Ever since they first emerged, rising duo Zeroz have always looked to add something different to the contemporary grunge arena. And after a pair of Japan and UK tours following the release of ‘The Stupid Song’ last year, they are back to their best once again with their lively new outing ‘Star Kill Lovers’.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what else they have planned for the months ahead as well.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
I began teaching myself music at age 11 when I was lucky enough to get a bass guitar. It wasn’t long before I got access to a guitar, keyboard, and eventually drums–and along with singing, practiced constantly, constantly, constantly every day. I got access to my first DAW at age 14 and have been working endlessly since then on recording, mixing and mastering my songs.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
Mozart, Nirvana, and Death Grips. Nirvana taught me to love music and everything it means to be in a rock-and-roll pop band. Death Grips encouraged me to push my ideas of production and sound, especially mixing custom made glitches with more standard rock structures. Mozart is my absolute fave, and I have learned so much from his music. Learning Mozart’s K545 taught me the freedom of composition within even the simplest of expressions.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
The first time I heard Nirvana, when I was 10, everything changed for me and I knew I wanted to be a musician. I used to hate loud music before that because I grew up with poor alcoholic parents, in a large family in a broken home, where my parents often played very loud classic rock while drinking and being shitty. But putting on those headphones and listening to Nevermind when I was a little kid, it changed everything.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
I either write songs, more or less, in the span of 15 minutes (writing, often recording, the first take for each instrument or vocal and having it be correct), or I’ll write parts of songs (like the bass and drums for a chorus, or the guitar for a verse with some vocals/melody ideas) and then obsessively write and rewrite the song (and parts of the song) obsessing over composition and production until everything is correct–sometimes taking months to finally be complete.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
I watch a looooooooooooooot of anime, and am most often inspired thematically, as well as lyrically, by the stories and characters and music. I do pull inspiration from plenty of other sources as well (books, movies, life), but anime really does form the bulk of inspiration for Zeroz.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope they enjoy the music, that’s good enough for me.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
The industry is a complete mess right now–I think there are only challenges to be faced by the music industry as an artist. I suppose, personally, I could say this: the people at the top of the industry seemingly have zero desire to help anyone else other than themselves, and most everyone else in the industry seems to be vampire-esque, only wanting things from you while offering very little in return. It honestly all seems like a pointless and bad joke. I’m just grateful to have met so many cool artists, and really gracious people at the local level of the music industry–that’s been really nice.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
Getting to make art that I care about.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
I really couldn’t give less of a shit about the music industry, and I know the music industry couldn’t give less of a shit about me; so it’s easy to stay true to myself because I don’t care what other people think about me, and I’m only interested in making the art that I want to make.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
Zeroz is releasing a new album in the fall, along with a mobile app, and a Smol Fall tour.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
On top of the world babyyyyyyyy.
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Watch the new video for Zeroz’s ‘Star Kill Lover’ below.
