Exploring the Transcendent Sounds of Zillas
Zillas, a project deeply entrenched in the Philadelphia music scene, has emerged as a vibrant force, spearheading a unique soundscape that merges various genres, from electronic and dub to post-punk. This collaboration, closely linked with the acclaimed Making Time events led by Dave P, reflects an ethos that resonates with a diverse range of auditory experiences.
Their Musical Journey
Over the years, Zillas has cultivated a rich discography, releasing tracks through some of the most respected labels in the industry. Their work with Optimo Music, Live at Robert Johnson, Les Disques de la Mort, and Running Back has gained them recognition, establishing a sound that blends various influences into a cohesive musical identity. Their most recent offering, Rolling The Marble Wheel, released on the Human Endeavour label, showcases Zillas at their creative peak. This release also marks their venture into live performances, incorporating vocalist Ari Ratner and bassist Matt O’Hare to create an immersive experience that brings their recordings to life.
The DJ Approach
When discussing their approach as DJs, both Thom and James emphasize intuition and crowd connectivity. Thom notes the importance of reading the audience’s responses to tailor the experience, mentioning a preference for starting sets slowly to build momentum. He speaks to the beauty of time stretching during slower tracks, revealing the hidden nuances within the music. James adds another layer, expressing his quest for a balance between “weird dubby post-punk” and high-energy Italo tracks. This blend creates an evolving soundscape, guiding listeners through a journey from subtlety to explosive beats.
Silence in Sound
Silence plays a critical role in their performances. Thom appreciates the moments of stillness, positing that silence allows for deeper engagement with the music. He enjoys building tension through slower tempos, letting the sound take shape in the silence. James reiterates this, stating that early spaces in sets help to ease the audience onto the dance floor, making silence not just a void but a valuable component of their musical narrative.
Unique Crowd Experiences
The duo has encountered various crowds throughout their career, some more chemically enhanced than others. Thom recalls unforgettable moments at festivals like Making Time and IOTA, where the energy and atmosphere seemed to elevate the audience’s experience to another realm. James echoes this sentiment, particularly appreciating the eclectic vibe of the Tweak Soundsystem at IOTA, bringing a unique energy to the performance.
Inspirations Behind the Music
Musical influences for Zillas stem from a wide array of genres. Thom describes his roots in psychedelic music, dub, and post-punk, recounting his early fascination with the Chemical Brothers and the profound impact of live performances from acts like Soulwax. On the other hand, James highlights artists like Devo and Maurice Fulton, suggesting that their eclectic, genre-blending inspirations directly inform Zillas’ sonic exploration.
Quirky Sources of Inspiration
The creative process for Zillas is an amusing blend of the unusual and the mundane. Thom maintains a quirky habit of collecting fragmented phrases and ideas for track titles, always open to inspiration from everyday life. James humorously mentions recent creative sparks coming from whistling into a Boss SL-2 Slicer pedal and even shared a story about a memorable chicken sandwich that inspired a song—reflecting how even the simplest experiences can weave their way into creative expression.
Ideal Listening Environments
Both Thom and James agree on the importance of listening environments. Loud settings in clubs provide the pulsating backdrop ideal for immersing oneself in their music, but they also recognize the value of headphones. Listening through headphones allows deeper engagement with the intricate details layered within their tracks—an invitation to experience the full spectrum of sound.
Zillas has cultivated a unique atmosphere at their Melt You Down parties in a haunted disco in Philadelphia, which offers them the perfect venue to test new tracks. This intimate space allows for immediate audience feedback—a thrilling element of live music interaction.
The Afterparty Vision
Interestingly, their visions for an ideal afterparty differ. For Thom, nothing beats the comfort of home and a good night’s sleep, epitomizing his mellow personality. Conversely, James envisions a surreal, dream-like space reminiscent of video game bonus levels, filled with strobing lights and kaleidoscopic visuals—an extravaganza that reflects the vibrant energy of their music.
Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, the future for Zillas is bright and filled with exciting projects. Thom hints at plans for recording with the live band this summer, alongside a solo EP that he plans to self-release. Both are equally excited about a special event in Philadelphia celebrating the Chemical Brothers. Meanwhile, James reveals the finishing touches on a post-punk album and teases about a collaboration with a mysterious producer, hinting at promising new releases on the horizon.
Through their thoughtful exploration of sound, engaging live performances, and commitment to creativity, Zillas continues to carve out a unique niche within today’s music landscape. Each of their productions serves as a testament to their artistic vision, inviting listeners to join in on a journey through transcendent soundscapes and immersive musical experiences.
