An Interview with ZENØN

At Como las Grecas, we are thrilled to present an exclusive interview with ZENØN, a visionary DJ and producer who has been revolutionizing the electronic scene from his base in Bali. His latest release, FLOW, is a captivating blend of indie dance, techno, and raw rap, which has garnered significant attention. We had the opportunity to chat with ZENØN about his creative process, inspirations, and how Bali has influenced his music. Join us as we dive into the mind of this innovative artist.

Como las Grecas: Hi ZENØN, welcome to Como las Grecas. It’s a pleasure to have you with us. You’re currently based in Bali, a place known for its rich culture and serene landscapes. How has living in such a unique location influenced your creative process and music production?

ZENØN: We constantly work in the same studio in Bali, and this environment definitely affects us. The absence of urban pressure is reflected in our self-expression, encouraging bolder experimentation.

CLG: Congratulations on your latest release, ‘FLOW’. This EP is a captivating fusion of indie dance, techno, and raw rap vibes. What inspired you to blend these genres, and can you walk us through your creative process for this project?

ZENØN: Earlier this year, I came up with the idea to create a dance beat combined with rap, before it became a strong trend. I experimented with different rappers, but Kane (KXNE) fit my creative vision the best. We quickly clicked and recorded the FLOW EP in a short time. During the process, we explored different styles and continue searching for the most interesting ways to integrate rap. So, this is definitely not our last experiment. FLOW became the first release in this direction and turned out to be quite successful. I was inspired by the music of The Prodigy and Faithless.

CLG: You mentioned that collaborating with vocalist KXNE in Mykonos was a pivotal moment for ‘FLOW’. How did this partnership come about, and what unique elements did KXNE bring to the EP that made it stand out?

ZENØN: As I mentioned earlier, I had tried experimenting with other artists, but Kane just instantly caught my idea. I really like how he manages to deliver that raw, ‘chopped’ rap style, which fits perfectly with an electronic beat, especially with my tracks. You could say that we not only recorded some great songs but also creatively complemented each other.

CLG: Beyond music, you’ve ventured into entrepreneurship by launching an AI company to support your music career. How has this experience influenced your artistic journey, and does AI play a role in your music production?

ZENØN: Building a business has laid a solid foundation that allows me to create freely, without focusing on immediate results. This is liberating. The system that was originally built around the business has naturally transferred to my creative process, and a structured approach has become the foundation of everything I do.

CLG: Your artist name is inspired by the Stoic philosopher Zeno of Citium. How do Stoic principles influence your approach to life and music, and how do you incorporate these ideas into your soundscapes?

ZENØN: Stoic philosophy, and stoicism in particular, is reflected in my music by the fact that I don’t try to follow current market trends. Instead, I focus on what feels creatively right to me at the moment. If a piece of work doesn’t resonate or, as they say, ‘didn’t go’, I simply move on. I concentrate on what I can control, doing my best, and I’m not worried about the outcome — whether it’s good or bad. Things beyond my control, like people’s reactions to my music, can’t be changed, so I don’t get upset if someone doesn’t like it. This is also reflected in the FLOW track, where I boldly experiment with genres while staying true to my artistic vision.