ZOOLOOK – Power of the People

When IRIE founder and editor-in-chief, Nicholas Da Silva, isn’t travelling the world experiencing music festivals while covering the global music scene, you can find him in his San Francisco-based studio producing his own brand of music under his stage name, ZOOLOOK.

ZOOLOOK is a multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker, and musician whose musical style is a unique, eclectic fusion of downtempo, dub, reggae, funk, jazz, and hip-hop. His sound, often described as “Soul Rebel” music, blends analog warmth with modern, socially conscious storytelling and cinematic soundscapes.

Through his label, ZOOLOOK Records, ZOOLOOK insists on remaining an independent musician to maintain control over his artistic output.

Power of the People, ZOOLOOK’s most recent release (2025), is an irie fusion of Soul, Funk, and Electronic Vibes inspired by the Legends of the ’60s and ’80s. The track blends the spirit of soul, funk, and electronic music into a genre-defying anthem for unity and empowerment.

ZOOLOOK grew up surrounded by his father’s eclectic vinyl record collection, an experience that deeply immersed him in a world of sound that would ultimately shape his musical DNA.

Rooted in the sounds of the 1960s through the 1980s, ZOOLOOK channels the grooves of Motown, the deep basslines of Bernard Edwards, Maurice Gibb, and Mario Mantese, and the atmospheric synths of Jean-Michel Jarre, Herbie Hancock, Kraftwerk, and Kitaro. The result is a track that feels timeless and urgently of the moment.

“My sound is rooted in the message and melody of the ’60s, ’70s, and’ 80s—where bass grooves met rich synths, and every song had something to say,” says ZOOLOOK. “With Power of the People, I wanted to capture that same spirit—music that moves you physically and emotionally.”

Growing up, ZOOLOOK was deeply impacted by the music of these earlier decades—not just for its artistry, but for its honesty. “That music was a wake-up call,” he says. “It opened my eyes to what was happening in America—from civil rights to economic injustice. Those songs weren’t just hits but messages, warnings, and calls to action. And they still ring true today.”

Radio Edit and Remix Versions

Power of the People (Radio Edit) is my first single of 2025. I went back to the ’70s, pulled the funk from the fire, and brought this modern rebel rhythm to the frontlines of today’s fight with Power of the People. Originally titled Power to the People, I changed the title to Power of the People after watching Senator Cory Booker’s historic 25-hour and 5-minute speech on the Senate floor. Senator Booker’s words reminded me that the Power of the people is greater than the people in Power. That’s the energy I’m bringing with this new track. A 6-7-minute full-length version of Power of the People (Remix) is also available exclusively via Bandcamp, ZOOLOOK’s official website, and all streaming platforms.