We speak to the French hard rock quartet ZOE about their 25 years in music and their mission to continue creating and performing to make a steady income.
Band Name: ZOË
Members: Fred (vocals & guitar), Aldo (guitar), Clément (bass) & Holy (drums)
Genre: hard stoner rock
Founded: September 1998
Originated From: Calais, Hauts de France, France
Discography: Make It Burning (LP), Dirty Little Sister (LP), Raise The Veil (LP) & Back Into The Light (LP)
How would you describe your music?
Our music is a mixture of rock n roll, blues, punk and hard rock. We like to enrich ourselves with the roots of rock music.
What is your musical creative process like?
We bring the essence of the title, most often it is a riff and we all get to work. At the end of this process, Fred writes the lyrics to put them on the music.
How did the band form?
It’s a long story. Fred and Aldo started the band. The name ZOË dates back to 1997 when several drummers and bassists succeeded each other to arrive at the current formation. Our style of music was established in 2003. In 2006 we released our first album, which gives ZOË its foundation.
Recently our last album, Back Into The Light (the fourth) was released and there is, of course, an evolution since the first but it respects these foundations.
How did you come up with your band name?
At the birth of the band, we wanted a short name to see it from afar on the posters that evoke the 70s, ZOË met these criteria. In addition, it is a female name, which breaks the clichés of names used in hard rock and metal. We can imagine that ZOË is a free and independent girl. She plays the 70s in what has more rock’n’roll!
Who influenced you within the music industry?
In the band, we all listen to so many different things. For some, it will be the Black Crowes, The Hellacopters, The Rolling Stones. For others it would be The Bronx, Danko Jones, The Hives or Pantera, Slayer… even other styles that aren’t rock and metal.
Have you performed live much and what was your favourite gig to play at?
It was at The Black Lab, the first time we played there. We did a good show and people were receptive and we were welcomed in the best way possible.
What is the best thing about being in a band?
To have fun with your friends and hear the crowds scream and applaud – there are a lot of cool things to being in a band.
What’s the biggest problem you’ve had to overcome so far as a musician(s)?
We all struggle with stress at some point, whether it is a decision about the writing process, an album coming out or a gig. On the road, there can be a lot of anxiety at different levels.
What plans have you got coming up this year?
This year we just continue to give concerts in France and Belgium.
What is your ultimate dream as a band?
To earn enough money to play music every day. We don’t give a fuck about being big rock stars but just have enough money to live correctly.
You can find out more about ZOE and listen to their music on Facebook, YouTube and Bandcamp.
If you’re in a band or a musician and would like to appear on this blog, please contact me and I’ll forward you an interview template.
Also, check out my other Music Interview roundups from 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022.
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