When the universe calls, it’s a good idea to listen. Thankfully for us, DJ ZORRO listened to this call and has returned to the scene and his fans with a style and sound unlike any other. Out of a dynamic past borne from deep within the Pacific Northwest underground rave and hip-hop scene of the mid-90’s–as a promoter, artist and DJ (as DJ Direks One), to his reemergence in 2018 as DJ ZORRO — his sets blend a lifetime of musicality and artistic expression which transport and transform audiences.
Infused with adventure, respect, peace and an experimental spirit, DJ ZORRO presents a globally influenced sound derived from a lifetime of walking and talking with the giants of the past– Common, Living Legends, the Roots, Lyrics Born, OutKast, Black Eyed Peas, Eminem, Hieroglyphics, Gil Scott Heron and DJ’s Z-trip, Mixmaster Mike, and DJ B-Mello just to name a few. More recently, the ZORRO sound has much of its influence grounded in the music and stylings of CloZee, Naughty Princess, El Speaker, ATYYA, and An-Ten-Nae. These artists can be partially credited for reigniting his passion and moving him to start again within a scene that craves the blends and beats that ZORRO brings in earnest.
From those early days of opening for artists like ODB (of Wu-Tang Clan), Living Legends, Blackalicious, and Lyrics Born, where he was spinning vinyl hip-hop and producing hundreds of DIY mix tapes for friends and fans, to developing a hugely successful marketing business for bands and artists which he sold in 2014, ZORRO has always maintained a consistent, compelling voice true to himself and those around him. Now, after inspiration and encouragement from his friends and fans while reconnecting with great artists at festivals and shows throughout the US, he is finding a new place and vision in the scene with heart-filled messages of peace and respect.
From a broad stroke, you might call DJ ZORRO Open Format– leading with mash ups, hip-hop, left field bass, trap, G-house, all the blends, world music, or whatever feels good and comes from the heart. But open format doesn’t encapsulate the full depth of a ZORRO set. He incorporates a foundation of meaning and message to his art by carrying the flame of past greats onward to future generations. This leads to a powerful symbiosis of past, present and future. While paying homage to those who came before, Zorro honors younger audiences of today looking for substance, by weaving intentional messages of peace, harmony, justice and respect that powerfully resonate and nourish all who listen. Introducing his vision of a more just and beautiful world with strong deck skills, first-class digital chops, and an ear for the unusual and intriguing, a DJ ZORRO set is a journey through experience, sonic brilliance and authentically true beats.