Zeke Piestrup is a multifaceted individual who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry as a filmmaker and occasional television host.
Early Career:
Zeke began his professional journey in the music business, initially as a DJ at KROQ in Los Angeles, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. He later transitioned to A&M Records, where he worked as an A&R representative, ultimately signing Gary Jules, the talented artist behind the hit single "Mad World".
Television Hosting:
Zeke has also made a name for himself as a television host, having hosted various shows, including Fresh for VH1, The Daily Beat on Metro in NYC, and TheDaily Habit for Fuel TV.
Background in the Music Industry:
With an extensive background in the music business, Zeke has worked in various capacities, including as an A&R representative at A&M Records, a music publishing consultant at Dreamworks Records, and a radio host at KROQ.
Impact on Local Talent:
At KROQ, Zeke created and hosted "Music From Your Own Backyard", a show that showcased local Los Angeles talent, helping to launch the careers of notable bands such as Sublime, No Doubt, Incubus, Ozomatli, Queens of the Stone Age, and System of a Down.
Live Music Showcase:
From 1995 to 2000, Zeke hosted "Zeke's Backyard Night" at the Opium Den in Hollywood, a weekly local music showcase that featured performances by prominent bands such as No Doubt, Sugar Ray, Spain, the Eels, the Geraldine Fibbers, Ozomatli, Fu Manchu, Queens of the Stone Age, Incubus, Buckcherry, Mike Watt, God Lives Underwater, and many others.
Accolades:
In 1998, Zeke's mom was particularly proud when he was named one of the "100 most influential Californians in the music business".
Documentary Filmmaking:
Zeke has also ventured into documentary filmmaking, directing, editing, and writing the award-winning documentary Downhill: The Bill Johnson Story in 2011. His third film, Apocalypse Later: Harold Camping vs The End of the World, was released three years later.
Personal Life:
Zeke currently resides in Venice, California.
