Emily Zuzik Rocks
November 7, 2010 No Comments
Emily Zuzik
Home-base: Brooklyn, NY
How would you describe your relationship with music over the last 5 years?
I’ve spent the last 5 years working in music in a number of ways. I’ve toured across the country, as well as in the UK, Scotland and Ireland. I’ve recorded and released 3 recordings–2006′s “You Had Me at Goodbye”, 2009′s “The Jagged Life ep” and 2010′s release “Domestic Blitz” with producer/bassist Tim Lefebvre. I’ve also collaborated with a number of musicians including Moby (upcoming 2011 record), UK DJs REFIX (“Roll On”), Marwood (“Another Last Goodbye”), Will Hawkins (“Ghost Town”) and Tom Glynn (“Passing Dream”). My music has also appeared on the CW’s “Smallville,” in the artist cd for Esopus Magazine, and the indie film, “Fifth Form.”
As a writer, I’ve definitely embraced more collaborative work over the last 5 years. I write with a number of people, both for artistic release and commercial pitches. It’s a challenge to produce music on deadline or to work over skype or even to just try and make something from nothing. I find that challenge as well as different cowriters’ personalities or experience can take a song to a different place than if you were writing alone. I find that exciting.
Where do you find your writing inspiration?
Well, these days, I still write mostly autobiographically, but now I also sometimes have cowriters who have different ideas for a song’s direction, or if the work is commercial, there may be artistic direction or certain wording that is already determined. I like to explore human relationships, women’s relationships in the world and universal themes of love, survival, loss and bliss.
Things you are juggling:
I currently wear a lot of hats with music–promoting a new record with Tim Lefebvre, playing live with my rock band, recording a new rock album, working a day job NOT in music, freelancing as a studio singer or writer, working a spiritual program for my life and dedicating time to my family and friends. It’s a lot of work, but I’ve found that in dedicating to those things, that many other projects or people who used to take up a lot of my time, simply don’t anymore. I also don’t hang as much on the “scene” or out late at night, which might work against me promotionally, but really gives me the energy and strength to continue working the way I do. It also allows me to spend more quality time with the people who care as much about me as I do them.
Biggest challenge about being an independent musician:
Balancing the work input to benefits output ratio. I don’t see the virtue in “suffering” for music as much these days. I accept my talents and limitations as regards my singing, my writing and my performing and I’m no longer willing to “give it all away” or do everything that comes down the pike. By choosing what I want to do, I can give more of myself to those selected opportunities. It also allows me to do what I love and build a sustainable life.
Best thing about being an independent musician:
Being able to do what I love without answering to a boss.
Gear you use:
1970s era Gibson Southern Jumbo Deluxe acoustic guitar. 2000 Epiphone ES 295 archtop electric guitar. Fender Blues Junior amp. 1950s Kay acoustic archtop.
Dream gear?
Neumann U48, U67, U87.
Anything else?
I’m very grateful for all the love and support I’ve received over my music career. I will continue to grow and challenge myself and try to keep making relevant music.
You can learn more about Emily at:
http://www.myspace.com/emilyzuzik
http://www.myspace.com/mzelectronica
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