ZOOT WOMAN is a British alternative pop band comprised of Johnny Blake, Adam Blake, Stuart Price and Jasmin O’Meara. They back on the scene with a brand new album THINGS ARE WHAT THEY USED TO BE just released this week! As I've mentioned before its brilliant and you definitely need it in your life! Check my review! ( You can grab the album at Amazon, Itunes or Zootwoman.com)
The band is busy on the road in Europe but Johnny took some time to answer a couple questions for us... check it out!
How was Zoot Woman formed?
(Johnny Blake) "Adam and Stuart formed Zoot Woman in the 90's, and I joined them later.
We started working together on a few songs, one of which was 'It's Automatic', and then we had our first album, 'Living In A Magazine'."
Tell us about your new record ‘Things Are What They Used To Be”
JB) "This album had been a long time in the making and as it was coming together, a lot of inspiration was coming back.
The title seemed to sum up that feeling of doing something new, but also returning to a familiar formula and working relationship.
But as far as the music goes, I think we've taken the song writing and song structure to a new place with this record."
How have you all developed as artists since the first record ‘Living in a Magazine’
JB) "I think our individual roles within the band are more defined, and the music has evolved quite naturally.
We are less young and naive as both people and musicians, and I think as an artist of any kind, you can't avoid that process.
Often, you want to revisit your first experience, but it’s rarely something you can repeat. You develop, and now we're doing new things."
You burst onto the scene when the electroclash movement was just starting but shortly after it declined. How have you managed to survive in the genre, staying true to your sound?
JB) "I think, by doing literally that, "staying true to your sound".
We've always tried to do our own thing, and never intended to write for a genre.
I guess we've survived it by either luck or having a strong fan base, or both."
The songs on the new album have a lot more thoughtful lyrics than many electro ‘synth pop’ songs how have you managed to work that combination?
JB) "I approach songs as a vocalist, and possibly distance myself from the production side.
The lyrics and the production of the songs both begin very isolated from each other, and then later we bring them together."
Zoot Woman is highly regarded for live shows. What is the experience of playing live like?
JB) "I have always enjoyed it.
I think firstly, it's all about the songs, but then to take it the performing level is a whole new thing.
We've put a lot of emphasis on playing live over the last few years, so the more work we've put into that along with the loyalty we get back from our fans is a great feeling."
I know you have been playing a lot of shows in Europe. Any plans for any U.S dates?
JB) "In the future, certainly."
The band has such a strong look, it seems like you all really enjoy playing around with fashion. Where do you get you the inspiration?
JB) "I've always been inspired by artists like David Bowie and Depeche Mode, and the element of style has always been important in Zoot Woman.
You can't have the sound without the look, and when you go to gigs, and you see that done to an extreme, it really hits you in the face in a good way."
What are some of your favorite records of all time?
Steely Dan ‘Aja’. Underworld ‘dubnobasswithmyheadman’. The Kinks ‘Are The Village Green Preservation Society’. Bill Withers ‘Menagerie’. Kraftwerk ‘Computer World’
You guys have done a lot of remix and production work for huge artists like Madonna, Scissor Sisters and Seal. What is the experience of working with another artist like as opposed to working on your own projects as part of Zoot Woman?
It’s always an honour working with other artists, whether it’s remixing or collaborating. What you learn from being in a band can be enhanced by working on your own and with outside artists and vice versa.
Thanks Johnny!
Check out this hot new remix of LIVE IN MY HEAD that will be included with the release of the MEMORY video on September 19th complete with new remixes of WE WONT BREAK
Live In My Head (Dyebox Remix)
