Heard It Here First

The music scene in the Midwest is flourishing with talent, from the events and festivals being thrown, to the crews and artists pushing the sounds. One of those artists, Zonik, has a deep passion for this music and this scene, which rings loud and clear when listening to his past releases. From projects like “Squeak Toy,” and “Lunar Daze,”  you get a feel for those unique elements that this tastemaker is all about.

He has a knack for crafting up the more experimental, halftime, ‘swampy goodness’ type beats; with tunes that get his friends and fellow listeners moving. Recently, Zonik dropped his debut album, Dividing The Molecule, featuring ten tracks which highlight his artistic growth and the sounds he’s honed in on when creating. Here’s what he had to say about it:

“My debut album ‘Dividing the Molecule’ has been a work in progress for the last 3 years, so far I feel as if this body of work captures the essence of Zonik and really showcases my style, and musical ability” – Zonik

Dividing The Molecule is an album meant to be listened to from start to finish, a journey through the mind of Zonik and a deeper look into everything he’s capable of as an artist. It’s an exploration of musical duality and genre-bending sounds, taking listeners on a ride of all the different elements that make up the more experimental sides of music.

There’s nothing quite like those swampy, deep sounds, and listeners can expect to find a lot of that on this album, like with the track “Dusted.”  Its bouncy, upbeat tempo is sure to have anyone who hears it bobbing their heads in approval and igniting the dance floor they’re on. Then, there’s “Hyrdolisis,” a little more slowed down, but still packed with bubbly and warm elements.

Listeners do get to hear a little bit of a softer side to Zonik on this album, especially on the track “Pellucid,”  a sweet little number that wraps you up in these warm, almost tranquil feelings. You can close your eyes and feel this incredible vibrancy from the melody that draws you in and transports you to sunnier days. This is the type of track you’d hear during a late afternoon set at Suwannee, soaking up the sun under the Spanish moss.

Zonik does a little switch-up on the final track (and one of my favorites from the release) titled “Somewhere.”  There are light-hearted frequencies and soft breaks that intertwine through a hypnotic melody. Listening felt like floating on a cloud through pink skies, with almost touching vocals that add more depth and layers to the tune.

Dividing The Molecule is a project he’s been working on for quite some time now, and it’s really incredible to see how his sound has matured and developed over the years leading up to its release.  Check it out below and let us know which tracks you’re digging the most!

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