Zed Bias

Q: WHAT DOES “NEVER CONFORM, ALWAYS EVOLVE” MEAN FOR YOU?

Being an independent music producer since 1994, my main aim has been to never conform or compromise on standards. Over 30 years I've evolved from a bedroom producer, using very basic equipment to make vinyl records, to someone who is obsessed with sonics, sound technology and the art of making people dance. I go the extra mile when I'm working because most of what I do now I consider to be for the culture.

Q: WHY ARE YOU A VOICE OF DEFIANCE?

I grew up in the 80's and 90's when things were tough and career options were few for the likes of me, from a council estate and no real interest in academia or working on a building site. My interest in making music began when I started to feel like expressing my discontent. I was on the dole, disenfranchised and needed something to happen. 'Rave ' music was all around me and as I became familiar with the tunes and the culture, I became obsessed with it all. I had short spells in different dead-end jobs which always ended in me having an episode at work with the boss and leaving.In1994, in my bedroom, on an A4 piece of paper, I wrote a list of possible jobs I could go for that didn't have a 'boss'. Music producer was at the top of the list. From that day, I never asked permission, I just made it happen. 

Q: WHAT’S ONE WAY YOU HAVE DEFIED THE ODDS?

Getting to this point of my career, with over 500 releases and over 250 remixes, a Mobo Nomination, thousands of DJ gigs and performances around the world including Glastonbury, Coachella and recently a sold-out O2 Arena in London, having a top 40 hit, which still has many listeners every year and gets licensed in adverts and films. Without a doubt,  I have defied ALL the odds of getting this far.

Q: WHAT’S THE HARDEST CHOICE YOU’VE HAD TO MAKE?

I once chose to leave my job as a chef, and my university course, which I was on for only 6 weeks, to sit in a bedsit with a very old Amiga computer and a shoe box made into a speaker, to teach myself how to program basic beats. Best decision of my life.

Q: WHAT LESSON DO YOU LIVE BY?

No SHORT CUTS, EVER.

Q: WHO OR WHAT SHAPED YOUR APPROACH?

My Dad helped to shape my approach to work. I used to be a labourer for him - he's a bricklayer. We travelled around Germany for a few years, building schools, houses and factories. I managed to earn enough money for my first Akai sampler, and never looked back. He taught me what it is to work hard and work towards a goal.