This week, we sat down with Teck-Zilla, a multifaceted producer, DJ, and writer who co-founded Str8Buttah in addition to influencing the hip-hop and Breakin’ scenes across West Africa. In this exclusive interview, Teck-Zilla peels back the layers of his collaborations, notably with artists like Phlow and Maka, and explores the essence of creating breakbeats that fuel the spirited dance culture. His journey from the soundboards of London to the serene vistas of Cornwall reveals not only an artist deeply rooted in musical heritage but also one who continuously evolves to meet the collaborative and cultural shifts in the music industry. Join us as we explore the rhythms and reasons that keep Teck-Zilla at the zenith of musical innovation.
Teck-Zilla, welcome to A&R Factory! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us about your accolade-decorated career as a producer, DJ, writer and founding member of Str8Buttah. Your collab history with international emcees is nothing short of impressive; what was it like working with Phlow and Maka and contributing to the ‘Breakin’ culture in West Africa?
Thanks for having me. For me, collaborating with artists has always been in my DNA, but working with Phlow and Maka was and is special, and it opened doors for all of us. Initially, it was just supposed to be a one-off project for Maka and Phlow, but the creative process was seamless and invigorating so we just kept on making music. Also, the experience put me in the project managerial role and taught me a lot of lessons about people and conflict management.
As for the Breakin’ culture in West Africa, there is a huge community of dancers who have been keeping the culture alive and some have even represented their countries on the Redbull BC One stage in the US and Europe. I got into the Breakin’ space around 2016 as a DJ, and over the years, I immersed myself in the culture. From providing the breakbeats for dancers, working with the biggest indie companies like House Of Royalty, Loudbase, Afrobreak, and All Star Battle International to produce Breakin competitions around Nigeria, Ghana and Togo. Overall, I have been opportune to step on stage in different countries as a Deejay/Music producer, speaker, and workshop facilitator.
What equipment and software is essential in your home studio set-up?
My home hardware setup is primarily a Windows pc and Macbook Pro with an SSL 2+ Audio Interface. My software of choice is as follows: FL Studio for making the beats (sometimes recording vocals and instruments), Reaper for vocal/instrument recording, mixing and mastering, Serato and DDJ SR2 for scratches (if required)
Do you have to adapt the way you approach collaborations?
Most definitely. Collaborating is not a one-size-fits-all process. I always have to adapt, rearrange and sometimes compromise on certain things to make the collaboration work. The short story is that the collaboration has to be organic and everyone has to be on the same wavelength.
What’s your proudest achievement to date?
This is a tough question but I may have to compartmentalize it as follows.
Production-wise: It has to be my audio documentary ‘Son Of Sade: An Ode. A short project where I remixed some Sade songs and it was well-received by the general public and even her team.
DJ-wise: Winning a DJ competition in 2017 and being flown out to South Africa alongside Black Coffee.
How do you balance your artistic vision with commercial demands?
It’s mostly about compromise and doing things in moderation while looking at the target audience. Regardless of the genre, I always try to infuse my unique touch into it to keep the authenticity. I don’t see the point in imitating others.
What inspired your move from London to the laidback county of Cornwall?
So many things ranging from a change of pace, escaping from the hustle and bustle of London, to an opportunity I could not afford to pass up. To be fair, it was because of school. I was awarded a scholarship worth a substantial amount of money to do an MA in music business, and yeah, I took it up and recently completed the degree. My second MSc is in the bag!
Your success suggests you’re incredibly disciplined, how else does that discipline manifest in your day-to-day life?
My discipline comes from the way my parents raised me and my lifelong martial arts training. I was raised to be considerate and forthcoming and to always put in the necessary work regardless of how difficult it is. I have been following this strict mentality from time immemorial, and it is second nature to me. Every day is preplanned, and I try to achieve little goals which all add up to the larger goal.
How do your tracks typically come to fruition?
Most times, it starts from a bright idea, a suggestion from others and or a sample. I tend to create rough beats at first and flesh them out later as time passes. for the most part, I often let the composition and arrangement play out as naturally as possible and I’m always open to suggestions and ideas from artists I work with.
What can your fans expect from your upcoming self-produced compilation featuring Canibus, Blu, Planet Asia, Elzhi, Clear Soul Forces, JD Era, Camp Lo and others?
The compilation will be my last project, and it’s a summation of my musical journey. A chronicle if you will of the songs that make me tick. I was able to work with artists I grew up listening to and admire so that is a blessing and the best way to close out this chapter of my life.
Stream the latest hits from Teck-Zilla on Spotify and follow his career on Facebook and Instagram.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast