INTRO

ZTF (ZeektheFreak) is the Scottish alternative indie musician, multi-instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter Zeek Catweazle. ZTF's music features Zeek's low, sultry voice and thought-provoking lyrics.

ABOUT ZEEK

Zeek Catweazle is a Scottish multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, artist, author, actor, and philosopher. He is the pseudonym of writer S. A. Smith, who was born in Dundee, Scotland. Zeek emigrated to the Netherlands in 1979 and, aside from a three-year stay in the South of France, he continues to reside there.

He emerged as a prominent figure in the late 1970s as a singer-songwriter with the Dundee punk/comedy band, the Snap-On Brothers, and in 1978, as half of the comedy/music duo The Infamous Zeek & Giz.

In 1979, he took a significant step by emigrating to the Netherlands, where he has since built a vibrant musical career, with a brief three-year interlude in the South of France.

Zeek is best known as ZeektheFreak/ZTF and for his solo acoustic project, Zeek D'Accoustique. He is also involved with the indie band Catweazle. 

He's also a former member of the bands The Snap-On Brothers, Ebo, Fill Bloom, half of the indie/comedy duo The Infamous Zeek & Giz, and Stevie & the Saddle Sniffers.

His talents extend beyond music; he is also an accomplished novelist, the editor of the zany newspaper The Fools Funnybone, and an engaging philosopher. Additionally, he has made a cameo appearance in the Dutch film 'Huisvrouwen Bestaat Niet 2.'

Now that he has reached retirement age, Zeek remains passionate about his work and is fully committed to continuing his artistic journey. He embraces life with enthusiasm and creativity.

THE HISTORY OF ZEEKtheFREAK

The name ZEEKtheFREAK derives from a song by the Snap-On Brothers, who originally released the track under the same title. ZTF is known by his distinctive pseudonym Zeek Catweazle, capturing the eclectic spirit of his music.

After a hiatus from the music scene that lasted several years, Zeek had a pivotal encounter with guitarist Bas 'Rebel Jesus' Lute, a talented musician who would later join the renowned Freak Band. Bas played an instrumental role in reigniting Zeek’s passion for songwriting, inspiring him to delve back into his creative endeavours.

Zeek recorded three distinctive tapes, showcasing his unique style and musical evolution (more details can be found in the release history below). With a newfound determination, he began sharing his music with the public, performing live and connecting with audiences. One significant opportunity arose when he supported the beloved local indie band, the Bouncing Bettys, at one of their shows. This performance proved to be a tremendous success, garnering him a following and opening the door to additional gigs. As Zeek the Freak’s reputation grew, so did his notoriety in the Alkmaar music scene, where he became famous for his extravagant shock rock performances that left audiences both entertained and stunned.

In 2015, however, Zeek made the bold decision to emigrate to France, seeking new inspirations and experiences. While he did embark on a mini tour in Alkmaar in 2016 to reconnect with his roots, he ultimately decided to step back from live performances. Instead, he chose to concentrate solely on recording his music, embracing the solitude of the studio as a space for artistic exploration. He returned to the Netherlands in 2018 and still resides there.

Zeek continues to record his music at his Resonance Loft Sound Studio and plans to keep releasing albums and singles, but it was decided in 2026 that after 30 years, it was time to upgrade the name and although he will always be ZEEKtheFREAK, the music project will now record under the name ZTF

RELEASESHISTORY

In 1978, shortly after the breakup of the Snap-on Brothers, Zeek Catweazle released a solo cassette tape titled "Ingrown Toenails in My Ears." However, it wasn't until 1996 that he boldly returned to the music scene with his first cassette tape as ZEEKtheFREAK, titled "It's Your Round."  This was just the beginning; in 1997, he followed up with the thought-provoking "The Word According to the Philosophy of the Happy Psycho." By 1998, he unveiled his third cassette, "Freakin' Out with the Necrophilliac Cowboy," showcasing his unique style. In 2000, Zeek continued to push boundaries with "Transvestite Femme Fatal."  It wasn’t until 2008 that ZEEKtheFREAK released his first CD, "Idiots Seeking Sanctuary at the Armageddon," which made a significant impact by generating numerous singles and featuring on various compilation albums.

After relocating to France in 2015, Zeek enhanced his creative vision and, in 2018, released "Spaced Out on Planet Bizarre," a project that once again produced a remarkable array of singles. As the music landscape evolved, he recognised a shift in interest away from shock rock.

Embracing change, Zeek's artistic journey will lead him to explore the more experimental sounds, and this will be heard in the release of his highly anticipated album, "D.I.D.," in 2026/27, which promises to redefine ZTF's musical legacy and showcase a striking departure from its earlier work.

for full discography, click here...

OTHERPROJECTS

Zeek Catweazle is primarily recognised as a musician and stage artist, but few people realise he has diverse interests within the art world. He is the creator and editor of the quirky newspaper, The Fools' Funnybone. In addition, he writes novels that feature alternative humour and is currently working on a children's book and a comic strip for very young readers.. He is also an enthusiastic photographer, with a special fascination for the Moon. 

Check out Zeek Catweazle's website for more about his projects.

THELIVESHOW

ZEEKtheFREAK was well-known in the Alkmaar area for its captivating live shows, which blended shock rock and hard music. The performances often left the audience in disbelief, amazed at what they had just witnessed. However, they were never disappointed.

Zeek's lyrics were controversial, tackling subjects such as necrophilia, religion, and transvestitism. From 1997 to 2016, ZEEKtheFREAK performed live many times, notably every Halloween at Gunnery's Irish Bar in Alkmaar and at the Meijerstock festival in Heiloo, near Alkmaar.

live photos, click here

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