British blues musicians The Zac Schulze Gang represents the new generation of working-class artists carrying forward the raw, live energy of the UK blues tradition. Based in Kent, a region with a thriving pub scene and deep musical roots, Zac and his band built their reputation through relentless touring and countless gigs. Their long-awaited debut album Straight To It, released on German-based Ruf Records, captures that same live spirit. Zac’s influences are unmistakably British. “I found out about blues through Joe Bonamassa in 2009, John Mayall and the Blues Breakers, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Gary Moore. He also draws inspiration from Dr. Feelgood, Nine Below Zero and UK-blues icon Rory Gallagher, artists whose legacy he helps keep alive on stage. Now 25, Zac has taken his band from The Ship, their local Kent pub, to festivals across Europe and the U.S. “We just wanted to play — and suddenly it all took off.” Interview © 2025 by Peter Schavemaker Tekst, Audio en Podcast Producties. All Rights Reserved.