Zach Caraher aka Big Z is an upcoming producer from Philadelphia, PA who I’ve had my eye on for a little while now. Putting his self-titled “Heaven House” edit on Bob Sinclar’s song “Feel The Vibe,” it’s a blissful remix that will start off your week in the best way possible. Along with letting us premiere the remix, Big Z also answered a few questions for us to help readers get more familiar with his style, influences, and upcoming direction with the project. Check it out!
How did you get your start in music?
I played violin in elementary school and guitar in middle school. In high school I got into making rap beats on garage band for fun then transitioned to logic pro to start getting more serious about producing. I was interested in all the new sounds coming from the dance music scene at the time (4-5 years ago) and noticed how big it was getting so that’s when I made the switch from hip hop to dance music. I think my diverse musical background helps me make my unique sound today.
What’s the music scene like in Philly?
The dance music scene in Philly is one that is just starting to grow a lot. Before, a lot of artists would skip over Philly on their tours and go straight to NYC or Boston. But Diplo got his start here and started Mad Decent Block Party here as well so that has definitely helped dance music spread throughout the city as more new venues are popping up.
Who are some of your major musical influences?
Ratatat, Wave Racer, FKJ, and SNBRN are all big influences
Your remixes have already been supported by Zedd, Oliver Heldens, and Felix Cartal who else would you like to see some support from down the line?
It’s been a dream come true for Zedd and Oliver Heldens to be playing my stuff because they’re two of the biggest DJs in the world right now. I also think it’d be cool for SNBRN, Thomas Jack, and Kygo to work my tracks into their sets.
What musician (dead or alive) would be your dream collaboration?
I think combining Ratatat’s style with mine would make a really cool dance track.
You’ve only released remixes thus far, when can we plan to hear some original music?
I’ve got a couple originals under my belt that I’m waiting on vocals for that I think have a ton of potential. I’m waiting for the hype around my music to grow until I release any originals though, so at this point I would estimate early 2016. I’ve got a string of official and unofficial remixes dropping throughout the fall though.
When’s the debut EP or album coming?
Early 2016 will probably be when I release the first single for my debut EP.
Tell us something we wouldn’t expect to know about you.
For my senior project in high school, my friend Connor McCann and I went around Philly for a couple weeks straight to find the best cheesesteak in the city. We both declared Tony Luke’s the winner.
Who are some of your favorite up and comers in the game and why?
There are these 3 young dudes from The Netherlands – Mike Williams, Mesto, and Dastic. They’re making some really cool music and new sounds that nobody has ever heard before. You will definitely be hearing a lot about them in the future.
