Zoser
Zoser performing at SassyBlack’s Soul Soulection
Zoser is a singer/songwriter and music bender with a soulful voice, thoughtful lyrics, and a guitar. From Augusta, Georgia, he moved to Seattle and graduated from West Seattle high school. By culling and synthesizing seemingly disparate musical forms and influences, Zoser has crafted a sound that is wholly and undeniably his own. We are honored to be able to have Zoser be featured for our 24th installment of The Song.
THE INTERVIEW
Tell us about your song. What inspired you? How do you hope listeners will receive your messages?
After being a part of Totem Star for two years. “Pyramid Scheme” is the first song that I produced and finished in the studio. A couple of months ago, I had a few issues with management about the release of my EP, “Genesis”. They kept explaining that I always rush into things, which I do, but my response was as simple as a song by Lil Nas X. I told them that I should think for myself, which they also wanted, and that I need to look towards the future of my music career. I ended the conversation by saying one of my favorite quotes by Mac Miller, “ I’m tryna be a legend by tomorrow, they say I can’t but I’m determined to prove them wrong though”. Besides getting mad, they laughed and said “that quote will forever be your mantra”. I then focused all of that anger and dissatisfaction into a song explaining that this was my destiny. My parents named me after King Djoser, which gave me the idea to name the song “Pyramid Scheme”. For the people who knew me, they would know that I’m making my dreams a reality. For the people who are unaware of my existence, they would buy into the belief of my destined greatness. This song will bring out confidence in others and last but not least, myself.
How and when did you discover your love for music? Who are some of your greatest influences?
I grew up in a strange artistic family. My dad was an MC and my brother was an artist and a terrific bass player. My mom on the other hand didn’t have much talent in either category, but she loved all types of art. My first time ever relating to any body of work, that I remember, was when I was 7 years old listening to “Heavier Things” by John Mayer. Whenever I would walk my dog, Sara, I would grab my brother’s old portable cd player and pop that disc in. I knew all the words to every song and pretend that I was playing it live in front of thousands of people. I always knew to my heart belonged to music, but at the time I didn’t know how to write a song. So in the middle of each class, I would grab a sheet of paper and jot down whatever was on my mind at the time. It wasn’t until I listened to “+” by Ed Sheeran when I officially wrote my first song. From then to now, it still baffles me how that album shaped me to be the artist that we know and love. I grew listening to all types of music, but for me, those two albums gave me some insight to my future.
How has Totem Star helped shape you as an individual and as an artist?
Long ago, in my short lifespan, I used to give all of myself to people who didn’t deserve it. I never knew that was a bad thing until they used my kindness for weakness. By the time I joined Totem Star, I was completely selfish, erratic, and ashamed to be my true self. It wasn’t until I met Daniel Pak, co-founder of Totem Star, when I realized that my position wasn’t that different from anybody else. I learned to love myself more and though I still struggle with self acceptance, and anger management, I can count on my peers to lift me up and to boost my ego. Once I became sure of myself, I started to produce my own music and cultivate my own sound. None of that would’ve been possible if I didn’t have the love and support of the Totem Star family.
What are your current goals and aspirations? Where do you see yourself in the next year? In the next two years?
My current goal is to exceed my own expectations, so as of next year, I don’t know where I’ll be exactly. Two years from now will be a completely different phase of my life. I have a strong feeling that by that time I will have a breakout song, a tour, and a couple of pretty ladies that will take advantage of my sweet and innocent soul. Just like Tupac, “All Eyes on Me”.
ZOSER
Zoser is a singer/songwriter and music bender with a soulful voice, thoughtful lyrics, and a guitar. As an up and coming Seattle artist, Zoser began playing guitar when he was just 10-years-old. By the age of 12, he began penning his own lyrics and performing to local audiences in his hometown of Augusta, Georgia before relocating to Seattle where he graduated from West Seattle High School in 2018. By culling and synthesizing seemingly disparate musical forms and influences, Zoser has crafted a sound that is wholly and undeniably his own. The result is something spectacular to behold: a voice that conveys a world-weary ache and a bright optimism, and a sense of musicality that is both rhythmic and infectiously melodic. He is a singer, a storyteller and something of a revelation – not necessarily a soul singer but something more rare and precious – a singer with soul.
You can follow Zoser @zoserofficial