“Success for me isn't just making my dreams reality but influencing others to make their dreams come true as well.”
Coming from…. A Lot of different places, here’s Protégé. On the rise to becoming a super… Performer to say the least. Here’s what he had to say.
Name:
Zaccheus Z Stewart bka Zach aka Protégé aka Apollo
Where are you from:
Born in St. Bury Edmunds, England, moved to Japan, moved to Ohio, then to Grayson, GA in Gwinnett then Fairburn, GA...soooo i don't know lol
What do you do:
I am a guitarist, producer, sound engineer, rapper, singer, lyricist, audiophile and a visionary. In basic terms, I can make a rock, rnb, rap/hip-hop, or alternative song from start to finish single handed.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I'm weird lol. Not a bad weird, just different. My mind is usually in a odd place but somehow, it always manages to make sense. I'm a gamer. I'm a nerd. I'm Georgia Tech c/o of 2016. I'm not what anyone would expect but exactly what someone would want. I have the best girlfriend ever. I have the best friends ever. I'm just extra good lol
When did you find out you wanted to do what you do?:
I found out actually kind of recently. It was like 2 years ago or so. I had just started to make music and I actually hated everything I made and a lot of people told me to stop because I sucked. I was going to until I made this one beat that absolutely everyone loved. And then I saw how music could affect people then I realized that I just loved seeing that look on people's faces when all they could do was smile and say, "This is cold. Who made it?"
If you could perform with anyone dead or alive who would it be and why?:
Terrible question because I love so many people. But I would probably perform with either Kanye West or the Foo Fighters. If I really wanted to rap that day, I'd perform with Ye, if i wanted to play guitar, FF. The reason why is because I've seen Kanye perform live and he puts so emotion into his performance it's mesmerizing. And the Foos, they just seem to have an awesome time performing. Oh, and if I had to sing, I'd love to perform with Cudi lol.
What is your definition of "Success?":
Success for me isn't just making my dreams reality but influencing others to make their dreams come true as well. If I can change one life besides mine for the better, my life was worth it.
What genre would your music fall under?:
...crap....lol. I make alternative hip-hop with classical and electronic influences. It's a whole bunch of music that I like put together in my own little way lol
In 3 or 4 words how would you describe your music?:
Epic, Different, Spaced, Beautiful
What do you think your biggest "break" or greatest opportunity has been so far?:
In all honesty, I'm just starting out so I haven't done anything serious. My opportunity has yet to come but I can't wait to exploit it.
What makes you different from other artists?:
The fact that I abstractly talk about the mental struggles and emotions that no one cares to discuss. We all as people have weird thoughts and emotions we refuse to process for whatever reason. I just don't have a problem with saying it.
Who are your major influences/ What inspired you to do what you do?:
I got a lot of musical influence from System of a Down, Foo Fighters, Kid Cudi, Kanye, Florence + the Machine, Bon Iver, Pharrell, Janelle Monae, etc. A lot of outside influences like my dad, the music I hear randomly (esp. classical music), my friends, conversations, and a LOT of crazy thoughts lol. What inspired me to keep going were all the people who said I would never make anything good. Once I realized my potential and stopped fearing it, I used the hat to my advantage.
How Long have you been doing what you do?:
I've been playing guitar for 8 years or so. I've been producing for 3. I've been rapping for 2. Been singing for 1. I've always written lyrics for as long as could remember.
What do you think has to be the biggest challenge for undiscovered artists ?:
Proving that they're not cliché. Because there are SOOOO many people trying to get into music for the wrong reasons, people in general automatically tune out anyone saying they can do anything because they hear it so often and are usually let down. I'm a frequent of this experience lol
Any advice you could give anyone trying to make it?:
No matter what you hear on the radio, make something that means something to you and put your soul in it. A LOT of music SUCKS ASSSSSSSS nowadays because they'd rather make money than make music. Music lasts forever, money doesn't.
Where can we find your music?:
(I.e. website, YouTube channel) right here: soundcloud.com/protege-apollo
Twitter Name. :
@Protege_AoS
Final thoughts:
I'm a work in progress. Always. If you listen to my music, I love constructive criticism. Don't be afraid to say what's up on Twitter either, I'm nice lol. #GT16
Don’t forget to shout him out!! Listen to his music and such! Be on the lookout !