INTERVIEW: Too Many Zooz — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Too Many Zooz

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MY first encounter with Too Many Zooz…

was through YouTube videos of them playing to eager and excited commuters. The Brass-House trio grabbed worldwide attention with their thrilling performances in New York’s Subway. I have been speaking with Leo about the band's YouTube videos and what the story of their single, Bedford, is.

He talks to me about upcoming gigs and what it was like working with Beyoncé; whether we will see more material later in the year; what the music vibe is like in New York – Leo tells me who he, and the band, count as influences.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

This is Leo speaking! We are good; back on tour and feels better than ever. When I play by myself, I can never seem to get to the level of passion and enjoyment that I reach playing in front of people, so I’m very happy to be back on tour.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

We are Too Many Zooz; a Brass-House trio that started in the subways of N.Y.C. Brass-House is the sound of a D.J. mixed with the improvisational, conversational attitude of a Jazz trio.

PHOTO CREDIT: Mathieu Foucher

I first came across Too Many Zooz watching YouTube videos playing on the New York City Subway. Do you remember the first time you played there? How did you all get together?

I (Leo) met the King of Sludge playing in a Subway band called the Drumadics. One day, he told everybody in the band he wanted to play more - and that anyone can show up tomorrow morning if they want to play. I was the only person that showed. At first, it was the King of Sludge, myself and his son. We played for several months and then his son went back to school in Portland.

One day, my good school buddy at Manhattan School of Music was just hanging out at my place and I was like: “Hey; wanna come jam with us?!” The rest is history. The first time we played it felt right, so we never stopped.

Were you quite surprised the reaction you got and the number of people who watched videos of your Subway gigs?

Honestly, I wasn’t, but I’m probably the only person that wasn’t surprised. I knew it was special and that people would eventually enjoy our charisma all over the world. However; I did not know it would happen this fast…

Bedford is your latest track. Can you reveal how that came together and what inspired it?

Bedford is a classic ‘Brass-House piece’; I believe it’s volume 78 part 2 - meaning the song was actually made up on the spot to reflect the situation we were in. If we played a fully written-out piece, it wouldn’t have had the same chemistry. We were inspired by the L train; a train that became very important to all of us over the years.

Might we see an album or E.P. coming later this year?

Hopefully, but probably not. We have a single label deal currently, which means we can’t just release stuff whenever we want. But, we have tons of new music and I hope it will be released soon - at the very least, we will definitely be releasing singles throughout this year.

PHOTO CREDIT: Mathieu Foucher

I know you have collaborated with Beyoncé! What was that experience like?!

It was amazing and very professional. She was very kind and the whole experience was just great. There are no words to describe the feeling we had, honestly.

I am interesting finding out who you count as influences. Which artists have inspired you all?

Kanye West, Miles Davis; Diplo, Prince, Ronnie Cuber; Sean Jones, Lenny Picket; Vibes Cartel, Tupac; Migos, Michael Jackson; Beyoncé, Justin Bieber etc.

What is the music scene like in New York? Is it a wonderful place to create and play?

The music scene in New York is great, but it takes a while to get enough work to support yourself. You really have to be a good individual who is talented and driven. As long as you keep your manners and work ethic up, you will succeed and have fun.

Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?

Currently, on a European tour until the end of May…

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

World Domination…duh!

Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Beyoncé!

Too Many Zooz 2018 Credit Brandon Nagy.jpeg

PHOTO CREDIT: Brandon Nagy

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

The Wu-Tang Clan - Water, Hennessy; local food...and something else that I’d rather not mention…

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Find something you are good at it and become great at it. If you are the best at what you do, your chance of success is heightened to an extreme level.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Five Alarm Funk.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Honestly; we all unwind by making our own music and spending time with friends and family. I, personally, really enjoy going to the gym with my brother.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Prince - Purple Rain