PZ47: Exclusive full-length interview with DUB 5

Addiction, Ambition and Iceland: PZ47’s transformative Journey with DUB 5

PZ47, an artist hailing from Hertfordshire, has completely reenergised his career since teaming up with DUB 5. Now a recognisable face within the community, he’s been tirelessly promoting his work online with no signs of slowing down. This Sunday, December 15th, he’ll take the stage at DUB 5: LIVE, an event he’s eager to perform at.

"Looking forward to it," he shares. "I always love performing my music, especially in intimate settings where everyone’s really listening and taking it all in."

Here’s the full interview:

"33" sounds very accomplished, like a new level in your artistry. How would you describe the recording process and production on this one?

PZ47 on DUB 5’s STUDIO A stairway, Central London

With 33, I wanted to push my sound forward, particularly in terms of storytelling. The dynamics of the beat, crafted by Dezyne, really complemented that vision. This track took me on a journey, and my goal with the lyrics was to engage listeners in my personal experience. When Dezyne sent it over, it was an easy decision to use it. For the mix and master, Nydus brought everything together, giving the project the perfect balance of clarity and depth. I believe it’s crucial to work with an engineer who understands your direction, and you can tell NYDUS really puts effort into understanding the artists he works with.

PZ47 joins DUB 5 in Reykjavik, Iceland FEB - MAR 2025

The video for "33" is being shot in Iceland. Why have you decided to work with DUB 5 again in Reykjavik, and what excites you most about this project?

I’m really excited to link up with DUB 5 again for the 33 video. We’ve got a strong chemistry that’s still building—it just feels right. Iceland’s got that raw, unfiltered energy that matches the vibe of the song. The landscape’s wild and unpredictable, kind of like the story I’m telling in 33. What excites me the most is taking the track to a place that feels as bold as the music itself, and I know DUB 5 will capture that energy and make it come to life visually.

Your transformation, both physically and mentally, is evident. How did that happen, and what were you exposed to that shifted this change?

PZ47 transformation from 2020 > 2024

My transformation came from a place of necessity. A few years ago, I was deep in drug addiction. It was a constant battle and I really disliked myself and my life at the time. After suffering multiple seizures, near-death experiences, and homelessness, I hit rock bottom. I finally decided to make a change at 23, realising it wasn’t too late to turn things around.

It wasn’t easy, and it didn’t happen overnight, but I’m now 3.5 years clean. This journey has taught me the power of self-reflection, discipline, and the importance of mental health. 33 is directly inspired by that experience—it’s about the struggle, the lessons, and the strength it takes to rebuild. The journey shifted my perspective on life and music. I’m in a better headspace now, and it’s reflected in the direction I’m taking with my art. I feel like I’m finally able to speak my truth in a way I couldn’t before.

What are the biggest challenges in addiction?

There were many challenges during addiction, both mentally and emotionally. It’s not just about the physical withdrawal or cravings, though those were significant. The real struggle was the constant inner conflict—the guilt, the shame, and the feeling of being trapped. Breaking free from old patterns was incredibly hard, especially when my self-esteem had taken such a hit. I lost sight of who I was and who I could be, and rebuilding that self-trust became a huge part of my recovery process. It’s been a long road, but every day you don’t give up, you build more strength.

What does music mean to you?

PZ47 @ Rome Fiumicino Airport, 2024

Music is everything to me. It’s my way of processing the world, my outlet for expression and my form of communication when spoken words aren’t enough. It’s been a constant companion, especially through the highs and lows of my life. Music allows me to speak my truth, connect with others and feel heard in ways that nothing else can. Some people journal; I write songs. For me, it’s more than just a passion—it’s a lifeline.

Performing live vs. performing in a music video: What’s the difference?

They’re completely different experiences. Live shows are about the energy exchange with the crowd. You’re in the moment with them, and it’s important to connect on a personal level through body language, eye contact, and delivering the lyrics in an engaging and thought-provoking way.

Music videos, on the other hand, are about capturing the essence of your surroundings. Where you choose to film plays a big part in that. You have more control over the mood you’re trying to create through shots, locations, lighting and props. In short, live performances are driven by the crowd in the moment, while music videos are a more calculated process.

You shot your video "Too Much" in Rome with the DUB 5 production team. How would you describe that experience?

Shooting the video for Too Much in Rome with the DUB 5 team was unforgettable. Rome has such a unique energy and working with DUB 5 was seamless as always. They understand my vision and know how to bring it to life in a way that feels authentic. The whole process was a pleasure and we tapped into the energy of the location to create something that felt both cinematic and real. It was an incredible experience all around.

Which artists within the DUB 5 community inspire you the most, and who would you like to work with?

Within the DUB 5 community, several artists inspire me. Lxst Legend stands out for his impressive wordplay and lyrical ability—he’s someone I admire and would love to work with. I’ve also recently connected with OMGChris and Jsully, who I met at a DUB 5 event. I really vibe with their sound and we’ve even worked on a track together that’s sounding fire.

Odee & Boydee are another duo I’m really drawn to. I met them through DUB 5 as well and the passion and energy they bring to their music is contagious. I just recorded a track at DUB 5 with Odee, which was released on December 5th. There’s so much talent and creativity flowing through DUB 5’s doors, it’s impossible to name everyone I’d like to collaborate with.

Catch PZ47 this Sunday at DUB 5: LIVE, and stay tuned for the release of the '33' music video coming soon!