London-based artist Zak Abel is an exceptional singer-songwriter.

First hurtling into the music scene after securing a deal with Atlantic Records during his teen years, the musician released his debut EP in 2015. Over the last eight years, Zak Abel has built a reputation for being a talented songwriter. His talents were first recognised on a national scale when he featured on electronic duo Gorgon City’s hit single Unmissable and since that moment he’s continued to go from strength to strength. In 2017, the artist released a stellar debut album entitled Only When We’re Naked, he’s written for the likes of ZAYN, Avicii, and Kygo, and has continually put out a slew of infectious singles over the past few years. It could be the soulful vocals or his gift for penning catchy pop hooks but there’s just something inexplicably feel-good about his music. His work is full of rich sonics and relatable lyricism but surprisingly Zak Abel still seems to be a severely underrated creative. Arguably that’s about to change though as Abel is gearing up to release a new album this year and it feels like everything has been leading up to this point. His new single Dance With You (The Comeback) is a vibrant and rhythmic gem, he’s about to embark on an impressive EU tour later this year, and there’s plenty more in store. It’s really looking like 2023 will be Zak Abel’s year.

In conversation with 1883 Magazine, Abel discussed the new track Dance With You (The Comeback), his progression as an artist over the last eight years, the forthcoming new album, and more.

Hey Zak, thanks for speaking with 1883 Magazine. Your new single Dance With You (The Comeback) is out now. You wrote it with fellow artist Tom Misch who you’ve worked in the past with. Why was Tom the right person to enlist for this single and could you tell us about how the bare bones of the track came about?

The song came about by jamming out some chords, me on piano, Tom on guitar… I wanted to write about a simple desire to go out and dance, and so it made sense to collaborate with the “disco yes” man himself on this one!

Following on from that question, would you be able to share with us what the sort of decision process is like for when is the right time to release a track? As you’ve mentioned on socials, you wrote Dance With You (The Comeback) during the lockdown and you’re finally releasing it now! It’s so interesting how every artist has a ‘vault of songs’ where some will see the light of day and some won’t…

Sometimes you have a song sitting there in the vault of songs and you know it’s got something to it but you’re not sure how to finish it off…. So you wait till the solution comes to you and then release it. That kinda happened here too! We did the first draft of this in lockdown, but then every 6 months or so we’d make a little change and chip away at it till it felt right… and now if feels right! So I’m releasing it!

The first time I was introduced to your music was when I heard These Are The Days (this song still slaps by the way!) playing in a store back in 2015. I then listened to the whole EP you did with the producer, Joker. I’m curious to know as it’s been eight years since that initial release and you’ve achieved so much since then, how do you personally think you’ve progressed as an artist?

Ahh! I appreciate that. There are so many ways to measure progression but one that stands out is being able to travel to countries I’ve never been to before and sing live there. That to me is super fulfilling! For example touring with Kygo last year was absolutely phenomenal. Also being around someone who is at the top of his game made me realise that it’s possible for me too.

As someone who’s not only launched a respected music career as an artist in your own right, you’ve also written for many other artists such as ZAYN, Avicii, and Kygo. Does the songwriting process differ at all when you are writing for other artists compared to when you write songs for yourself? And have any artists you’ve written for/collaborated with left a long-lasting impact on yourself? You must have a funny story or two from working with other artists as well surely?

The songwriting process when I’m writing for others is definitely different to when I’m writing for myself. For others, I’m all about their story and you have to put yourself into their world. Also sometimes I just like writing a song because I think it’s a cool song idea, and not because it’s my story. I recently wrote with Teddy Swims who is just an absolute gent of the finest order. He’s also hilarious. He calls people he likes, “turds”. I may start doing the same but I think I lack the conviction.

You’re currently putting your final touches to your forthcoming new album at the moment, are there any details you can share with us about the new project?

This is the album I’ve always wanted to make. It’s an expression of where I’ve been at over the last couple of years. Trying to follow the optimistic, loving, positive perspectives over the ones which come from a place of fear. It’s also been a slightly terrifying process of looking inwards and finding the topics that are uncomfortable to explore but evoke an emotionally reaction in me. Hopefully they do the same for other people. I’ve been really inspired by soulful singer songwriters like Paulo Nutini, Amy Winehouse, Daniel Merriweather and I’m sure you’ll hear that in the music!

YouTube obviously turned out to be an extremely useful tool for your fourteen-year-old self as it helped you get your first record deal right? What sort of things did you post in the beginning and how did that lead to your deal with Atlantic Records at the time?

I was just posting covers, using backing tracks that I found on YouTube and singing over them. It was such a simple and fun way to put myself out there and people were so supportive back then in the same way they are now.

Besides music what is one thing that you really love that you could speak to people about for hours on end?

Mental health! I’m obsessed with feeling good and talking to other people about the systems they have in place to have a more enjoyable life!

We need to mention your upcoming European tour dates, it’s not long till it kicks off in Stockholm. What are some of the essential things on your rider?

We love a bit of coconut water on stage. When you are moving around you gotta keep up the electrolytes haha! Also Oreo’s are a much loved rider essential for me and my band. They are coincidentally vegan too which helps.

Finally, what is one thing you would like to manifest for yourself this year and why?

It sounds super simple but I just want my album to be out into the world this year. I’ve been working on it for so long and now I want to share it with the Zak Pack!

Dance With You (The Comeback) by Zak Abel is out now. Follow Zak at @ZakAbel

Interview by Cameron Poole

Photography by Mariano Vivanco