I've known music producer Gunnar Poole, aka Zookeepa, since I was in kindergarten. He's undoubtably one of my oldest friends (see below). We skipped most of 1st grade, because we were too busy talking, cracking jokes, and being as ridiculous as possible. 20 years later, we're still both ridiculous, but we're channeling our energy into creative endeavors: I recently illustrated the cover of his first full-length LP, The American, which he released for free on Soundcloud (check it out here).
Zookeepa creates spacey, hip-hop inspired, electronic beats, and all around good-vibes music. Born and raised in Chicago, Zookeepa is part of the the Chicago-based Wholeteam, a producer collective which acts as both a DIY record label, and an event management team.
Learn more about Zookeepa's production process, hairless sphynx cats, and favorite Jim Carrey quotes below.
And listen to Zookeepa's The American, while reading more:
1) What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
I know it's bad but I skipped breakfast.
2) For those that don't know you yet, could you please tell us a bit more about yourself? What've you been up to lately?
Hello, I am Zookeepa. I was born and raised in Chicago where I still reside with my girlfriend and our two hairless sphynx cats. Notably my friends and I run Wholeteam, a DIY Record Label/Event Dudes lol. Lately I've been quitting cigarettes and it's a nightmare. today is day 5...
Chicago-based Wholeteam | Photo by Morgan Paije
3) You recently released your first full-length LP, The American (congrats!). How did it feel to release a full album, compared to a single track? What was the hardest lesson you learned from this?
I feel accomplished, and I don't get that from releasing a single tune. A larger body of work I can say more if you want it to. It's very cliché but you are your own worst enemy. I was very nervous that it would define me; good or bad. I see now that it doesn't at all. I'm excited to finish more songs :D
4) Who are some of your biggest influences? Who or what inspires you to keep making work?
My biggest influences in electronic music would have to be Lil Texas and Lockah both for very different reasons. I didn't find out till I was in my 20's but making music makes me very happy. Just sitting in front of Ableton I feel very at home and I wouldn't trade that for many other things in life.
5) Could you walk us through your creative process? How does a track get produced, from initial concept, to finding samples, to mixing, etc?
I start putting sounds into "arrangement mode" on Ableton [a music production software program] till I find something I want to hear over and over and go from there. If I think of something new I want to add, no matter where I am in the process, I add it. As far as samples I use vocals I get offline and chop them into obscurity; I feel more original that way.
6) Quick, look at whatever music streaming source you use (Spotify, Tidal, Soundcloud, etc): What's the last song you listened to? What band or artists have you been jamming to recently?
I was just listening to "Back it Up" by swuM. Lately I've been listening to a lot of The Band, it was played around the house as a kid. My older sister gave me her car and one of their CDs was still in the player so Ive been listening to REAL country music all month lmao.
7) What emoji doesn't exist yet, that should?
A sword and Shield emoji if that doesn't exist already.
They do kind of... Just separately.
8) How do you recharge when you're feeling burnt out or stuck? Any tricks, activities, or practices to get the creative flow moving again?
Binge stream TV shows and smoke a bunch with my gf and cats. Works every time.
9) What's a book/movie/album that's on your list, something you've been meaning to read/watch/listen to?
I love Tame Impala and I still haven't heard their new album, "Currents". Gonna go do that after this, actually.
10) What are some words of wisdom you'd impart to your younger self, or younger folks in general?
I would tell my younger self to take a chance on writing music. I always loved music but was too scared to express myself till I was about 21. So, to all the other snotty noses I quote one of my own personal heroes, Jim Carrey: "You can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love".
11) What are you most excited for in the coming months? Any cool projects or events?
I'm excited about all the stuff my Wholeteam fam have in store for the world all 2k16. Keep an ear in Mojek's direction. I'm also excited and honored to be a Cool Friend, this blog is going to rule I can't wait to read about other Cool Friends.
12) Final question: Who's your cool friend?
You're my cool friend!!
Aw, shucks pal. Let's go with Mojek, though.
Keep up with all of Zookeepa's new tracks on his Soundcloud here or his Facebook page