After the rousing response to their much-loved EP 'Incoming' last year, US trio ZIM continue their vibrant ascent with the breezy new offering 'The Day She Left Him'.
Lifted from their forthcoming new album 'Go', which is set to arrive soon, 'The Day She Left Him' makes for a wondrous return for the three-piece. With its bright and shimmering textures, sweeping atmosphere, and impactful vocals layered throughout, they are returning to the fold with one of their most engaging efforts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and infleunces over the years.
What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
The Beatles. Grew up playing my older brothers’ scratchy 45’s of theirs, watching the yellow/orange Capital labels spin around on the turntable. I was hooked on the melodies and harmonies.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
I was in a few classic garage bands a while back that played Stones, Skynyrd and blues. We had some great names, like Obedire Spittle and Painters on Crack (POC). POC played a bunch of gigs in and around Boston, Mass., but our fav was the Middle East Cafe in Central Square, Cambridge.
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
Melodies, riffs, and bits of lyrics that float into my consciousness from time to time inspire me the most. When they come in, I’m compelled to jot them down, record them on the phone and then commit to fleshing them out soon after. Every once in a while, these things align with a major event or cultural situation and I make time to put it all together, as with a song of mind called, “I Was a Man.”
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
I wish, but I could never write a song like “Mr. Blue Sky,” by ELO, or “Daughter” by Peter Blegvad. They sound like simple songs, but they’re not. They capture poignant feelings in really melodic, memorable, and articulate tunes. I love them.
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
I’d like to relive the recording sessions with Eddie and the boys from two months ago. They were a blast.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
Unfortunately, this has to be more of a dream, but Warren Zevon or Levon Helm & Rick Danko.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
I would LOVE to collaborate with Emily Scott Robinson of Nashville someday.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
On stage with Eddie and the boys and/or in a movie theater listening to one of my tunes blasting through the speakers as the soundtrack to a blockbuster movie.
ZIM's new single 'The Day She Left Him' is out now. Check it out below.