A Conversation with DJ, Producer & Entrepreneur Zen Freeman

Photography by Justin Chen

What's your first thought when you wake up?

I feel like I’ve always been a happy morning person. I generally wake up feeling grateful for my life and from there I start running through my to-do list. I like to get as much as possible accomplished first thing in the day. 

Do you sing in the shower?

I do sing in the shower, terribly.

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee and Tea. Showing my UK/USA dual citizenship here.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was raised by a loving single mother in Leicestershire, England. I left home at 15, and later moved to London on my own. From there I traveled to Tokyo and Sydney for work and eventually landed in Los Angeles. Which has been my home for almost two decades. 

When and how did you become a DJ?

I became a DJ through my absolute love of music, sound, and party-ing (back in the day). Early on I started collecting vinyl and as soon as I was able to buy some turntables and invest enough time into practicing, that was it - I was hooked. I started playing at clubs in London when I was young and then took a break for a few years when I started traveling. I didn’t know back then that making a living from music was even a possibility. When I moved to Los Angeles the spark reignited and it’s been my life ever since.

What was your first turntable?

My first turntable was a pair of Belt-Drive turntables by Gemini, which I used to practice my sets at age 15.

Who influenced your music style?

I think most of my influences were from 1970’s and 1980’s disco, rock ‘n’ roll and classic pop floor fillers. Some of the UK club and radio DJs in the 1990’s really influenced me too. I loved listening to Pete Tong’s essential selection on Radio 1, and DJ Sasha’s flawless harmonic beat matching inside the club and realizing that he wasn’t just mixing two records together, he was doing so much more. When I moved to the States I was further influenced by DJ AM, Mark Ronson, A-Trak and Z-Trip’s ability to cut/chop/mix in and out of musical genres, and successfully working the dance-floor into a frenzy. I think coming from these two very different styles of club culture helped me develop my own unique sound and style.  

Do you ever look to the past for inspiration on your productions or remix projects?

Yes. I feel like my productions should have a “future retro” vibe to them, which I’m really into.  Even if it’s just an unrecognizable sample from an old record to give some texture, or a piece of studio equipment to create a sound, like a vintage synthesizer, a 50 year old bass guitar or a 1990’s drum machine. I just like the vibe it gives the music by using modern techniques and analogue equipment. 

What singer do you dream of getting in the studio with?

It would be incredible to get someone iconic into the studio like Annie Lennox, Stevie Nicks, Debbie Harry or Dave Gahan and then come up with something really amazing. I really like modern singers like Billie Eilish, Lorde and Dua Lipa as well. The real dream would be to discover someone new, who just has a truly great sound.

What are you working on now?

I have a lot of projects in the works. Things have obviously shifted this year due to Covid, with more of a focus on making music than playing music. It was a shock for me, like it was for so many people when it hit and my DJ/artist tour was cancelled. I also had been very busy with my partnership with Ian Schrager and Sunset Nightclub at The West Hollywood Edition before it was temporarily closed due to Covid restrictions.

The silver lining from lockdown has been the ability to focus entirely on producing music. Without all of the travel and gigs we were able to have extremely focused and productive remote studio sessions. I have a long term collaboration with my musical partner and French remix legend Fred Falke, we have some really interesting upcoming dance music singles featuring diverse artists like Rufus Wainright, Todd Edwards, Mr. Hudson, Kelli Leigh, Macy Gray and Boy George coming out soon.

Another interesting partnership that I’ve recently been working on is with Daft Punk’s creative director Cedric Hervet. We are launching a line of furniture and decorative objects called Hervet Manufacturier “A vision of a perfect world, projected in an undetermined future time”. It’s a really beautiful collection that I’m very excited about. I’m blown away by the response we’ve been getting from buyers, agents and editors.

What music is on repeat on your phone right now?

I really wish I had more time to listen and discover new music on my phone, but right now I usually use it to balance new mixes exported from the studio, or listen to demos. The last thing I listened to on Spotify that I really enjoyed was Hot Chip’s new compilation on Late Night Tales.

Do you get bored easily?

I don’t get bored easily, at least I don’t think I do. I’m always so busy and have so many projects that I’m working on that it’s hard to ever get bored. 

You have worked for big industry names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Elton John, and Elon Musk as well as Cannes Film Festival and DJing brand parties for Burberry, Gucci and Vanity Fair Magazine events. Which event sticks out in your mind and why?

