Zaska

Name, where are you from?
Max Zaska, Born In Germany, Moved to Ireland when I was one year old. Now live in the countryside in Kildare with my wife and two kids.

Describe your style in three words?
Casual trendy surfer.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Vulfpeck live in Vicar Street, I couldn’t stop smiling for about 3 days afterwards. I was just so blown away by the extreme level of good vibes!

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
I’d have to choose Stevie Wonder because of how much his music has shaped me as an artist and how amazing he sounds live. I’d also go with Daniel Caesar as his voice just blows me away and would be a dream to share a stage with him!

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Skate culture pretty much sums up my entire teen years. I just love it as a sport so much and have such respect and love for anyone in that world. Also, the Tiny House movement has really had an impact on my life as I now live in somewhat of a tiny home with very little stuff and very little debt too!

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
It would have to be Quincy Jones, he is just such a legend and has inspired me so much with his early work with MJ. I feel like an hour with him would be life-changing!

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
My favourite is probably a venue in Dublin called the Sugar Club. They champion the neo-soul/jazz gigs here in Ireland and it’s just such an awesome space to play. Big enough that it feels like a great crowd and intimate enough that you can really get up close with all of the people there.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I’d have to say D'Angelo. He’s well known in the soul world but he (along with Questlove & J Dilla) pretty much redefined how we feel a groove with that drunken kind of feel that he pioneered and a whole world of music came out of that! I don’t think he gets enough cred for that.