Big Sur is located on the central coast of California. It marks the midway point between Northern and Southern California — two opposing regions, both culturally and geographically. These stark contrasts of regionality clash here on this storied coastal town, just like the waters which fall upon its jagged, rock-lined shores. It was here that Zack Arnett, after deciding to take to the road in his van (which would double as a recording studio), stopped to produce what is undoubtedly his most penetrative work to date. Big Sur, the namesake of his band SUR, provided him with the isolation, detachment, and subsequently the connection he required to reflect and exhale in the way he knows best—through his music. What he documented there, beneath the lush canopy of central coast Redwoods — the soft roar of the Pacific serving as a constant informant — would make for the sonic fabric used to record his new EP entitled Savage Beast. On it, Arnett fights the Good Fight, disarming his listener through the use of an edgy sonic palate, heavily-laced with tribal rhythms and rife with lo-fi howling. His lyrics strike with equal provocation, harnessing an array of universal themes. We caught up with the artist recently to discuss the benefits of psychedelics, the need to accept darkness in the pursuit of enlightenment, and how a constant recalibration of values is critical in our struggle to hold humanity true. As Arnett states, “Balance is key.”
Nick Cisik: I read that while on your two-month-long recording journey you weren’t thinking much about accomplishing an album so much as surrendering yourself to a more spontaneous creative process. As you put it, you were “submitting” to what you were feeling in the moment, not concerning yourself with a result. In your life, do you try to adhere to that “living in the moment” mentality and, if so, what do feel are the benefits?
Zack Arnett: Our world is flying through space at a thousand miles an hour and we’re just along for the ride. The most powerful shift we can make is in our head, in the way we perceive what we are, what we want to be, and what’s most important to us during the journey.
NC: While on that journey, where did you travel to? Besides Big Sur, what was your favorite place to visit or that you found most inspiring?
ZA: We went to Death Valley, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, Ojai, and a couple small towns along the way. I can’t say which I liked best, but I will say that I did the most writing and recording in Big Sur. It was winter, so there weren’t a lot of humans around. It felt like we had the place to ourselves.
NC: Do you feel like there is a city out there — even internationally — that is a hot bed for music and arts right now? For example, New York City in the 70’s or San Francisco in the 60’s.
ZA: I would cut off a limb to kick it on Haight & Ashbury circa 1972. I want to feel the current of electricity that it had. I want to know what it was like. I feel like we’re missing out on a lost vibe that was created in that place during that time.
NC: What are you reading currently?
ZA: I mainly read with my ears because my brain has trouble processing information from the written word. I tend to see shapes in the negative space behind the letters and I start to drift out of concentration. There’s a really good book called “Addicted to Love” by Jan Geurtz that I’ve been getting into — not done yet — but it’s an eye-opening look inside.
NC: It’s pretty amazing what can happen when you pull yourself out of your daily routine and go on a solo journey. You don’t talk as much to other people because you are alone, which gives you time to reflect and organize your thoughts. There is something about being alone, however, that can be terrifying. Why do you think that is?
ZA: Did I say that?? Ummm…Psychedelics have taught me a lot. One of the most valuable lessons is to never sit still for too long because the idol mind can be a dangerous thing.
NC: The video for “Lean Back” is great. It’s provocative on many levels and is laced with several controversial themes. I particularly like the poem read at the beginning. One of the lines in the poem is “I am my God.” I find the concept of taking ownership over oneself through a transcendent breaking down of the artifice we exist in to be extremely intruiging. There is a lot of that liberating philosophy in your lyrics. Would you agree?
ZA: So glad to see you’re paying attention! I found myself late one night in the desert and I understood that within us all are these make-believe concepts of Heaven and Hell. Without one there is no other. Balance is key. Pray to yourself and believe in your power.
“Our world is flying through space at a thousand miles an hour and we’re just along for the ride. The most powerful shift we can make is in our head, in the way we perceive what we are, what we want to be, and what’s most important to us during the journey. ”
NC: On that note, the video is definitely dark thematically and visually. Do you feel like darkness must be explored in order to enlighten?
ZA: Absolutely…It’s a dark time now. Our consciousness is being robbed by the overstimulation of the internet. Art is suffering because it’s so accessible. Cameras are being turned in the wrong direction and the depth of who we are is draining with every quick swipe to the right. It’s all good though, we’ll figure it out again.
NC: I understand you are a painter and former graffiti artist. Who are some of your favorite artists?
ZA: That’s a tough one. I was privileged enough to be surrounded by a lot of talent growing up. My late brother Shaper was probably the most influential artist to me. Love you J!
NC: One of the tracks off the new EP is entitled “Stix + Stones”. It is a soaring and heartfelt tribute to love, yet the title contradicts, as it alludes to the “breaking of bones” that can occur in romantic relationships. Can you elaborate on that?
I hope that you walk away feeling something, anything, everything.
ZA: Love will bring out the best and worst in people. Just hold on tight and enjoy the good times.
NC: You have some tour dates coming up which will take you up and down the California coast. Being a California native makes you familiar with the state. Do you like living in Los Angeles? From a cultural and social standpoint, what do you think defines that city?
ZA: I love LA! She’s one hell of a bitch, but god damn she’s gorgeous.
NC: What can people expect from a live SUR performance and how will they feel afterwards?
ZA: I hope that you walk away feeling something, anything, everything. You gotta sing along with us sometime, we’d love to see you.
Photos by Cameron Jordan