Last week, when Perth based singer-songwriter Zak Fleisher released his latest single MEAN, we were immediately on board with his unique brand of alt-rock. Fleisher blends a variety of genres to create something uniquely his own.
So fresh off the release of the new single, we caught up with Zak for a playlist of tunes that have influenced his unique music.
A week removed from the release of incredible latest single MEAN, we asked Perth based artist Zak Fleisher to make us a playlist. Weekend listening, sorted.
Gene Wilder – Pure Imagination
A song of awe and inspiration from a movie that inspired a generation. Imagination and the boldness to go after what you want is everything Willy Wonka encapsulated.
Pink Floyd – Time
With The Beatles, Pink Floyd were always at the forefront of experimentation and risk-taking. Time off the album The Dark Side Of The Moon, for me, captures what it meant to be progressive and at the same time still be truthful to your roots.
Muse – Pressure
Muse, being one of the most influential artists on my progression, are polarizing because they take risks and are eccentric. Pressure off the new album Simulation Theory, for me, gets the best of a new pop-focused direction, whilst also showing the old grunge sounds of the Muse of the 2000s.
The Black Keys – Tighten Up
This is the song that introduced me to the wondrous Black Keys. A great love rock song that showed blues can still be cool!
Mac Demarco – Treat Her Better
The master of countermelody, Mac Demarco, on my favourite of his tracks Treat Her Better, shows a complexity and style of guitar playing that no other artist on the planet achieves currently. A definitive sound and vibe along with a strong message about treating your partner better.
Jerry Reed – A Thing Called Love
Unless you listen to country, you won’t know who Jerry Reed is. A great track which is also done by Johnny Cash with a lovely nylon sounding guitar and harmonic strings to accompany them make for an emotional experience. The great thing about Jerry Reed is that I always find I actually truly believe what he is saying because of the way he sings.
Action Bronson – Baby Blue (feat. Chance The Rapper)
I love Action Bronson. Being Charismatic and having diverse interests is important in finding creativity and influences. Also, this song is brutal.
Rook1e – Grape Soda
A weird genre of music I came across one day and have been hooked on, lo-fi jangly instrumental jazz is not only catchy but very clever in the way they sample sounds.
The Arcs – Velvet Ditch
A side project of Black Keys frontman, Dan Auerbach, this song has chaos to start and then decides to hit chords that make my heart literally melt.
Yellow Days – The Way Things Change
A great, funky, catchy track with a real jazz/blues vibe (in my opinion!). Really like Yellow Days and pretty excited he is coming to Australia!
Arctic Monkeys – One Point Perspective
When I want to feel cool, I put on this song and walk around with sunglasses on. Alex Turner is a charismatic enigma that is currently unmatched in rock and roll. The way the Arctic Monkeys have experimented and drawn on various influences (mainly Stanley Krubrick and the moon landing for their latest record) shows that rock takes many forms and that you should never limit yourself to just one thing. P.S. if you’re a scalper and you bought General Admin tickets to this gig, I literally hate you.
Badbadnotgood, Ghostface Killah, Elzhi – Gunshowers
A great collaboration between one of the most influential figures in hip-hop and an extremely talented Canadian jazz band that shows real instruments are still awesome for backing tracks.
Hanni El Khatib – Mircale (Live at Jazzcats Studio)
I chose the live version of this song to show that songs can take on a new life when they are played live. Hanni El Khatib is a super talented guy. If you don’t know him and you like grungy blues/rock, go for it!
Jeff Wayne, Richard Burton, Phil Lynott, Julie Covington – The Spirit Of Man
The War Of The Worlds is a sci-fi experience every musician into the genre should embark on. With its spooky sounds and (the part I love!) its “musical” vibe, it’s a must listen. Musicals are an extremely creative and difficult aspect of songwriting that is greatly underappreciated.
The White Stripes – Ball & Biscuit
The quintessential Jack White track (that isn’t Seven Nation Army). That Whammy pedal = DEATH.
Freddie Gibbs, Madlib – Thuggin’
Freddie Gibbs is literally the only rapper I’ve ever listened to and actually thought was a genuine gangster. Great flow and has amazing spit (if you’ve seen him live you’ll know how good his acapella is).
Tame Impala – Eventually
Unless you work in studios, you would never know that these drums are from a program. Made me realise how far recording technology has come and how far it can still go.
Prima – June Gloom
Again, another one out of that low-fi jazzy instrumental genre. Really cleaver in the way the melody and story are told by only a guitar.
John Lennon, The Plastic Ono Band, The Flux Fiddlers – Jealous Guy
What really gets me about this song is the whistle solo. So simple yet brilliant. Guess that’s why John Lennon is one of the best ever.
Triathalon – Courtside
A funky little tune I found in my discover weekly that mixes a bit of pop with that low-fi sound and flanger guitar. Really neat little track.
Ben Folds Five – Army
Ben Folds is nothing short of a lyrical genius and his ability to tell a story in his lyrics that make sense and all fit is unbelievable. Army is one of my favourites of his.
Billie Eilish – idontwannabeyouanymore
Coming across Billie Eilish, you wouldn’t think she would be my style. I really connect with her and the chorus of this fantastic.
Zak Fleisher’s latest single MEAN is available now. Listen here.
