1kZerk releases new single along with Q+A highlighting name change, rebranding his artistry and more.

By: GroovNuke

1KZerk is back around and he's crafting how he's always expected. The Chicagoland artist has recently change his name from "Anu", using the rap alias Zerk moving forward. With singles such as his new one premiering in this interview along with "Granted" featuring Murder London, Zerk is handling his newfound crafting in a beneficial way.

GroovNuke: Talk about the transition of your rap name change?
Zerk: The transition was a calculated one , a transitional milestone , a rebirth if you will. Just the next step in my career i feel like it was necessary to spark some new creativity for myself 

GroovNuke: What does your new name mean to you?
Zerk: 1kZerk is the new name and identity , the first part 1k means immensity and new beginnings in numerology and I feel like I’m in a new part of my life . Zerk is short for berserk meaning ferocious anger or excitement.  equally it’s the artistic inspiration I got from reading the manga “ Berserk “ . Put all that together you have me , 1kZerk a immense new beginning full of excitement and rage . 

GroovNuke: How does your new phase of artistry compare to your old phase?
Zerk: I feel like this new phase is a new and improved me , I’ve been recording since 2015, I was a newborn in the music world basically, I was learning myself and my sound and getting comfortable to the music business.

Anu · Feelings 2 ( Prod. Ryan Burns )

GroovNuke: Who is some people who currently help you conduct your music?
Zerk: I feel like a big part of my growth is the transition from in home studios to moving to enviyon studios they helped me get my music to sound more professional and legit . After that I gotta say one of the producers I work with is “SRRYBEATS “ I feel we got great chemistry and he also not in it for the profit but for the passion something i identify with . Last but not least is my friends and family they  keep me motivated and humbled. They give help my music on the mental side ..just getting my mind right . 

GroovNuke: Describe your recording process?
Zerk: My recording process is really simple but effective, i get my beats from friends I’ve made in the music game along with taking the time to look for new talent on the internet. After that I gotta light one up and let the music flow through me , I feel like the music writes it’s self honestly . 


GroovNuke: Talk about your early involvement with trying to connect with underground artists?
Zerk: In 2016 I started a social media promotional group trying to help artist connect called “Underground Promo “ it was very effective in creating new friendships while also giving artist a platform where they can be seen and heard by their peers . A lot of good artist around the city and suburbs took part and it was good experience for what it was. 

GroovNuke: What’s changed since then?
Zerk: A lot of things have changed since then but at the same time it hasn’t  , I went through ups and downs and learned that not everyone got the same views and interests as me so I’m cautious on who I let in my creative space but at the same time I still want to help and reach out to new and veteran artist .

Anu · BAND OF HAWK [ prod. Atdenn ]

GroovNuke: How do you handle adversity in your artistry?
Zerk: Most of the time when I’m in a low point in my artistry I take a break from it  , more often than not it means that I need to go out and get more life experiences outside the music so I can bring fresh and new concepts to my music . 

GroovNuke: What’s your favorite platform to utilize your music?
Zerk: As far as a streaming platforms I’m really liking Tidal right now it really caters to the artist and has the best upload quality you can get . 

GroovNuke: Who’s some of your current favorite artists to listen to?
Zerk: Lil Wayne always and forever, Robb Bank$ , Lucki , G Herbo and last but not least Guttaball$noop.

GroovNuke: Talk about your new single ___?
Zerk: My new single titled  “ Luv Me , Luv Me Not “ is look inside my mental space of 2019 going through a bad break up and hardships of being a 23 years old .. it’s my artistic expression of my feelings during that time .

GroovNuke: Where can yourself in the next 5 years rapping?
Zerk: I see myself recording on a daily basis , touring around the country and really becoming A full and complete artist , I still have a lot of growing to do.

GroovNuke: How do utilize social media and your artistry?
Zerk: I have a love/hate relationship with social media and my art . On one hand I love it because of how Easy it is to to make your music available and the creative control I have over it . On the other hand i hate that it can turn into a popularity contest rather than being appreciated for your work and originality. 

GroovNuke: What’s your favorite song you created?
Zerk: Mannn it’s really hard picking cause they all like my babies ya know ? Some ugly and and some pretty but I love them all the same lol. But if I had to pick it’s probably “ Granted “ because I got it to sound exactly how it sounded in my head during the process of writing it . S/O to Murder London for letting me get some of his studio time to record that lol he a real one! 

GroovNuke: What advice would you give your past self just starting out rapping?
Zerk: This the best question .. I would tell myself to stay on track and never give  up , I would also tell him that whenever something isn’t going right , write about it until you can cope with it . Last but not least I would tell him to always know that you can accomplish anything as long as you got work ethic.

Click the image below or the link below the image to listen and download Zerk's latest single 'Luv Me, Luv Me Not' via Apple Music.

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