|  | |
How did you decide on the name Zenn?
Before the band was formed, Russ was dead-set on the name Zen. Luckily enough the other musicians who ended up being bandmates were keen on it too.
ZEN (RELAXED) adjective UK
Informal relaxed and not worrying about things that you can not change: "There's nothing you can do to change the situation so you just have to be a bit more zen about it." | | Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary |
The name Zen was chosen due to its depth but we all agreed it lacked something and it 'looked thin' - so we added an extra N.
We altered the spelling but it means the same to us.
What's the history of the band?
Russ used to play in a band based in Torbay. When that band split he formed Zenn with the bassist of that band (later replaced by Jamie in December 2004) and recruited a 'jamming' pal, Colin, as lead guitarist.
We didn't have a drummer but we rehearsed as best we could until we came across Chris who answered an add in the press.
We started gigging in May 2004 and the line-up as it is now has played together since Saturday 11th December, exactly!
And what is the present line up?
Russ Bray, 19, on vocals and guitar.
Colin Flanagan, 18, lead guitar.
Nineteen-year-old Jamie Davies on bass guitar and 21-year-old Chris Stone on drums.
 | | Stairway to success...? |
Colin and Chris live in Paignton and Russ and Jamie live in Torquay. It's great to live in Torbay if you know it as it is on the postcards but when you really know it well, that picture postcard image is a million miles away from the truth.
Though, for the sake of contradiction, maybe we take it for granted at the same time?
For an original band that really want to become something, it's almost inevitable that you're going to have to uproot to a city sooner or later. Unless you're a tribute band that's happy on the pub circuit, but that's not for us. Can we have a lift to London please? How would you sum up your sound in three words?
Honest, melodic, eclectic.
What's the name of the track you've chosen to demo?
We've chosen a song called 'I Remember It Well' from our more acoustic based efforts.
It was written by Russ in December 2004 and this particular version was recorded live at Oldmill Studios in Exeter.
 | | Zenn on stage |
It's unmixed, unmastered and 100% live!
The song is about young love. Sharing a naïve love between two naïve people, then growing up and questioning whether it was actually so naïve after all.
It's about memories and how different people remember the same experiences in very different ways.
Complete the sentence, "When we become famous..."
We would have something else to talk about!
It would be odd to talk about a dream if you were already living it. I guess if we were famous we'd have the freedom we have now but the power to put ourselves in all the places we strive to be. As well as advertising other original artists that deserve a break.
You say you have an eclectic sound because of your influences - who would you love to perform with?
Who wouldn't we? Nirvana, Muse, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Frank Zappa, The Who, Alice in Chains, Damien Rice, Pink Floyd, Pearl Jam, The Beatles, shall we go on....?
 | | Jamie and band in reflective mood |
You're not into performing covers - but what do you think of the current music scene?
Guitar bands are still out there along with the recognition, though the likes of X-Factor and other short-careered, manufactured artists seem to overshadow real bands that really have staying power (Busted need not apply!).
If U2 had been exposed alongside a vintage edition of X-Factor, maybe we would have no idea of who they are today.
The likes of Muse, Damien Rice and Kasbian are our high-hopers at the moment.
Finally then, if you could invite three people (real or fictional, dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would you choose?
John Lennon, Kurt Cobhain and Bob Dylan. |
