Zaena x Jason Maek Share Their World View

Zaena x Jason Maek have a story to tell and Hype Off Life is here to provide the platform. The Libyan refugee and Chicago native are quickly becoming two of the 2 micro-influencers in music after hitting over half-a-million views on their first three music videos. The duo also:

• Is releasing a new song and music video every 1st and 15th of the month
• Coming off a sold-out 30 date tour titled ‘The Freshman Tour
• Has collaborations with brands like Tumblr, Pioneer DJ, Subway, and Missguided
• Has scheduled performances at New York, London, and Paris fashion weeks

Hella dope, I know. So, it was only right to catch up with Zaena x Jason Maek for the next installment of our 2019 interview series. While catching up, we got to talk about dope music videos, how they met and that one piece of advice they'll never forget. Expand your horizon below and be sure to follow up @zaenaworld x @jasonmaek

For those not familiar, tell us a little about yourselves.

Zaena x Jason Maek: We are two musicians that write, produce, and direct our own music videos. We make music that we feel will matter and have an impact on fans, whether is a feel-good or deeply-rooted topic. Self-funded, self-motivated, self-aware.

What was it like growing up in your home country and town of Libya and Chicago, respectively.

Zaena: I was so young. My family in Libya hurts so much and I pray for them every day. The general public does not know what my homeland is like because American news does not cover it. Walking around is life or death. There is no structure. There is no government. Only factions fighting for power. I have lost dozens of relatives. My father is so strong for coming to America to start a life. I admire his strength and courage. A lot of loss in Libya, but there is also a lot of beauty as well. I pray for my country.

Jason Maek: I grew up in the projects and then moved to the southside, which does not have the best conditions. I am fortunate though because my mom and dad were the best and worked multiple jobs to support their family. I lost a lot of friends, but made a few new ones along the way.

"Never stop because you never know how close you are"

- Zaena

How did you two meet and decide to do music together?

Zaena: We were both ghostwriters and knew each other for awhile. One day Jason sent me a message about a project he was working on and I came to the studio. I was really impressed. We did lunch to talk about a record label he was building. A few drinks and quesadillas later, history was made!

Which 3 music videos changed the way you view the world. Why?

Zaena: Aside from the ones we worked on, Thriller, Scream, and Missy Elliott's Work It.

Jason Maek: As a filmmaker, I love where music videos are going. Aside from what we are working on now, I would say This Is America, Sicko Mode and Kanye's short film for Runaway.

Growing up, which saying or piece of advice has had the most profound impact on your life.

Zaena: Never stop because you never know how close you are. So many people quit mid-race, not knowing they were steps to the finish line of their goals. I understand that this is a process and I am 100% committed to it.

Jason Maek: Once you do what you have, you usually never get to do what you want to. That sticks with me because so many people chase their dreams part-time. If you work a 9-5 for eight hours, you should chase your dreams 8 hours and 1 minute.

"Music is art that should be shared freely without restrictions"

- Zaena x Jason Maek

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Zaena: Life experiences. I come from a very unique situation and growing up, I saw so much. I love life and to live it. I try to let my music reflect that perspective for better or worse.

Jason Maek: I like to push the boundaries of art. Whether that is with song structure, instrumentation, sound design, film, etc. Luckily I get to work with someone who always wants to push themselves. It's incredible.

How did it feel to see the view count run up on your first 3 video, totaling over 500,000 views?

Zaena x Jason Maek: It's amazing! I am glad that people are discovering our content and enjoying it. With every new release, we get new people that let us know they enjoyed a track. That means a lot!

Are you two working on anything new we should keep an eye out for?

Zaena: We are releasing a new song and music video every 1st and 15th of the month. That is a HUGE thing we want fans to stay up-to-date with!

Jason Maek: We also have a lot of original content we are releasing. Our new talk show 'Late Night Grubbin' is on the way as well. Right now, it's an IGTV exclusive!

"If you work a 9-5 for eight hours, you should chase your dreams 8 hours and 1 minute"

- Jason Maek

If there was only 1 thing your fans could remember you for, what would you want it to be?

Zaena x Jason Maek: That we made music for them. Music is art that should be shared freely without restrictions. We think about each of them when approaching a song.