his 2017 debut single “Sugar Bear” he’s gone on to share over thirty digital tracks and remixes and had several works cut to vinyl for physical releases.
Bringing us one of his recent collaborations, he shares his new single titled “Sun Showers” paired with the instrumental b-side version. Linking up with New York City-based street performer Matthew Silver to provide vocals, on “Sun Showers” Alex Zelenka spins a joyous dreamy pop sound with a song written about showering love all over the world and doing so with good humour.
With more music planned to be released every single month, the talented artist is set to continue striding from strength-to-strength throughout 2023 and beyond. We caught up with him to chat about his inspirations, his single “Sun Showers” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Alex Zelenka below.
Hey Alex, howâs things?
Greetings, thanks everyone for being here. I miss so many people ever since my facebook was hacked and taken away from me, I only have Instagram now @alex_zelenka_
How would you sum up your 2022 as an artist?
2021 into 2022 felt like a reoccurring nightmare but Iâm grateful to be alive.
Which artistâs have you been into currently ?
I tend to fall in love with songs now, more so than bands, they last longer to me in that way. Chelsea Wolf has a song Iâve been playing on repeat called âOui Oui Marieâ Iâm obsessed. Michael Joyce released a song called âSafe Againâ and I canât stop playing it, so good. Zanias has some great new songs, I have a habit of playing the same songs on repeat for hours.
How did you first get into making your own music?
Music has always been my best way to explain how I feel on the inside. From a young age I knew exactly what I was gonna do with my life and I focused exclusively on that particular growth, more so than anything else. 1996 I started collecting vinyl to DJ and over the years that brought me to different parts of the world. 2002 I began making my own songs. The first remix I ever did was â2 of Heartsâ by Stacy Q. Not my best work but many terrible attempts later I started making cooler sounding tunes and working with major artists, the shows got bigger, the songs got better and better even reviewed by the likes of Elton John.
Which artist do you draw most inspiration from?
Paul Johnson was a big inspiration for me, I was fortunate to call him a friend as well. Ethan Kath, Andrew Emil, Telepopmusik, Dextrose, Megg Morales there is so many other names I would like to mention. Stevie Nicks, David Bowie, Joy Division, Harsh Symmetry, Eartheater.
How do you find inspiration for your music?
The natural energy of the universe, mainly sadness or love. The biggest part of my songs come from life experience. Finding creative ways to combine feelings and memories into sound.
What was the inspiration behind your new single âSun Showersâ?
I made this awesome track but I felt it needed to be re-visited with a vocal message, then one day I ran into Matthew Silver doing a street performance, so I filmed him and it was the perfect message of love and comedy.
Whatâs the main thing you want to get out to people with your music?
For those who do connect with my songs that more new music is coming every month for 2023
Subscribe to https://www.youtube.com/alexzelenka for the free video premieres.
Whatâs been your favourite live show so far?
Danny Elfman at Coachella, Nine Inch Nails at Riot Fest, was unforgettable seeing Coolioâs last performance. RIP.
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
My dream festival would be in a giant warehouse with different movie theme sets with their own artist themeâs music, each one fitting its soundtrack from the film it was in. Kavinsky doing the âDriveâ film soundtrack would be a good one. Brad Fiedel doing âTerminatorâ 1 + 2 soundtrack Trent Reznor doing âThe Crowâ soundtrack and his other amazing film scores.
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?
Donât be afraid to be creative or original, to sound exactly how you sound doing music theory compositions and your own ideas. Its ok to be inspired by other artist but do your own thing.
Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?
The possibility of some Live / DJ shows maybe but will see. For sure new music monthly and some collaborations with Telepopmusik aka Antipop, DJ Jes + Fresca Recordings, Andrew Emil. Iâm really excited to be working on a song with Michael Joyce. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.
Listen to Sun Showers below
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