From his early days experimenting with music in London to scoring for major films and now focusing on his solo career, A-Zal has made significant strides in the music industry.
Now based in the USA and having worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment, A-Zal is gearing up for the release of his album 17 & 11 Nights. In our conversation, he shares the daily routines that fuel his creativity, his strategies for maintaining a balanced life amidst the chaos of the music business, and the personal changes he’s embraced to enhance both his career and well-being.
Let’s start with your background! Can you share with us your career journey and what you’re currently up to?
My journey in music started while I was growing up in Hounslow, London. I was steeped in British pop culture! My musical journey started at Hounslow Heath School, where I discovered my passion for music.
Learning the mouth organ and guitar, I began songwriting at age 11. After working in a corporate job at KPMG, I decided to quit to follow my dreams! I got into movies and started writing film scores and soundtracks.
My work has been featured in popular shows such as Ms. Marvel, Loki, and NCIS: Los Angeles. Currently, all my focus is on my album and releasing my music. I released my debut single in 2023 and I’ve been releasing new singles every 4 to 6 weeks gearing up to my album release later this year.
We’d love to know what a typical day is like for you. Could you describe a recent workday?
My typical day starts with entering my studio and going over things I have lined up for the day. I’m a big believer in planning. Everyday has so many things happening, so I have to plan the entire day very well. I then do my vocal training and prefer to write lyrics or work on a composition with a fresh mind.
I always record my final vocals only after lunch as that’s when I have the best energy to belt out some vocals! I then get into mixing or production sessions, after which it’s workout time. I never miss my gym! Workout allows me to reset myself and be ready for the next day!
Can you define work-life balance for yourself and share with us your approach in maintaining it?
Music is work and music is also life! So, it’s difficult to define a work-life balance very precisely. A musician literally works 24 hours at times. Sometimes, I just feel like a song inspiration comes at 10pm and I jump onto it. Having said that, I make sure I listen to my body and mind. If it says I need rest, I just rest it out.
My approach is not to test it beyond a limit. Although the music business can have crazy days, I make sure I also invest my time in other things I love during the weekends. Long drives are my favourite and I often just escape from New York over the weekends! Also, being creative, there are phases when my creative juices are low, and that’s when I give it a break for a week or so.
Change is constant, and it’s essential for growth. Have you made any lifestyle changes in the past year to improve your work-life balance?
Big time! I entirely changed my lifestyle three years ago right after COVID era when I realised that my lifestyle needs to change. It started with trying to make myself look the best I can for my music videos. And, in that process I landed up changing my entire lifestyle including my diet routine.
It’s way more disciplined than it ever was and it helps a lot physically and mentally. I have a set routine, diet, lifestyle that I don’t like to disturb now that this is working great for me!
During the process I learnt a very important thing, which is that enthusiasm can come in bursts. However, adopting a constant disciplined lifestyle is more important and also an important factor in the equation if you want to come out victorious.
We’re always on the lookout for new resources! Can you recommend any books, podcasts, or newsletters that have helped you in your journey towards balance?
Steve Harvey is my favourite and I follow his podcasts and channels which always bring a positive perspective on every life situation.
Before we wrap up, do you have any final words of wisdom or insights on work, life, or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
The bottom line is to go to bed happy every single night. Your mind and body knows how to balance things and all you need to do is just listen to it.
