Thanks to the internet, independent artists have more opportunities than ever. When paired with the human drive to create, the result is an experimental, adaptable sound containing fragments from every genre. Gaining visibility independently signals the type of success found outside of commercialism, a show of originality and creativity, free from the mold of mass appeal.
For independent Akron artist, Bee Zak, mainstream acclaim was never the goal, “I’m here to share the music and not to be like, so cool.”
Bee describes working independently on their music production, “I’m very self-produced. It’s me, sitting in my room with my instruments getting my feelings out,” A method which results in a relaxed intimate sound streaming on Bee Zak’s Spotify profile, “I write a lot of acoustic music right now.”
Bee’s most recent release is titled, The Bug Song! “When you first listen to it, it sounds very cheesy, like something you would sing to a child. It’s the story of this little bug going on his journeys, and looking up at the sky. He’s wishing to go up there and see all these beautiful things that he can’t really see from down where he is.”
In between lyrics, Bee illustrates an unlikely friendship, “He meets a bee who offers to fly him up. It’s all a metaphor for friendship and how people you meet along the way can help you achieve your goals.”
As for who the two characters represents, Bee admits, “I’m the bug [in the song], I know it’s ironic I’m not the bee, but I also like to think I can trade places with people. Sometimes I’ll be the person who helps, sometimes I’ll be the person who needs a little help.”
Bee’s inspirations align with the song’s setting, “Being outside, hearing the birds, being able to hear that to accompany my thoughts. I also write about my friends,” These sentiments are sure to be found in future projects, “I am working on an EP to put out in the later half of 2024. It’s called, The Butterfly Effect.”
Bee shared the overall theme of The Butterfly Effect, “It’s all about growth and change, the first song on it, I wrote when I was like, 14. So it’s a view on how my mind has changed over the years and how I’ve grown.” The years so far have provided Bee a sizeable back log of experiences to share, “I write a lot about the feeling of hope and lack of it. My mental health comes up a lot, and the positive and negative aspects of platonic, familial and romantic love.”
These are the feelings the musician hopes their audience will connect with, expressing, “You’re not alone, someone else out there is experiencing the same emotions.”
Crediting which of their songs they’re most fond of, Bee stated, “My favorite [song is], I hope you think about me when you’re high,” Apart from old toxic flames, the song writer draws inspiration from more positive influences for their craft, “I write about my friends a lot, they’re a big part of it.”
Having personally heard to a significant amount of living room performances, I can confirm the indie, acoustic and sometimes painfully honest sound, emanating from the vocals and ukulele accompanyment of Bee Zak.
In a business oversaturated with industry plants, copies of copies and licensed pop anthems, it’s obvious why independent music continues to gain streams. Art created for the purpose of art, will always reign supreme over the mass produced version.
To follow Bee Zak’s music, visit their spotify account here.
To follow Bee Zak on social media, visit their Instagram here.
Liv Ream is the Arts and Entertainment Editor for the University of Akron publication The Buchtelite, founded in 1889. She is majoring in Public Relations and spends her time writing, painting, and forcing her friends to participate in her experimental horror projects. Liv plans on pursuing a career in journalism and the arts.