DJ Zinc: "I’d like to be locked down with a hybrid of Bill Bryson and Scarlett Johansson"

You don't last a quarter of a century in the music business without having a creative mind. 

DJ Zinc certainly proves his imaginative powers when specifying his dream lockdown partner – it's far and away the best answer yet.  

Then again, anyone who cites their inspirations as Pete Tong and the Stoics clearly has life sussed out. 

Check out the full interview below. 

My life 

What upcoming projects are you most excited about?

I’ve just released a track called Bubble with Alicaì Harley and it’s really cool to see the track being played in places and getting so many messages about it.

It’s an unusual time to be releasing music but hopefully it brings some fun to an otherwise pretty grim time.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

I suppose my proudest accomplishment is that pretty much every year has been better for me for the last 25 years. Some years I have slightly more gigs, some years I have a record that will be more popular than others but overall it just gets better and better.

I think one of the most difficult things once you establish yourself as a DJ or producer is to maintain, because people like new things and I stopped being new 20-odd years ago!

If you could change one thing about your career what would it be?

I’ve been really lucky and have had a great run but I think the only thing I would change is that I would’ve had more confidence early on.

Somebody offered me the money to buy studio equipment when I was first starting and I was pretty sure I'd never earn the money to pay it back – and that would’ve moved me forward a few years. Other than that I’ve had a great run so far.

What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t achieved yet

Finding the perfect bassline!

Outside of your family who is your biggest inspiration?

Work wise it's people like Pete Tong who are a few years ahead of me and still doing interesting things.

More generally I’d say the old Stoics, Seneca, Epictetus and those folks. Sound advice for life.

My lockdown

How are you finding lockdown?

There are lots of Memes and jokes around at the moment because self isolation and social distancing is pretty much exactly what I’ve been doing for about 25 years as have so many other producers, so for me is almost the same as usual.

Go for a run in the morning then work from my home studio all day. I’ve got a couple of children so it’s unusual to have them home instead of school but so far that’s been more fun than anything else.

The best thing about lockdown?

How clean the London air seems and how it has brought out the better part of human nature in so many situations. The public appreciation of the doctors and nurses is so good to see!

The worst thing about lockdown?

No DJ gigs – I really miss loud darkrooms.

Also I miss hugging my neighbour – she is 83 years old and I see her every day so it’s a shame to only wave through the window – once this is over I’m going to get out the posh teapot and were going to have a tea party.

Top tips for surviving lockdown?

Try and find your own space if your cooped up in a small place with others. I’m lucky that I’m used to being on my own but for people that work with other people I’m sure it’s really hard.

If you feel like it’s getting too much reach out.

If you could be locked down with one person, alive or dead, who would it be?

I think I’d like to be locked down with a hybrid of Bill Bryson and Scarlett Johansson.

What are you most looking forward to doing once lockdown is over?

I had to go to Regent Street yesterday and it was so strange that there were no cars and no people anywhere – so what I’m most looking forward to this being right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of London!

I usually go central once a week or more and I do miss that energy!