Zaark has been edging closer to the centre of the conversation for a while now, building momentum through club-tested releases and steady support from selectors across different corners of the scene.
His latest step comes via Toolroom, teaming up with Malaa on ‘Feel Good’, a record shaped through repeated plays and real-world feedback rather than studio theory.
In this interview, Zaark talks about pressure-testing tracks in clubs, learning from watching other DJs control a room, and why he resists being boxed into a single lane as his sound continues to evolve.
Take us back to the first time you heard ‘Feel Good’ working properly in a room. What told you it was ready?
The first time I played it was very intense the crowd went crazy. That moment really stuck with me and made me feel the track was ready. It was a long process, not the first or second version, but after playing it a few times I knew it was finished.
You’ve been testing tracks in clubs for a while now. What kind of spaces does this record really come alive in for you?
This track really comes alive in clubs with powerful sound systems and a close, connected dancefloor. It works best in spaces where there’s a real exchange of energy between the DJ and the crowd.
How did the back-and-forth with Malaa feel creatively? Was it fast, messy, methodical, or something else entirely?
The creative exchange with Malaa was very fast. The project was already well aligned, and we reached the final result quickly.
You’ve played alongside and been supported by some very different DJs. What have you picked up from watching how they control a night?
Every set and every bit of support I received from different DJs taught me a lot, both in terms of set construction and musically.
A lot of your recent sets feel very locked into the moment rather than chasing trends. Is that a conscious decision when you’re selecting or writing music?
Yes, it’s a conscious decision. I try to read the room and create music that works in the moment, in that specific context, rather than following trends that can fade quickly.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about where you sit in the current club landscape?
I think a lot of people still try to place me into a single scene or category, when in reality my sound moves between different spaces within club music.
Toolroom releases often end up travelling far beyond their original scene. Does that change how you imagine people encountering this track?
Yes, definitely. Releasing on Toolroom opens the door to new audiences and different contexts around the world. It makes me imagine the track being played in places and scenes I might not have reached otherwise. That’s exciting, and it motivates me to create music that connects on the dancefloor, no matter where it’s being heard.
When the lights come up and the night’s done, what do you hope people actually remember about a Zaark set?
I hope people remember a strong and memorable set, with solid construction, energetic moments, and also moments where they can dance and reflect.
Feel Good is out now on Toolroom
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