Zero Minus One are a six-piece hard rock/metal band hailing from La Crosse, Wisconsin. Their name, they explain, is based on the idea that if one person left the band it would be nothing, a noble attitude to have. They cite influences like Volbeat, Lacuna Coil and Tool, though the most notable part of their sound is the duel male/female vocals of Jason Ziegler and Abbey Lane. This song, Against All Odds, is fortunately not a cover of the Phil Collins song, but a brooding mid-paced rock track with a pleasingly crunchy guitar sound. Abbey Lane takes the lead vocals on the verses, combing with Jason Ziegler on the choruses to great effect, and creates a strong verse/chorus dynamic.
The whole band play tightly together, with a sense of feel and the production is importantly not overly polished. A rock band should have some rough edges, in my opinion. There is a nice ascending guitar line played in octaves after the second chorus and in the final minute of the song there is some fantastic soloing from lead guitarist Ryan Antony, so good that I wish it was earlier in the track. Perhaps the concern was that the guitar solo as a feature is seen as passé in rock music these days. Overall, this is a fine piece of modern rock that is fundamentally a well-structured song, rather than just singing over a guitar riff like so many rock/metal bands. Their male/female vocal sound is what the music industry would call their ‘unique selling point’ and helps seperate them from the crowd. With an album of songs as good as this, they will go far.
By Alex Faulkner
Exclusive Interview:
How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Abbey: We have a little down time writing for the next album and were looking into other ways to get the word out about Zero Minus One.
So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Abbey: I grew up in Boscobel Wi. I was born into a family of music lovers. Id watch my Dads band and think to myself “that’s what i want to do.”
How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Abbey: Well we had a dry erase board with ideas from all of us. Just eliminated it down to Zero Minus One because of the meaning. We are nothing without one of us. Each member is as important as the next.
What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Abbey: It is very vital in the world we live in today. We currently have our first single Heroes available for free on Reverb Nation. We occasionally throw out a free cd in the crowd when we play live.
Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Abbey: Submit to everyone who will listen. So many different formats of online radio that will play unsigned talent. You never know who you will reach and who is listening.
Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Abbey: Oh yeah, lol. We are human. The only thing u can do is not be too hard on yourself. Work on fixing it and move on from it.
Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Abbey: Were working twords being a touring band Ha Ha, Is this a PG rated interview? Lets just say we like to get wild on occasion. good times when we are spending weekends on the road.
Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Abbey: Mostly everyday struggles, insperstions and things around me that affect me emotionally seem to be my writing fuel. We work hard together to get a song done. We all have ideas and we try each of them until we find one that we are comfortable with.
Do you have a band website? Do you have a Facebook or Twitter? Do you use Bandcamp, Spotify, ExposedVocals or SoundCloud to share your music?
Abbey: Facebook has been the most important for reaching our fans.http://www.facebook.com/ZEROMINUSONEBAND We also have a Reverb Nation page at thefollowing www.reverbnation.com/zerominusone and Twitter at www.twitter.com/ZeRoMiNuSoNe1
What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Abbey: Every song has its purpose. Weather it inspires me lyric wise, is therapy, makes me feel happy, makes me want to dance, etc… I love it all!
If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Abbey: I would get a small home studio and practice area set up. Spend time with the family.
Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Abbey: We are going to be working with someone who has been is the business as a musician for a long time but we cant reveal the name. Top Secret 🙂
How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Facebook is the best for getting information out. But Reverb Nation is great for previewing our songs. Also You Tube has been great for posting our Against All Odds music video.
If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Abbey: So many choices. I respect all artist and what they do. I’d be happy playing with anyone anywhere.
So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Abbey: We might be doing a collaboration with a regional R&B/Rap artist. Looking at combining his talents with a hard rock feel to a song. Should be interesting.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Abbey: Art. Lawn art, painting, drawing, etc…
Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Abbey: My parents had a wide selection of records I grew up on. Beatles, Stones, John Prime are just a few I remember the best.
How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Abbey: I’ve learned to take it one day at a time. I’ve also learned a lot about sacrifice during this experience. Its all worth it when your up on stage pouring your heart out to your fans.
What should fans look forward too for the rest of 2014 and beyond?
Abbey: Studio time is booked for the end of February and beyond. Get the new songs recorded for a spring release and do as many shows as possible to get the music to the masses
