A bedroom hip hop, pop producer living in the Logan area of Brisbane, Ben Southam is Zoomy – he recently released his debut single, 'Passion'.
"Ayo! My name is Zoomy and I am your everyday, 17-year-old from Brisbane. Music has been in my life ever since I was born and has always been a passion."Everything you hear is me. I do it all. ZOOMY TO THE WORLD!" Born into a musical family (his parents used to be in a band when he was a boy), Zoomy is 100 per cent committed to pursuing a career in music.
"My Mum and Dad used to be in a band when I was younger, so recording and performing music has been with me since a young boy – I love it more than anything.
"['Passion'] pretty much sums up my upbringing with music while shouting out local artists who have supported me (Dau Dau from Swish Music and NOONE NETWORK).
"This song is organic as it can be as my music teacher supported me through the process."
Who is Zoomy... Zoomy is the name I gave myself roughly about this time last year. I started of as 'produced by BeN' making dodgy beats and getting my friends to follow me. Three years have passed and I gave myself a proper stage name and something to identify with. Music has always been second nature to me and I am finally putting it out to the world.
I sound like... A regular 17-year-old kid from Brisbane with a hint of The Kid LAROI vibes.
My first gig was... Okay this one is a classic. When I was probably seven years old I would setup the outdoor chairs around the back patio to look like a stage and practically force my family to watch me make up songs on the spot while bashing a Guitar Hero drum set. Other than that, I haven't had my first gig yet.
When did you settle on your artistic name, and was it a unanimous decision... I needed a name change from 'produced by BeN' so 'Zoomy' came to me, originating from when dogs go crazy and people often refer to it as the 'Zoomies'. I guess Zoomy goes crazy in the studio too.
In the studio I usually... I often like to loop the instruments without the drums, so I can focus on my melody. This way I find I create better drums and additional sounds around my vocals. I also like to record my vocals line by line, steering away from writing lyrics as I feel it is more authentic that way.
If I could tour with anyone... I'd love to tour with The Kid LAROI as I feel as though I am his Brisbane brother and we could really put Australia on the hip hop map. Justin Bieber would also be monumental as he's always been a major influence on my music.
Social media is... A great way to express yourself and showcase your talents to the world, but obviously there is a dark side to it and you just have to be very careful. My Instagram is @zoomybeats if you want to check me out.
My favourite app at the moment is... It definitely has to be TikTok and Spotify for Artists. So far I actually enjoy making little videos for my song, which I never thought I'd see myself doing. With Spotify for Artists I like to see the stats as it gives me an idea on how to approach and plan for my next release.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... Back in my produced by BeN days, I used to comment on popular rappers posts saying 'rappers, message me' and one time Vince Staples liked my comment, which yeah is pretty cool but I feel as though he would have gotten a laugh out of that, so I definitely haven't done it since! Plenty of better strategies.
Life on the road can be... 'Will be'. I haven't been on the road yet for music, but I am very excited to do so. I feel like it would be a lot of fun especially bringing the people I love most along with me.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Definitely, the Netherlands (Holland). My Opa (Grandfather) is born and bred in Arnhem and I just love the country. It seems so homely and simple. I also love the snow.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Justin Bieber because we've all grown up with him and it would be cool to learn from him; Juice WRLD because he was my first hip hop influence, I just admired his music when he first started popping and I have learnt so much from him. Finally my girlfriend Ellie to come enjoy the experience with me.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Chicken stir-fry or burritos. By far my favourite foods and you have to try how we make it at home. . . still might need mum's help HAHA!
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Love our furry friends. I have a pure-bred Maltese called Jessy and she's so cute, I love her.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Don't remind me, I have been a bit slack lately I must admit. I would have to say about two months now. Oh no!
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Washing up for sure; we have a dishwasher but we never use it so every time I wash-up the dishwasher just stares at me and it's painful.
Do you have any phobias? Hmmm, not really anything major but I do have to say I am definitely not a fan of heights, snakes, spiders and cane toads. Cane toads give me the shivers.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? I think I would be a good actor but I think a superhero would be much cooler.
Best local takeaway joint for a 2am feed that will leave you with a food coma? I have a bomb kebab shop near where I live and they never disappoint; $8 for a small kebab, chips and a drink. . . c'mon how good?!
Which fictional character best describes your personality? I think I'm rocking with my boy SpongeBob; he's just always got good vibes and that's something we should all keep in mind. To always look towards the positive things in every situation.
Last show you binge-watched? Oooo, I rarely watch shows but would say 'The Society' on Netflix was good watch. Although lately I have been watching 'Vikings' with my Mum and I must say, I am hooked.
