Skidangleboom

The Journey of the artist: Zed Regal

Written by //Kabbo Ferdinand

SkiDangleBOOM! Is not only the Catchy phrase chanted in Zed Regal’s latest bootyshaking track, but is also a multipurpose word that means 'The balance in all things'. One of his tracks; “Kicking up a Storm” is an apt description of the gusto he is hitting the scene with. I feel we are witnessing the dawn of an amazing and diverse musical talent. He is blessed with the rare ability to be equally skilled, dextrous and lyrical in both Reggae and Hip Hop. He backs this up by releasing two tracks simultaneously, one a Reggae tune and the other a Hip Hop track, and he’s been booked for various festivals, including Glastonbury.

KF: So without any further ado, Regal! Tell da people dem, who you are?”

ZR: Skidangleboom! My name is Zed Regal. I’m a recording artist, singer, songwriter and an all-around creative, that’s me! KF: What exciting things are going on in the world of Zed Regal?

ZR: I’m in a place of new beginnings, so everything seems exciting at the moment. I’m gassed about performing at Glastonbury and the freedom to share my music and products with the world, especially after the pandemic we’ve all faced.

KF: What attracted you to Bristol and what’s your origin story?

ZR: In short, Music. I love the city's creative energy and the opportunities it gave me to work with community projects that utilized my creativity and personal development skills as tools to deliver empowering workshops. Through promoting my music and creating opportunities for the artists around my label is how Bristol became my third home. I grew up in Peckham, South London. After a major accident that messed up my leg and changed my life, I moved to live with my family in Swindon. Growing up there in my teenage years was a challenge racially, but definitely a blessing - as it taught me how to deal with different sides of life for my highest good. Racism or prejudice wasn't something I ever came across growing up in London, so I’m grateful for the multi-cultured environments that nurtured my early years highlighting the importance visual representation of blackness and equality in society. In my twenties, I came to a crossroad where I'd ask myself questions like "What am I good at?" "What am I interested in?" and "Who am I?" When you've only experienced a limited way of living, transforming can be hard. For me, it started with answering and actioning the self-revealing questions that ultimately changed the direction of my life. My journey was sticky, though the experiences, good or bad, were all a blessing.

KF: Is there anyone you considered as role models and what was the turning point?

ZR: Thankfully, I was surrounded by creatives of all sorts including producers and musicians. I dedicated myself to music in the Noughties and used what I knew about live music and put it into digital production. This was the start of my Record Label ‘Catchy Creations’. Initially, I wasn’t interested in writing songs. All I wanted to do was create the music that filled my brain daily. Funny enough, my bredrin and creative mentor, James Eddings (RIP), was annoyingly on my case for about six months to try Rapping. At least four days of the week he’d be like; “Zed, I can hear the tone and vibes in your voice when you talk. Just put something down! Come on man, you got to do it!” In the end, I decided to write and record a track just to shut him up. My first song was called ‘Ghetto Yout’. The realisation that James had been right about my potential as a recording artist now dawned on me and I needed no further convincing. His faith in me inspired me and he continued to help nurture my creative abilities as I transitioned. That’s when my journey as an artist started, as well as organising events, to give myself and others a platform to showcase our creativity.

KF: In the transition from the producer and promoter, to an artist, did any conflicts between you and your artists ever emerge?

ZR: There was one case of badmind in the early stages. Though I nipped that in the bud quickly. Other than that, nah. We were a family of creatives with complementing energies. I used to always put people’s needs before my own, and aim to do the best with what I had for the best possible outcome. Rightly or wrongly, that mindset helped me grow on so many levels that, in hindsight, prepared me for my future. I feel ready to take on the world.

KF: What’s your focus and purpose with your music?

ZR: I feel like my soul's purpose as a creative is a worldwide thing. I’ve always written music with a global mindset and an aim to uplift and entertain people from the first note. Inspiring even one person with the words, sound and positive messages that run through my music, makes me happy. Knowing it resonates and connects, gives my music purpose. It's happened once or twice before so now I feel like a super star! lol! Seriously though, my roots are Jamaican and we are known for our global impact through music. This is me, carving out my own legacy in honour and celebration of our rich global musical impact and cultural heritage. through music.

KF: So, when are your next singles being released and where can people see you performing this year?

ZR: “Kicking up a Storm” and “Woah” will be out the 22nd June, the day before I perform at Glastonbury. You can also see me at the St Pauls Carnival’s fringe events plus other festivals and club gigs. All details can be found on my social medias - Everything is @ZedRegal! Or you can visit my website www. zedregal.com.

KF: Final Words?

ZR: “Sometimes it takes someone else to believe in you, before YOU believe in you. I've experienced that through James. I now have a manager who saw and believed in my full potential and now supports every aspect of my career. I strongly believe that following your heart`s truest desires with an aim, and a goal with action, is the surest way to achieving beyond what you think possible.”