Life & Work with Zachary Buchholtz of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary Buchholtz.

Hi Zachary, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved music, but I never imagined it would become such a big part of my life. Growing up, I was inspired by artists like Daft Punk and Fatboy Slim, and over time, I became fascinated with how electronic music was actually made. I started teaching myself how to produce in Ableton and later attended Beat Lab Academy, where I was able to build on that foundation and learn from experienced producers. Like most people, my first songs weren’t great, but I quickly fell in love with the creative process and never really stopped.

While I was developing my music, I was also building a career as a registered nurse. For years, I balanced long shifts at the hospital with late nights in the studio. It wasn’t always easy, but making music became something I looked forward to every day. Looking back, I’m grateful for that time because it taught me consistency and patience—two things that have been just as important as creativity.

Over the years, I slowly found my own sound and started connecting with people through my music. Every release, every DJ set, and every opportunity has built on the last, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch things grow organically. More recently, I’ve had the chance to play alongside artists I’ve admired for years and see my music reach audiences around the world, which is something I never expected when I first opened Ableton.

I’m still learning and still evolving, but that’s what I enjoy most. Every new track feels like another opportunity to improve, connect with people, and keep pushing myself creatively.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. For years, I balanced working full-time as a registered nurse while trying to build a music career. There were plenty of days when I’d finish a long shift at the hospital and head straight into the studio, or spend my days off producing instead of relaxing. It wasn’t glamorous, and progress was often slower than I wanted, but I believed in what I was building.

Like a lot of artists, there were also moments of self-doubt. You spend countless hours working on music without knowing if anyone will ever hear it. There were tracks that never saw the light of day, labels that passed on releases, and plenty of setbacks along the way. Looking back, though, each one helped me improve and pushed me to keep refining my sound.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that consistency matters more than overnight success. The opportunities I’ve had recently didn’t happen because of one lucky break—they came from years of showing up, making music, and continuing to believe in the process, even when no one was watching.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I produce and DJ under the name Bucky, creating high-energy dance music that’s all about movement. My sound blends elements of techno, bounce, trance, speed garage, and house into records that are fast, fun, and made for the dance floor. The phrase I always come back to is “Fast Grooves Only.” It’s more than a tagline—it’s the mindset behind everything I make.

What sets me apart is that I’ve never tried to chase trends. I’ve always focused on making music that I’d genuinely want to hear in a club. Some of my favorite tracks are actually the simplest ones, and I spend a lot of time refining ideas until they feel effortless. I think that’s why my music has resonated with so many DJs and dancers.

One of the things I’m most proud of is seeing artists I’ve looked up to for years, like VTSS and SPFDJ, supporting my music around the world. Hearing my tracks played at festivals like Coachella and Tomorrowland, releasing music on labels I admire, and sharing lineups with artists who inspired me when I was first learning to DJ have all been incredible milestones. Those moments have reminded me that staying true to my own sound is always worth it.

At the end of the day, what matters most to me is creating music that brings people together. Whether it’s a packed warehouse in Los Angeles or someone discovering one of my tracks online, I hope people associate Bucky with music that makes them want to move and have a good time.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always curious. If something interested me, I wanted to understand how it worked, whether it was music, technology, or anything creative. I wasn’t the loudest person in the room, but I loved diving into hobbies and spending hours learning new skills. Looking back, I think that’s what eventually drew me to music production—it’s one of those things where you’re constantly learning, and there’s always another idea to explore.

Music was a huge part of my childhood. I grew up listening to everything from Daft Punk and Fatboy Slim to classic rock, and those artists had a big influence on how I hear music today. Outside of music, I loved video games, cars, and anything fast-paced, which probably explains why I naturally gravitated toward high-energy dance music.

I’ve also always enjoyed connecting with people. Whether it’s through nursing or DJing, I get a lot of fulfillment from creating experiences that leave a positive impact. Those might seem like completely different worlds, but to me, they’re connected by the same idea—showing up for people and, hopefully, making their day a little better.

Even now, I don’t think I’ve changed all that much. I’m still the person who’s happiest when I’m learning something new, working on a song until 2 a.m., or getting to share that music with people on a dance floor.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Buckytunes
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialbucky_dj/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OFFICIAL_BUCKY
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/zack-buchholtz-323350665
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialbucky_dj?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/47QmH791Ybheu7eMcjnZNI?si=PWx6hJ66QHuI8auPH3UW5A

Image Credits
Anthony Sibrian @tonysib_visuals
Dakota Kass @norxsou.media
Shannon Strong @thirdeyephotoandfilm