Sensational “Brass House” trio Too Many Zooz are on the brink of an incredibly busy year following their massive 2016 which included the release of their latest full-length, Subway Gawdz, and a collaboration with none other than Beyoncé on her album, Lemonade, which led to the band being asked to perform with her and The Dixie Chicks at the 2016 CMA Awards in November. Showing no signs of slowing down, the band, who have become a busking phenomenon in the New York City subways, will be hitting the road, taking their show through Denver on Saturday, March 25th (Purchase tickets here). But they’re not stopping there – Too Many Zooz are already planning on releasing their next EP this summer with the promise of more tour dates to come.
Interview by Dom Vigil
Can you tell us a little bit about Too Many Zooz for any readers who might not be familiar?
Too Many Zooz is a New York City brasshouse trio comprised of baritone saxophone, trumpet, drums, and percussion. Brasshouse is the music which Too Many Zooz created in the subway system in New York City.
How did you first find one another and come together to begin creating music?
Leo and Matt went to the Manhattan School of Music together. During their time there, Leo began playing with a band in the subway, called the Drumadics, which is where he first met the King of Sludge. After about a year of playing with the Drumadics, Leo and Sludge began playing on their own in the subway, as a duo. Not too long after that, I joined them and Too Many Zooz was born.
When you first started playing together, was there ever a goal or an idea for what you wanted to create? How did you come to find the sound that you guys have now?
No goals. No plans. Just improvisation. It came from real emotion and listening to each other.
Coming from different musical and creative backgrounds, do you find yourselves still learning from one another as you play together? How so?
Yeah, I mean, we’ve played together for countless, and I MEAN countless, hours and at a certain point, it quits being about knowing your parts etc. etc. and becomes a process of learning more about yourself as an individual.
You guys have a string of shows coming up throughout spring and summer, one of which will bring you through Denver! What are you most excited about for the upcoming Colorado stop this month?
Colorado is a fun place to be. Hopefully we’ll get some good weather. Super stoked!
Are there any places that you’re particularly excited to play?
Everywhere we play has its own personality, perks, and flaws. That’s the beauty of touring. Getting to immerse yourself in a whole bunch of musical environments.
Over the past few years, you guys have released multiple EPs, your full-length last year and got the chance to perform alongside Beyonce, yet you can still be found playing where you started out – at the subway station. What draws you to performing out on the street still?
The subway is where it all started, and where we go to workshop material. You get a level of honesty from your audience down there that you can’t get anywhere else.
Although you have a few tour dates lined up, do you have any plans to do any more extensive touring this year?
Yes, and we will be announcing more tour dates soon.
What about new music? Could fans expect to hear anything new soon?
Yes, we’re in the process of recording a new EP, which is set for an early summer release. More info soon but keep your eyes peeled.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you!!
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