Now Zak Abel is Breaking out!

Zak Abel’s ascent in British soul music has been anything but conventional. Here is a young artist whose journey to self-discovery has been marked by resilience and reinvention. Zak’s path—one that began with dreams of a table tennis career—has led him to the upper echelons of the U.K. music scene, driven by a voice rich in emotion and depth. But Zak’s story is also one of overcoming personal health challenges, particularly around his hearing, that have uniquely shaped his music.

Early Years: Table Tennis and the Call of Music

Born in March 1995, Zak Abel’s journey began with a focus not on music but on table tennis, a sport in which he quickly excelled. By his teens, he was a top player in his age group, even moving to France to pursue a semi-pro career. Yet, despite his success, the rigors of competitive training began to wear on him. Music—initially just a side passion—started calling him in a way that felt more meaningful.

Zak began teaching himself piano and guitar, picking up chords and melodies by ear. His raw musicality and willingness to learn led him to post videos of his performances online. By 2012, these videos caught the attention of Atlantic Records. His big break came in 2014 when he provided vocals for Gorgon City’s track “Unmissable.” This collaboration catapulted him into the limelight, revealing a soulful voice that could hold its own among the greats.

Navigating Otosclerosis: Resilience Through Hearing Loss

Zak’s life took a challenging turn at 21 when he was diagnosed with otosclerosis, a hereditary condition that affects hearing by causing abnormal bone growth in the middle ear. Zak’s journey with otosclerosis led him to undergo surgery on his right ear, which restored much of his hearing volume. But it came with an unexpected twist: his ability to discern pitch—a critical skill for a musician—was impacted, meaning Zak would have to relearn pitch recognition from scratch.

Today, Zak continues to adapt to this new reality. He also experiences hearing loss in his left ear, which he manages with a hearing aid. His experience of living with and working around hearing loss has informed his music profoundly, deepening his connection to each note and lyric, adding layers of authenticity that resonate deeply with his listeners.

Finding His Sound: From Joker EPs to “Only When We’re Naked”

With his breakthrough behind him, Zak continued his upward trajectory by teaming up with producer Joker to release Joker Presents, followed by the EPs Don’t Belong and One Hand on the Future. These early releases offered glimpses of Zak’s range and versatility, blending soul, R&B, and pop into a style uniquely his own. Each EP served as a stepping stone toward his 2017 debut album, Only When We’re Naked, which established him as a dynamic force on the British soul scene.

Tracks like “Unstable” and “Everybody Needs Love” reveal his talent for pairing vulnerability with irresistible hooks. His lyrics delve into love, struggle, and self-reflection, offering listeners a raw look into his world. In 2018, he followed up with the single “Love Song,” a track that cemented his place in the music world with its warm vocals and sophisticated production.

Icons and Inspirations: From Michael Jackson to Mental Health

Zak’s influences are as multifaceted as his music. A lifelong fan of Michael Jackson, he cites Off the Wall as the first album he ever owned. Jackson’s influence is apparent in Zak’s stage presence and vocal precision, though Zak has forged a style all his own—one that combines soulful balladry with danceable beats and heartfelt lyricism.

Yet Zak’s artistry goes beyond homage; he’s an advocate for openness around mental health, especially for men. Writing candidly about his struggles, he has used his platform to create a space for listeners to feel seen and understood. In one recent social media post, Zak shared that he was working on a song about mental health, underscoring his desire to connect with his audience on a personal level. His music resonates not only because of its sound but because of the honesty behind each note and lyric.

The Sound of Zak Abel: A Fusion of Soul, Pop, and Resilience

Zak describes his sound as a fusion of soul, funk, pop, and R&B, drawing from a well of influences that reflect his life’s journey. His music has shifted over the years, moving from Afro-Caribbean rhythms to more classic soul influences, yet every track bears his distinct mark. The experience of relearning pitch has only deepened his connection to his art, giving him a fresh perspective on music and on his role as a creator.

The Legacy of Resilience

Zak Abel’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and an undying love for his craft. From his early table tennis ambitions to his diagnosis with otosclerosis, Zak’s life has been filled with obstacles that could have derailed a lesser artist. Instead, he has turned those challenges into fuel for his music, creating work that resonates deeply with audiences around the world. His is a voice that goes beyond the sound—a testament to determination, adaptation, and the unbreakable spirit of an artist who simply can’t be held back.

If you haven’t yet explored Zak Abel’s music, now is the time. His journey invites listeners to experience soul music through the lens of someone who has lived every lyric, every note, and every beat. This is British soul, reimagined through the resilience and heart of Zak Abel—a sound as inspiring as it is unforgettable.