Talk about having a lot on your plate.
Canadian Zach David Boynton Treble (ZDBT) has just popped out the other side of a stacked calendar.
Let’s break it down, shall we? Shopping list style.
“The scene here is really tight, even though most people have moved away. I was actually planning to move to Berlin too…I had an apartment and visa sorted, but then Covid hit, and I decided against it.”
Since pivoting toward dance music in 2013, Zach has launched several projects outside of ZDBT, including the aforementioned DOSIS, Phost, and Lemurian Time Warriors. On top of that, he has also got his very own label, Disguise Records, off the ground.
If you’ve ever crossed paths with an It’s Your Turn or Club Berserk party, Zach was behind it. These days, his focus leans more toward long hours in the studio and DJing as much as humanly possible, a line of work that continues to carry him to far-flung corners.
Given the many-headed monster that is Zach’s creative output, it’s hardly surprising that his musical aesthetics stretch in all directions.
“I thrive on experimentation. My goal is for people to trust my taste and know I’ll bring a unique flavour to every project I undertake. I’m obsessed with pushing my limits and boundaries.”
In addition to blending tracks together, Zach is also an accomplished producer and mixing engineer. Most recently, he released an EP as DOSIS (alongside Daniel Rincon/NAP) via Amela Holt’s label, Honey Trap, while also contributing the dubby “Rorrim” (with Syd Woz) to Short Span’s latest compilation, aptly titled Short Tracks. The Sheffield-based label has become a home for artists including Yu Su, K Wata and Mammo.
Currently cooking over hot coals are collaborations with a whole punnet of artists, including Vril, Prado Monrose, Slim Media Player, DJ Reedo, Charles Moon, DJ Hera, Dreamcastmoe, Frankie Teardrop and more. Zach is also aiming to release a solo ZDBT record this year, and is already chopping it up with a handful of fitting labels for it to land on.
Somehow, Zach also found the time to score music for the feature-length film “A Welcome Distraction”, and worked on sound design and music for NBA2K’s mobile game commercials, plus stacks of mixing work for his friends’ projects.
Who knew there were enough hours in the day? Zach did. He’s even got time to share 5 tracks rolling around in his brain. TROVE 038, off we go!
This track transitions beautifully from deep and trippy to straight-up sweaty R&B. I played it recently at Syd Woz’s going-away party, and the energy was electric—people were melting!
This track captures that big outdoor festival vibe. I’m planning to include it in my Basscoast set this year. The descending screaming vocal and bending lead line are pure heat, especially combined with a booming bass break.
I discovered this gem while searching for electro tracks for my gig with DJ Stingray, and I was blown away by the simplicity and rawness of the bassline. It has a mysterious energy that gives off secret agent vibes.
My good friend and producer, Neo Image, introduced me to this stomper. The lasers in this track are undeniably party time, and the label behind it is also fantastic.
Interestingly, my uncle, who worked at a record shop in Winnipeg (Into The Music), introduced me to this big room tech house masterpiece back in 2011, around the time I was taking DJing seriously. I recently found it on an old, burnt CD from that era, and it reminded me of the insane energy it brings. I played it at a gig recently, and it went off!