About the Band
How it began
Imperial Zero was formed when three members (Colby – drums, Earl – vocals and Jay – guitar) decided to leave the not-very-fun band situation they were in at the time and create a new project. This one would attempt to remedy the previous problems by ensuring every single member would have an equal vote – it’s with this initial act that IZ was born.
It’s not always easy doing the right thing. We lost access to a great rehearsal space owned by an internationally touring band and essentially started over. We started practicing initially right in Jay’s living room (with a big bay window that the neighbors would watch through). We needed another guitarist and a bass player, and finding the right one would take some time. Choosing a unique band name that we all agreed on proved somewhat tricky as well.
The Pieces Fall Into Place
A band is a very interesting creature. It’s kind of like a marriage of sorts, except instead of two people there’s more and it’s that much more difficult to schedule regular rehearsals. And as we went from 3, to 4 then to 5 members it only got harder.
But the rewards are there when you put the effort in; and sometimes things come together in just the right way. After nearly giving up on a name, Colby threw out the titles of a couple of books he liked. Neither worked particularly well alone, but our singer Earl saw something we could borrow from both. “Imperial Zero!” That’s it! It took some convincing, but it just made sense and had multiple potential meanings. Imperial is a system of measurement, and Zero can mean “nothing” but it’s also the start or beginning as well. There’s also a sort of “King Nothing” interpretation of the name as well.
The Fearless Five
After moving into Earl’s cramped basement for awhile as we continued auditions, Jay got a place with a more suitable band room and we moved into our current HQ. By now we had located Robby as lead guitarist and the search for a bassist continued. As luck had it we eventually found Brian; who had been in a signed band and had actually opened for internationally touring metal acts.
Fast forward a little and the plan is coming together as we build a local following. The band has a stage-load of amazing technology (and growing) including wireless monitors and custom mixes for each member. And we can record in-house in 24-bit 18-track glory which has parleyed into two cover songs (Paranoid & Bulls on Parade) being released on digital services, with a third coming shortly as we work towards an EP’s worth of material.
Talent & Drive
What makes Imperial Zero unique musically is that while we play popular rock hits from many decades; each member’s personal music preferences differ quite a bit. Colby loves jam bands, especially Consider the Source. Brian loves metal (obviously) with Iron Maiden at the top. Jay leans more into punk, choosing Nirvana as a favorite act. Robby enjoys everything from reggae to newer progressive metal bands – with Metallica at the top. Earl has diverse tastes as well but is a big classic rock fan putting Roger Waters & Pink Floyd as his favorite.
All of these various influences work perfectly together to create the gifted powerhouse that is Imperial Zero.