ZENØN, a visionary DJ and producer based in Bali, is making waves in the electronic music scene with his blend of indie dance, techno, and rap. Drawing inspiration from Stoic philosophy, ZENØN’s artistic vision combines thoughtful, intentional music creation with bold experimentation.
Photo credit: ZENØN – Official
In his latest EP ‘Flow’, ZENØN showcases his innovative approach, collaborating with rapper KXNE to create a paradigm-shifting sound. This project not only highlights his musical versatility but also reflects his commitment to pushing boundaries in electronic music.
Beyond his musical endeavors, ZENØN has ventured into entrepreneurship, launching an AI company to support his artistic journey. This multifaceted approach allows him to maintain creative freedom while applying structured business principles to his music career.
In this exclusive interview with EG, ZENØN delves into the influences of his Balinese surroundings, the creative process behind ‘Flow’, and how Stoic principles shape his approach to music and life. He also shares insights on staying relevant in an evolving industry, the challenges of merging music with entrepreneurship, and his unexpected source of inspiration: boxing.
Join us as we explore the mind of this rising star, his future projects, and his message to aspiring artists in the electronic music landscape.
EG: Hi ZENØN, welcome to EG! It’s great 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.
EG: 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.
EG: 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.
EG: 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.
I apply this approach not only to making music but to all aspects of my work. Every action — whether it’s social media, releasing tracks, or performing — follows a well-established system. I’m not the kind of person who releases 10 tracks today and then disappears for two years. Everything is done methodically, and this system delivers consistent results.
“The absence of urban pressure is reflected in our self-expression, encouraging bolder experimentation”
EG: 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.
EG: ‘FLOW’ is described as a bold statement and a paradigm shift. What do you hope listeners will take away from this EP, and how do you envision it contributing to the evolution of electronic music?
ZENØN: I believe that ‘Flow’ is not a typical release because it combines different beat styles with rap, completely different breakdowns, drops, and sounds. Everything in it is unique. I think this EP is a way to show people that they need to experiment more and stop releasing monotonous, boring music. Of course, you might miss the target or even mess up, but there’s nothing wrong with that. I think that’s exactly how cool tracks come about: when you’re not expecting anything, just doing what interests you, and in the end, something really great comes out of it.
EG: The music industry is constantly evolving. How do you stay ahead of trends and ensure that your music remains fresh and relevant?
ZENØN: In my opinion, electronic music has now reached a stage where everything is repeating itself. We’re going through a certain cycle, and truly new dance tracks are hardly appearing. Most likely, the best and ‘freshest’ times are already behind us. Now, we’ll be reinterpreting each stage of music development. There will be more so-called fusion — a blending of styles. I think we’ll reinvent The Prodigy, trance, and other genres. You can already see people starting to do that. However, the tracks that will stand out are those that manage to differ from what has been released over the past couple of years and offer something genuinely fresh and unusual.
EG: You’ve shown a knack for innovation, both musically and entrepreneurially. What challenges have you faced merging these worlds, and what advice would you give to other artists looking to diversify their careers?
ZENØN: I’ve had several attempts to seriously pursue music, but each time I quickly returned to business. I realized that it’s important not only to have a good plan but also the discipline to follow it. That’s why I think for anyone wanting to transition into music full-time, it’s crucial to first establish a reliable foundation and prepare for long-term work. You should plan for at least 10 years of hard work because electronic music is a highly competitive environment, and achieving success quickly is as unlikely as winning the lottery. A well-structured preparation plan will be very helpful on this path.
“I concentrate on what I can control, doing my best, and I’m not worried about the outcome — whether it’s good or bad”
EG: Outside of music and entrepreneurship, are there any other passions or hobbies that inspire your creativity?
ZENØN: In addition to music and business, I enjoy boxing. For me, boxing is like chess. During sparring with different partners, I constantly have to come up with something new, which requires both tactics and creativity. It also helps me deal with fear. As far as I know, even experienced artists who have been performing for many years sometimes feel nervousness and fear before going on stage. In this sense, boxing helps me better manage these emotions.
EG: Looking ahead, what can we expect from ZENØN in the near future? Are there any exciting projects or collaborations on the horizon that you can share with us?
ZENØN: Yes, there will be a melodic techno EP released with several tracks featuring a vocalist from the UK, Angus. I think it will sound interesting. I also have a couple of great Afro-house tracks that haven’t been released yet and are waiting for the right moment. And, of course, I’m continuing to experiment with rap tracks. I believe there will be another rap EP next year, which will be more fun, energetic, and diverse than ‘Flow’.
EG: Thank you for sharing your insights with us, ZENØN. Is there anything else you’d like to add or any message you’d like to send to your fans and our readers?
ZENØN: I want to wish all the readers who are involved in music not to be afraid to experiment and make their music more diverse. Don’t hesitate to step outside the box — that’s where the true power of creativity lies.
ZENØN‘s ‘Flow’ is now available on MANTRAPEOPLE. Stream and download here.
Follow ZENØN: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
