SPOTLIGHT: Mr Zak Abel

Rising star Zak Abel is just about to launch his highly anticipated new album Love Over Fear. It follows an already incredible 2023 so far having performed at the Coronation of King Charles III and after the release of a string of impeccable singles. Possessing one of the most impressive British male singing voices of his generation, his music emanates an instinctively soulful, funky feel, with an ability to fast-track an insatiable chorus.

His latest track, Woman pairs classic dance beats with unforgettable lyrics and comes ahead of a big UK & EU headline tour that kicks off in Aberdeen at the end of October, and will also see a date in the capital on November 24th at Brixton Electric. London born Zak rose to fame after providing a host of guest appearances. Freedom with Kygo (202 million streams), Beautiful Escape with Tom Misch (92 million), Ten More Days with Avicii (30 million), Bad with Don Diablo (93 million) and The Power with Duke Dumont (54 million).

Given that your ping-pong career was going so well, what made you give it up?

Even though it was going so well, I absolutely fell in love with music. There was a level of expression I wasn’t able to achieve with Table Tennis and I felt like I had to follow my passion.

How did you get involved in planning for the coronation?

I was sat at home watching Desperate Housewives in my boxers when I got a call from my management that Freya Ridings had pulled out, I was asked to perform. Of course, I said yes! It was an historic moment that I was honoured to be a part of it.

What was it like to perform on those premises?

Honestly? I could barely tell you. It was one of the most nerve-racking moments of my life and I was running purely on adrenaline. Coming off stage felt absolutely unbelievable though. I’ll remember that for the rest of my life.

The grounds keeping was immaculate and the ceilings were very high indeed.

How did you feel about performing Don’t You Forget About Me?

It was a moment I will never forget. I really wanted to do that song justice, especially knowing that the song was about highlighting the importance of looking after the planet.

How would you describe the song Woman?

Woman is a tribute to a woman I love. She has been an anchor that’s kept me grounded, a North Star to aspire towards, and a mirror to show me when I’m on the wrong path! She’s been there through all my ups and downs. Put simply, life is a lot richer with her by my side.

What can fans expect from the album Love Over Fear?

This is an album that I wanted to put out for a long time. It’s very singer-songwriter, and I believe it truly showcases everything that I am as an artist. Love Over Fear specifically has been a mantra. I’ve been saying it for a very long time as I think it’s important to follow the love that is within us all as opposed to the fear.

Are there any specific tracks on the album that stand out or mean something special to you?

They all mean something special to me! Haha, but to answer your question I’d like to highlight Let Me Sing - it's about a period of trauma that I was going through a few years ago, when I discovered that I was losing my hearing and going deaf in one ear, with a condition called otosclerosis. I had to have surgery on my ear and it was a really challenging time for me - I thought that could very well be the end of my career as an artist.

How does the album differ from your previous music?

This album is very different in the sound as it features a lot more live instrumentation than I’ve had in previous work, and it’s definitely taking it more back to my roots of soul and singer-songwriter vibes.

How do you feel about the upcoming tour?

I can’t wait to get back on the road. It’s been at least four years since I’ve been able to perform everything to my fans, and of course I can’t wait for everyone to hear the new album! There’s also going to be a few surprises for the fans too...

Is life on tour something that you are comfortable with?

Yes of course, it’s been such a long time since I’ve be able to see all my fans. I can’t wait to reconnect with as many of them as possible, and hopefully connect with some new ones too!

Love Over Fear is released on Friday 25 August 2023.

Follow Zak Abel on Instagram.

Tajinder HayerAugust 23, 2023