On Artist's Collaborations: Photographer Zakk Connor with Musician Micky James
I met photographer Zakk Connor at a Breed Workshop in 2017. We met through a mutual friend, another photographer, who was there shooting BTS for us. Zakk had a really cool rock and roll clothing line, and he brought some T-shirts to show me. At the time, I didn’t realize that Zakk is also a photographer. But he stayed in touch with me, and I’m glad he did. I’ve been watching his photography grow and expand, and I’ve seen an incredible amount of talent emerge from him. He and I share a love for photographers Helmut Newton and Mick Rock…that’s a common bond we will always share!
Around the same time, I met Micky James when he played a show in Williamsburg with his old band, The Karma Killers. I loved this band so much that one of their songs, “Killer Queen,” resides on a Spotify playlist of mine entitled Best Songs Ever. Micky has now gone solo, but being such a huge fan of his work, I have consistently followed him throughout his musical journey. He’s got phenomenal stage presence, great songs, and a way of pulling his audience and listeners in that is mesmerizing.
Zakk and Micky met a few years ago at a show at Berlin in NYC, an underground nightclub where the cool kids go. They started collaborating, with Zakk joining The Karma Killers on tour, and the rest is history.
In this podcast on Patreon, our new channel for audio and live podcasts, Mossy Ross, myself and Zakk & Micky sit down to discuss the ups and downs of creative collaborations, working with talent that we respect vs. maybe not so much, and the creative journey of artists.
“I wanted to take pieces of nostalgia and give it a contemporary twist.”
Born and raised in the shadow of New York City, Micky had a natural taste for the theatrical, and aspired to become an artist and performer from a young age. In his music and personal style, Micky James explores a sound and aesthetic that is nostalgic of a bygone era in rock n roll music, while still maintaining a contemporary pop ambition. Micky's unique vocals are reminiscent of great character voices such as David Bowie and Julian Casablancas, alluding to the dark, mysterious, and romantic qualities that are so distinct to those artists. While Micky's flamboyant fashions evoke the glamour and swagger of past rock icons, his work is both equal parts style and substance. Inspired by the authentic energy of 60’s and 70’s iconic rock bands, James is successful in crafting a modern and fresh approach to a timeless genre. “I wanted to take pieces of nostalgia and give it a contemporary twist,” explains James. He’s successfully taking his vision and turning it into a reality.
