Zay of the Zoo Talks Influences and His First Festival
Last year, Zay of the Zoo was in the crowd watching Chris Patrick open for J.I.D. This year, he was opening up for them at his first festival.
The Kitchen caught up with the Chicago based singer, songwriter, and producer at TouchGrass Music Fest in Orlando on October 3, 2026. After winning Dream Con’s Music Star Search competition, Zay earned a spot at the inaugural festival and he wasn’t taking the opportunity for granted.
During our conversation, Zay shared the album that changed his life, named his personal Mount Rushmore of artists, and explained why he would happily get rid of social media. Of course, we got into his studio snacks, too.
Zay of the Zoo’s First Festival Was a Full-Circle Moment
When we asked Zay about his most recent flex that had nothing to do with money, his answer was the moment happening around him.
“This, being here at TouchGrass Music Fest. This is my first festival.”
For Zay, sharing a lineup with artists he had recently paid to watch made the experience especially meaningful. He recalled attending J.I.D.’s concert around the same time the previous year, with Chris Patrick opening the show. Now, he was getting his own chance to open for them.
“This is amazing, I love it. I’m living out my dreams.”
Winning Dream Con’s Music Star Search helped bring him to that stage. Getting to perform at TouchGrass meant a chance to introduce himself to a new crowd and take another step toward the career he’s been working for.
J. Cole’s KOD Is the Album That Changed His Life
We’ve been asking artists one question: What’s one album that changed your life?
Zay’s pick was J. Cole’s KOD.
Cole also made his personal Mount Rushmore of artists, joined by Wale, Jazmine Sullivan, and H.E.R.
That puts two rappers alongside two R&B vocalists in his top four. If you’re getting familiar with Zay, those names offer a starting point for understanding the artists he looks up to.
“I Love Making Music, I Do It Any Time!”
There’s no elaborate routine Zay needs to follow before recording. When we asked what gets him in the mood to make music, he answered immediately.
“Nothing, literally. I love making music, I do it any time!”
Zay also handles his own mixing and engineering, keeping himself involved beyond writing and recording.
“Making music and coming up with music is never a problem. I mix and engineer everything myself.”
Whether he’s coming up with an idea or working on the recording itself, Zay sounds ready to get to it whenever the opportunity comes.
Why Zay Would Get Rid of Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/p/Defxmw-soA7/If Zay could change one thing about the music industry, he knows where he would start.
“Social media. I would eradicate it. Get rid of it!”
He also brought up his appreciation for physical media and the idea of listening to music without relying on streaming.
“I think putting a CD in a car is cool.”
It was one of the clearest opinions from our conversation: Zay would welcome more room for physical releases and less dependence on social platforms.
The Kitchen’s Food Question: Fritos, Pizza & Mostaccioli
You already know we had to ask about food.
Zay picked Fritos as his studio snack, while pizza and mostaccioli made his favorite-food list.
And if you’re unfamiliar with that last choice, he had a message for you:
“If you don’t know what it is? Look it up!”
Giving Thanks to His Team, Family & God
Before we wrapped up, Zay showed love to the people supporting him.
“Shoutout to my team, shoutout to my people, shoutout to my family that is supporting and shout out to God.”
With his first festival becoming a reality, he closed the conversation by expressing gratitude for how far he’s come.
“The lord work in mysterious ways and he got me to this point and I’m eternally grateful.”
Watch The Kitchen’s Zay of the Zoo Interview
Watch our interview below for the full conversation from TouchGrass Music Fest.
For more from the festival, read The Kitchen’s TouchGrass Music Fest recap.
Keep up with The Kitchen at wedontcookfood.com, follow @wedontcookfood on Instagram, and subscribe on YouTubefor more artist interviews, music news, and festival coverage.
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