Without Self is a project started by artist Zachary Gates, a multi-instrumentalist who has produced works under his own name and for multiple artists in and around Princeton, NJ. Gates records in his home studio, weaving guitar, vintage synthesizers, clarinet, violin, and a host of other instruments, all in the pursuit of creating stirring and beautiful sonic moments that rise and fall in urgency. In his music, synth swells give way to strumming guitar, gradually growing into vignettes of glitched voice and hammered dulcimer. The music is carefully crafted and approachable, but not delicate or complacent. 

Gates has collaborated with artists, Noreen on multiple projects, producing and releasing an EP, Lavender, as well as an upcoming release of electronic dance music. Additionally, Gates has worked on music by Lupia, an indie-rock artist, recording and producing multiple tracks, and playing synthesizer, guitar, and clarinet on those tracks. 
 

Gates’ artist name, Without Self, came out of a question: what does it truly mean to be selfless? What does it mean to put others first? Gates’ life has led him to observe how people, himself included, come to answer these questions, and what that means about us and how we treat those we care about.

Gates is a classically trained musician who studied at a small conservatory, Westminster Choir College. While there, he not only honed his love for classical music and teaching, but found the people and opportunities for making new music that have taken him this far. Gates is a celebrated addition to music technology educators, presenting workshops across the country and serving as the chairperson for the Modern Band ensemble for the New Jersey Music Educators Association. Gates works as a lead sound and lighting technician at the JoAnn Magistro Performing Arts Center in East Brunswick, NJ and has performed choral works in concert with the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Vienna Philharmonic, and Berlin Philharmoniker.