Ziplock is another awesome punk band from the UK. They have played some great shows and have released 2 really great EPs. I got the band to tell their story...
Introduce yourself…
Hello, we're Ziplock!! We are Shod-vox/admin, Scum-bass/overlord, Scrawny-guitar/housing solutions, Robot Hedge-drums/concentrators
How did the band start?
Rob, Scrawny and Scum starting toying with the idea of forming another band after their previous juggernaut, Stray Bullets, sort of lost its direction and lead guitarist in one fell swoop! They continued to write and rehearse, but also knew there was a general reluctance among the 3 of them to take the lead with vocals. We tried out several vocalists but they all left us. We're a unique band in many respects and I guess they weren't the 'right' people. Scum had known Shod from a previous band, D-Control, and it was decided that having a young-un around us would be smart. So we got him involved and haven't looked back.
How did you come up with the name?
The name was Shod's suggestion - we had many ideas for a name and it was difficult to choose the right sounding name for what we do. Ziplock was the one we all agreed on. He came up with it while watching Halloween - bodybags and the like.
Who would you say are your influences?
Our musical infulences, like our age, spans a broad spectrum. So I'd say Robot and Scrawny come from The Clash/Ramones/Exploited/GBH era. Scum's are more from 80s movies and Hair Metal. Shod's fond of the D-Beat/Crust scene.
What is the punk scene like in the UK?
The scene in the UK kind of has cycles. At present I guess it must be doing pretty good as there are so many bands and gigs. There's usually something rad going on without having to travel too far.
What is the song writing process?
As far as song writing goes, it's a bit of a free for all! Sometimes one of us will come up with a riff, some structure and a melody and it'll just take a bit of work from the rest of us. Robot, Scrawny and Scum have quite alot of unfinished song structures, so sometimes we'll just nick a bit from one, a bit from another and Robert's your mothers brother - we have a new song!
What have you released?
We're still in the process of writing ready for a release, we record rehearsals and if it's a good take it usually goes up onto Soundcloud or Facefuck. There is a small back catalogue of releases from previous bands we've been in.
Semtex - Straight Razors and Strange Souvenirs & Shirt off Your Back EP (Scrawny and Robot)
D-Control - Too Little Too Late EP (Shod)
Stray Bullets - Gangstas Corner Comp (Scum, Scrawny and Robot)
... think they're all available through Gratutitous Beaver Recs (hint hint)
Tell us about the lineup…
The line up as is has only been together for 6 months. We're all parents, and 75% of us have jobs. Robot, Scum and Scrawny started playing together as a result of their original bassists relocation, that was in the days of Stray Bullets. Scrawny's a builder, Shod makes hooky t-shirts, Robot works in cat pottery and Scum works as a tour manager/backline tech.
Who are some of the bands you have done shows with?
As we write this we're still a week away from our first show as Ziplock (Peterborough Roundhead w/ Born to Destruct and The Deadites). In previous bands we've played with The Damned, UK SUBS, The Peacocks, Moral Dilemma, Bomb the Music Ind, Hotwired, Beginning of the End, Teratoid, Valient Thorr, Project Mork, Vanilla Pod, Meinhof, Toybox Terror, Death Skulls, Constant State of Terror, Spectrahawk, Paradox, Officer Down, Mediatrocity, War/System, Bloodshed Remains, Exploited, Dead Kennedys, Spear of Destiny and Goldblade (looks quite good when it's all written down!)
In a work capacity Scum has toured with Dropkick Murphys, NOFX, Face to Face, Pour Habit, Streetlight Manifesto, The Specials, Civet, Assorted Jellybeans, The Skints, Tital Chaos, Link 80, MU330, that kind of thing.
Do you prefer to do shows at large venues or small clubs?
I think we prefer to play small clubs filled with lots of people!
Have you toured?
We haven't toured yet, but only really look to play out of town shows because home town shows are too easy to get and you don't really get any kind of buzz playing to a room of familiar faces.
Is there a favorite band you like to do shows with?
Any of the above as they're all wicked bands, or any bands that want to play with us!
Is there a favorite place you like to do shows at?
Places like the Underworld always bring in a good crowd, but even venues like the Waterfront in Norwich or the 12 Bar in London. Always happy to play anywhere that'll have us.
What do you see is the future of Ziplock?
We hope to do a solid recording at some point (if we can ever afford it, or someone wants to pay for it!) Keep doing what we're doing, but more of it and more often. Play a few shows and sell a couple of tshirts!
How can people contact the band?
If you want to contact us either go to:
www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Ziplock/175133382507284
www.myspace.com/ziplockziplock
or email ziplockband@hotmail.co.uk
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