Today we’d like to introduce you to $atori Zoom
Hi $atori, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story begins in summer school at Hawthorne High school (2016), entering my senior year. Previous to that point, I had been listening to L.A. natives such as Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, and anything under the T.D.E. umbrella. At the time, I was a 17 year old kid writing raps with aspirations to stand among those names.
This trajectory takes a serendipitous turn when I discover an emerging scene in underground rap music dubbed as ‘Soundcloud rap’. My interest is instantly piqued as I hear some of the most DIY and experimental rap coming out of various cities in the United States. Once I hear the sounds of artists such as XXXTENTACION, Lil Peep, Xavier Wulf, Yung Lean, etc. I become absolutely absorbed by this new wave. Then and there, I had a clear vision/road map of where I wanted to be and how to get there. I didn’t need to save money for studio time or waste my time sending mp3s to industry reps with little to no chance of being noticed. My dreams were right at my fingertips. A $50 microphone, GarageBand, and the website, soundcloud.com was all I needed to turn my written raps into something audibly tangible for the world to discover. My insatiable creative hunger could be fed in hours. I could think of a song and have it out in the ether the same night. My journey to success as an independent recording artist didn’t stop with the undying thirst for creation or the ever ending well of inspiration of the current scene. I was motivated to carve a name for myself.
Like the late 70’s punk rock scene, Soundcloud rap’s peak was short-lived with its most notable years being 2015-2019. I began my output of music under the alias of ‘$atori Zoom’ in late 2017 with a small following resulting from my relentless networking and pursuit of exposure. That same drive led me to become acquainted with rapper, ‘$NOT’ in 2019 as he was in the midst of becoming one of the last artists to blow up at the tail end of the soundcloud wave. He reposted one of my songs on his soundcloud page which led to an influx of listeners that translated to streams on my page. Since then, I was being noticed by more creatives, fans, and eventually, industry reps as my music was on a momentous streak that year.
Eventually, I hit a break through with a song titled ‘BUSTER’ at the end of 2019. Since its release, it has amassed hundreds of millions of streams and has recently been certified gold as of October 2024. After surmounting a decent level of success in the music industry during the covid pandemic, I was faced with a crucial decision. I could’ve either catered to that current audience with more songs adjacent with what initially catapulted me into the spotlight.. OR.. feed into my artistic desires with the potential of gaining new listeners that grow alongside my musical evolution. I chose the latter.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have struggled with my own mental health and well being involving anxiety and depression. Grieving my father’s passing in 2019. That’s on top of having to manage my own career while dealing with indie label ventures during the covid pandemic.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a recording artist under the alias ‘$atori Zoom’, specializing in experimental rap/hip-hop. I’m known for carving my own niche sound within the soundcloud rap scene.
I am most proud of everything I’ve accomplished as an independent musician, especially having one of my records reaching certified gold status recently.
My unique gifts vocally paired with a distinctive sense for music creation sets me apart from others.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Music is cathartic for me. I would say my innate ability to be in touch with my own emotions has helped me immensely.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://satorizoom.com/pages/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoomthrax/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoomthrax
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/zoomthrax
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@satorizoom
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/satorizoom
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/75RLThQWzIgIM7Jtp6KZic?si=LVVr2ZZZTO2fAkL63phtFA
