While fist pumps, hand hearts and elaborate state of the art stage lighting effects have become the preferred aesthetics of live DJ performance, Zack Prucha, known best as Four Color Zack, brings traditional DJ values and forward thinking nuances to modern day DJ culture.
A skilled turntablist and high level craftsman on the decks, Four Color Zack’s enhanced musical perspective and keen sense of creativity may differ a bit from the current popular superstar DJ narrative but that’s what makes him qualified to be one of the culture’s ambassadors.
Zack, a Seattle native by way of Corvallis, Oregon, grew up a huge fan of punk and speed metal as a youth; skateboarding and studying Mega-Death guitar riffs led to playing in rock bands before a short-lived run as a DJ in a hip hop group in high school. His interest in hip hop music and turntablism came from watching DJ battles and “Yo! MTV Raps” on VHS tapes.
After earning his degree from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Zack spent several years splitting time between DJing parties and working in advertising and graphic design. He eventually became an art director at a girls school in Seattle while boasting freelance clientele that included Nike, Stussy, NBC, T-Mobile and Kicks Hawaii.
“NINE YEARS WITH MANIFEST”
Anniversary party featuring DJ Four Color Zack
>> Where: The Manifest, 32 N. Hotel St.
>> When: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday
>> Cost:$5; 21+
>> Info: manifesthawaii.com
His signature achievement came in 2012, when he captured the Red Bull 3Style World Finals Championship. The international DJ contest’s requirements — originality, technical skills, the ability to navigate through multiple genres of music, crowd response — allowed Zack to showcase his entire bag of technical tricks as well as his entertaining performance savvy.
The win also brought a serious amount of global buzz and notoriety. Zack noted that the decision to focus his career solely on DJing couldn’t have come at a more opportune time.
“I was mentally ready for a change of pace and while I had already been touring a bit before, there was a flood of more interesting, ‘can’t say no’ kind of travel offers,” Zack said, on the phone at his home in Seattle last week. “It’s definitely been a blast. I’m lucky to have an understanding family when I’m gone so much.”
Being labeled a DJ world champion elevated his status among his peers virtually overnight, giving Zack recognition as one of the most innovative, technically sound party rockers on the planet.
Zack, who has a daughter and celebrated his 10th wedding anniversary last month, constructs a DJ set with an open mind and without constraints; he’s willing to weave through genres and subgenres, making creative twists. Think of a memorable Mariah Carey song transitioning into a Rae Sremmurd track, followed by “Take On Me” by A-Ha — book-ended by a classic Ol’ Dirty Bastard anthem. The effect is a grandiose appeal.
“I think the only things I consciously make sure I fit into sets would be surprises and joke tricks that keep the momentum of the night. That way if people are trying to party with each other and let loose they don’t get held up, but the kids who are there to see some action get their fix too,“ he said. ”Beyond that, it’s a lot of freestyling and reading the vibe of the room.
“I just try to get away with as much as possible, really.”
In a space where boundaries should not exist, Zack believes that predictability is one of a DJ’s worst traits.
“I think any way you can tell a story, create a vibe and stand out is a must. Playing the hits will only get you so far, and in a lot of cases isn’t all that effective,” he said. “Nobody remembers the nights a DJ just played every hit by the book and clocked out.”
In recent years, Zack and heralded turntablist legend DJ Craze have been sharing their opinions on everything from politics, social injustice to flaws in the music industry as a duo called 2¢.
Like Zack, Craze, a three-time DMC World Champion, is a direct disciple of the pre-internet dj culture; a period where authenticity and style were paramount and music discoveries were made by listening to a CD or watching a show dedicated to playing music videos.
Since forming 2¢ in 2015 the duo, which also has a monthly podcast (“The 2 Cents Podcast),” has put out four mixtapes. The last one, “HARD Summer Mixtape Series #22, dropped in February.
Social commentary — on topics including Donald Trump, Bill Cosby, social media, button-pushing DJs, mumble rappers and hip hop songs with one word choruses — is embedded in their mixes by piecing together song snippets blended in a clever, DJ- centric way. They even blend in vocal skits by comedians Dave Chapelle, Jerry Seinfeld and the late George Carlin.
“Craze and I go in heavy with our opinions on the mixes and even in our solo projects too,” said Prutha, who is also co-owner of Seattle skate/streetwear brand and boutique Can’t Blame the Youth.
“It’s important to let people know they don’t have to conform to all the bad stuff going on in the industry or in the world. You don’t have to take it, and together we can make it better. The only way to make change is to be a part of it.”
PRUCHA, WHO last played in Honolulu at the defunct M Nightclub in 2015, is familiar with Honolulu nightlife from playing here regularly as far back as 2011.
“It’s great to come back to be around friends and fam,” he said.
“Honolulu has been blessed to have such incredible DJs, giving them nights with such variety and knowledge that it’s an absolute must to take the crowd on a real journey and do something special,” he added.
While he is in the midst of a career that doesn’t look like it will plateau any time soon, Prucha says the best way to avoid complacency is to be driven.
“As long as you never settle and always want to keep improving and creating, you never get bored,” he said. “I’ve been doing this a long time and I’m constantly swimming against the current, looking for that next ‘holy shit’’ moment.”
