North London born Zak Abel is an artist that’s sure to blow up in the coming months. He was first signed to a record deal aged 17, and has since spent his 19th year on the planet touring Europe with Bondax.
His debut EP – Joker Presents, was composed in collaboration with Bristol’s favourite producer, Joker, and released on February 6th, 2015 under Atlantic Records UK. It consists of 4 tracks, including ‘These Are The Days’ – a single that Abel premiered during a TedxTeen event in London this year.
In a recent interview with Wonderland magazine, Abel revealed that it was Michael Jackson’s ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’ that initially propelled his leap into the music industry, labeling it as the first track he was “emotionally attached to.” His own music can be described as ‘electronic soul R&B’ and works a treat for fans of Raleigh Ritchie, Chet Faker or Gorgon City – though he has previously been compared to the likes of Justin Timberlake and Sam Smith- provided that’s your thing, of course. The eclectic beats that are paired with his effortless raspy vocals are the product of a childhood spent listening to soul records, and they flourish through a journey of songwriting that began at the tender age of 15.
As well as his own music, Abel features on a track with Gorgon City, entitled ‘Unmissable‘, taken from their previous album. He also shares close friendships with artists such as electro-pop duo Blonde and recently appeared on BBC Radio 1xtra with soul singer Samm Henshaw; who’s set to embark on a tour with Chance The Rapper this coming November!
In terms of current music, Abel’s recently released his first single ‘Everybody Needs Love‘ as a preview of his upcoming debut album and just completed a sold out show at the Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen back in June, where he was supported by up-and-comer Tayá (whose music is also very much worth checking out by the way) and performed a cover of Gwen McCrae’s classic ‘All This Love That I’m Giving‘ with the goddess that is Paloma Faith.
As we await the stellar release of all-new Abel, feast your eyes upon this personal favourite entitled ‘Deserve To Be Loved‘ or alternatively, this ultra dreamy rendition of his current single.
