Toxic Masculinity, Veganism, and Music - Exclusive Interview with Zak Abel | Episode 75

This week's podcast is supported by our friends over at Nuzest. You can get 20% off their amazing vegan protein by visiting nuzest.us/pbn20! --------- Today we’re sitting down with singer-songwriter Zak Abel, who often speaks up about his journey with veganism. Zak is a Londoner of Moroccan-English descent. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the dance music industry including Wookie, Gorgon City, Kaytranada, Don Diablo and Kygo. His style infuses soul, funk, and pop into an infinitely cool and distinct sound. Zak has previously shared that becoming vegan was one of the best decisions he’s ever made, as it allowed him to live his best life knowing that he is not harming any animals. In his latest single “Less of a Man” he tackles the topic of toxic masculinity head on. It’s a vibrant and catchy tune with witty lyrics that make the track into a bold musical statement. Follow Zak on instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/zakabel/ The PBN Podcast is presented and produced by Robbie Lockie. Edited by Phil Marriott Researched by Antonia Georgieva. Social Media Manager Giuseppe Federici. Show Notes 00:00:00 Nuzest Promo 00:02:42 The beginning of Zak’s vegan journey 00:06:27 Carnism - our attitudes towards food 00:10:37 Growing up in the UK / Identity forming 00:16:35 The balance between the masculine and the feminine 00:19:00 The inspiration behind writing the ‘Less Of A Man’ song 00:39:20 CALM: Campaign Against Living Miserably / Suicide Prevention 00:46:45 Cancel culture 00:49:30 The death of Caroline Flack / Inspiration behind writing the ‘Be Kind’ song 00:53:45 Hearing debut single ‘These Are The Days’ on the radio for the first time 00:55:20 Writing songs at The Roundhouse, London 00:56:55 Working with influential producers such as Joker, Kaytranada and Shakka 00:59:16 Zak on the devastation of losing his hearing and having an ear operation 01:08:10 The idea behind Zak’s song, ‘Vegan’ 01:15:30 Exciting projects in the pipeline for 2022 01:19:32 Stranded on a desert island