ZNi Interview + EP & Concert

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"Out Of My Mind" - 3:46

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It's not everyday you get an opportunity like this, but when tickets and a one on one interview fall on your lap, you take it and run (thanks Britt!). I was given the pleasure of meeting and interviewing upcoming Seattle artist, ZNi at his EP release party. Join me, as we share some laughs, talk music, and later I get my face EMCD'd off.

I met ZNi at the GOODS clothing store off Pike street in Seattle. His hair had grown out a little bit, and his eyes hid behind sleek black glasses. He was born here in the Northwest, but has left footprints as far as Zimbabwe to New York where he held an internship with Def Jam Records. He was supplied with a megaton of emotional music ammunition after suffering through the deaths of both parents and his younger brother. While in New York, he would compile his first studio album, Soldier of Fortune, which due to a lack of resources would never be released. "It's really unfortunate that it didn't come out, but it was a different ZNi back then. I write about different things now." ZNi has evolved as an artist, and with that, said he wouldn't consider releasing it today.

When asked about the Hip-Hop scene in Seattle, and if the Northwest could be compared to other regions in America, he said, "There are a lot of talented artists in this city, but I think the biggest thing lacking for this scene is knowledge of the industry and there doesn't seem to be a lot of support for each other. . . . it's up to us to blow this city up - we have to create it for ourselves, because nobody is coming to give it to us." Amen brother, plus I don't think we can exactly undue Sir Mix A Lot.

So what's the news on the EP Sam? Well, mine is signed. No big deal.

Raise your hand if you like Kanye West! If so, you're in luck my friend. Going through ZNi's EP, Crash, I'm feeling a young Mr. West minus the ego. Not that ZNi is trying to emulate Yeezy, but you definitely hear how the influence pulled his sound in the direction that it did. That and he has a similar pitch and delivery in the flow department. He states that Kanye was indeed a huge factor for his sound, but also dropped a name that I was really not expecting. "My biggest influence, hands down is Keane." That's correct, the English piano rock band. He bought several copies of Under the Iron Sea, claiming it's his favorite album of all time. He even went so far as to say he wouldn't mind collaborating with them on a track. Keane + ZNi? I want to hear that. Got that Keane? I'm calling you out, make it happen.

The Crash EP consist of seven solid tracks plus an outro. It starts things off with the song "Driven," and I have to say, that's a damn good first impression. I'm not sure where Globetrakkers got that sample, but it's hot. It also marks the first time this mogger has ever heard someone giving a shout out to the 206 area code. It use to be my own, a long long time ago. ZNi has a fun time representing the Evergreen State, even mentioning bands like Pearl Jam and Nirvana in the DJ Charma produced song "I'm on It." It's in little moments like that where you can hear ZNi is not a follower. He's taken his own path, and hopefully some sheep will learn from his example. The club banger "Won't Stop" features a one Vaness Alegassi, whose soulful voice counterbalances the booming bass perfectly. He calls the title track "Crash" his favorite work on the project. "It was written out of a very special time in my life, birthed out of pain. At a time I felt my life had literally crashed - it became a motivational tool." Now for those of you who know me, you are aware that I'm not one who particularly encourages the use Auto-Tuners. I've been mostly on the side of Jay-Z, blowing-up boxes of AT's... and bottles of Cristal. However, I'll let ZNi's song "Out of My Mind" slide. The synth driven, beat monster featuring S. Class may be my favorite track on the record. Bottom line, I would cop this ambitious EP over Kanye's 808's and Heartbreak anyday.

ZNi preformed songs from his album on Friday night at the legendary Crocodile Cafe. Of course I can't mention ZNi without his man behind the boards, DJ Charma, who's also been making waves in the Seattle club scene. "He's a friend, a brother, a great producer and he's only growing as time goes on," said ZNi. "He's becoming my number one go-to guy for tracks. . . . We spend a lot of time working so he knows what I'm looking for - he can capture the sound I'm wanting." You can listen to DJ Charma's remix of Drake's "Best I Ever Had" on ZNi's myspace page.

Lastly, I asked ZNi if he could introduce mog to one new group or artist that we may not know about yet... and well, It's so huge I might just have to save that story for another post...

ZNi's track "Impossible is Nothing" is currently being featured on Adidas' Thrill & Destroy campaign, where it's free to download. Look for his full length album to drop sometime in 2010. Tour TBA.

"Driven" - 4:11

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Once again, much thanks to Brittany, Mary, and ZNi.