All the events that I have done were part of the journey and it’s hard to think of just one. I’m very happy that I have such great clients and have been able to travel the world and meet so many people whilst doing what I really love. Especially, during these times when that kind of world doesn’t exist at the moment. 

A throwback track you love to throw in your sets?

There are quite a few that I really like to throw into my sets. I find that at private parties the floor filler moment is often due to a classic throwback track. Dreams by Fleetwood Mac is one that often makes its way into my set towards the end of the night for nostalgia. I also love reproducing/replaying/covering tracks that I’ve loved playing over the years during my sets with new artists that have a really cool vintage sound. It’s great when I’m working with an artist and I realize that they actually sound a lot like an iconic singer from the past. 

What’s an article(s) of clothing every man should own?

I think a man should know his own style and what he feels best in. I think it’s important for a man to own the clothes that make him feel like himself. For me, I love a suit. Putting on a really cool and well fitted suit makes me feel good. 

If money was no object which cars (up to 3) would you pick? 

I’m pretty happy with my current car for everyday use but if money was no object my Sunday drive would be an Aston Martin DB Mark 3 or a Ferrari Daytona. 

What beauty products do you use?

Hair: Kevin Murphy Free Hold, Face: Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel and Dermalogica Active Moist. 

How do you stay fit? Gym or do you play a sport? If so which one(s)?

I’ve always been a very active person. I love California because there are so many opportunities to be outside doing the sports I love. I surf most mornings and I also cycle, swim and play soccer with a music industry team in Hollywood. 

Who do you think are the most exciting people in the world today?

I think we have a lot of really exciting people in the world today. I’m excited to see what new minds come out of the next generation. I think Billie Eilish is really talented and an incredible artist with a very exciting career ahead of her. I also think Elon Musk is an incredibly interesting person.

THE PERFECT MAN

What women do you think are exciting and interesting?

I think Michelle Obama is one of the most interesting women in the world and I think Greta Thurnberg is just amazing. I’m so impressed with everything she has accomplished at such a young age. I’m also consistently impressed by Oprah, Beyoncé, Jane Fonda and always by my wife.  

What would be your superpower?

Time Traveller.

A quote that speaks to you?

"Love the life you live. Live the life you love." –Bob Marley

What accomplishment are you most proud of at the moment?

I’m very proud of the music that we have recently produced during lockdown. 

What’s your favorite city in the world and why?

My favorite city in the world would not be a city at all, it would be a secluded little beach town with perfect waves and perfect weather. I just need to find it. 

A favorite show or movie you can’t stop watching?

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet.  Netflix

What do you do to relax?

Surfing is a really great way for me to relax. I find sitting on my board out in the ocean is probably the most calming part of my day. At home I like to just hang out with my family in the pool and decompress at the end of each day.  

What makes a perfect man in 2020?

I think the perfect man in 2020 needs to be open minded, present and ready to help change the world for the better. 

If you had a choice, where would you choose to spend your last day on earth?

 I’d be home with my family.

Cat or dog?

Currently a cat person, but I could definitely see myself with a dog in the future. 

1. Zen wears polo SCOTCH & SODA, sweater RE/DONE, chain MIANSAI 2. Models own tux PRADA, white shirt ALLSAINTS, watch SHINOLA 3. Polo SCOTCH & SODA, jeans PRADA, sneakers TRETORN, watch SHINOLA 4. White shirt ALLSAINTS, chain MIANSAI 5. Green suede jacket FRAME, t-shirt CITIZENS OF HUMANITY, jeans PRADA, watch SHINOLA 6. Burgundy suede jacket ALLSAINTS, sweater NN07, ring MAPLE  7. Green suede jacket FRAME, t-shirt CITIZENS OF HUMANITY, jeans PRADA, watch SHINOLA  8. Polo SCOTCH & SODA, sweater RE/DONE, chain MIANSAI 9. Jacket FRAME, t-shirt RE/DONE 10. Polo SCOTCH & SODA, jeans PRADA, sneakers TRETORN, watch SHINOLA 11. Jeans JOE’S JEANS, jacket WAX LONDON, t-shirt CITIZENS OF HUMANITY, watch SHINOLA

Photography JUSTIN CHEN, Style CASSANDRA DITTMER, Grooming APOLLO