After years of grinding it out in bands across the Chicago music scene, Zac Conforti is stepping into the spotlight on his own terms. Performing under the name ZCon, the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has just released his debut solo single, and the buzz around ZCon Cocaine Mirror is already building among fans of electronic indie dance music.
For Conforti, going solo wasn’t part of some grand plan — it was simply the next chapter after the pandemic scattered the momentum of the bands he’d spent his life playing in. Rather than wait around, he leaned in. He built a home studio, picked up new instruments, and started crafting a sound entirely his own.
The Sound Behind ZCon Cocaine Mirror
So what does ZCon actually sound like? Think electronic indie dance with deep psychedelic, house, and alternative roots — the kind of genre-blending that draws comparisons to acts like Tame Impala, Bob Moses, Portugal the Man, Rufus Du Sol, Mac DeMarco, Jack White, and Djo. It’s a lineup of influences that hints at exactly where ZCon Cocaine Mirror lives sonically: somewhere between a late-night dance floor and a hazy daydream.
“I love to combine different genres and make it my own signature style,” Conforti said, describing how he approaches songwriting. That philosophy is on full display in the new track, which is now streaming everywhere, including on Spotify.
Collaboration remains a key part of his process, too. Conforti frequently teams up with pianist and producer Tom Langan, and he says he’s always open to working with new artists and producers as his solo career takes shape.
More Music on the Way
Fans won’t have to wait long for the follow-up. ZCon’s next single, “Lonerism,” drops June 18 and continues the themes that run through much of his catalog — life moving fast, staying honest with yourself, and learning to enjoy the ride through the highs and lows.
It’s a message Conforti hopes resonates with anyone listening. “Life moves fast, enjoy it through the ups and downs and stay level headed,” he said when asked what he wants people to take away from his music.
As for what’s next, the goals are clear: get noticed, build a following, and eventually make a living playing festivals. For now, though, Conforti is focused on the moment — and on the release of ZCon Cocaine Mirror, a track he hopes introduces listeners to a sound that’s been years in the making.
Fans can keep up with ZCon’s journey and upcoming releases by following him on Instagram.
As Conforti puts it himself: “I have arrived.”
