Change is good. And music is a reason for living. Futuristic embraces his sense of purpose.
AMM Aug. 13 2024
Futurist performs tonight at Empire Control Room, with Gremlin, Zach Diamond and Big Trip.
In recent years, Futuristic reached a pivotal moment in his life and career, so he chose a title for his fourteenth album that hit a little extra. Ikigai, loosely translated, refers to “a reason to live” or “a reason for being,” from a Japanese philosophy about finding joy in purpose. Fourteen LPs in, there’s little room for doubt about Futuristic’s joy.
Born Zachery Lewis Beck to a family of eight kids in Bloomington, IL, it was apparent early on that music was the future Futuristic’s passion, who was rapping by the time he was in first grade. Music also became a guiding force as he navigated his way through depression, following the death of his grandmother.
In 2022, catching most everyone off guard with the decidedly non-rap pop-punk influenced “Gucci” (from Never Too Late) Futuristic continued exploring the multiple influences that sparked his imagination. As he explained in an interview with All Punked Up, “It’s never too late to change. It’s never too late to grow. It’s never too late to start something new. I want everyone listening to realize they don’t have to live life in a box…” Futuristic was eagerly anticipating incorporating a little bit of everything.
Futuristic has brought his Ikigai tour to Austin for a show tonight, Tuesday Aug. 13, at Empire Control Room on E. 7th, on a bill that includes Gremlin, Zach Diamond and Big Trip. Doors at 7 p.m.
