KUOI had the chance to talk with David Amezcua, former member of the group Awolnation. Amezcua will be releasing a new single called “Summer Nights” on Friday.
Q: Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?
A: “Thanks for taking the time to chat with me. My name is David Amezcua and this is my project “ZIMINY”, with a new single out on July 24th called “Summer Nights.”
Q: How did you get started in music originally?
A: “I come from a town that was rich with music. In the mid 90’s, my town was a breeding ground for music, from Incubus, to Awolnation, Hoobastank and more. I was lucky to come up playing amongst these bands in backyards and coffee shops until we all started to make it.”
Q: What are some of your musical inspirations?
A: “I’m a sucker for vintage music. Bands and artists like Chicago, Elton John, The Beach Boys, Toto, Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac… These are the groups that still inspire me. I do enjoy some new music like Tame Impala, Cage the Elephant and my former group Awolnation.”
Q: Could you tell me about this solo project and how it differs from your previous work?
A: “The fun thing about “ZIMINY” for me is I literally did everything. I wrote every lick, played, and sang every drop of this new album “Love Language” that comes out in August. For example, in Awolnation or Under the Influence of Giants, I would just play the bass. So “ZIMINY” is completely liberating.”
Q: What was it like making this song during this time?
A: “Pretty weird, to be honest. We were already on lockdown with the pandemic. And I had chosen early on to make Kenny Carkeet, producer and engineer, a part of my “quarenteam” so I could work through the lockdown. But as the lockdown continued, so did the Black Lives Matter movement with the passing of George Floyd. I remember working on this stuff, and literally two blocks away in Van Nuys where we were tracking this music, was a massive protest. Helicopters flying overhead, the whole deal. I’m sure if you listen to the instrumental takes of some vocals, there’s a solid chance there is helicopter noise in the background. I have a song out now called “Turn on the Light” which I wrote in response to Floyd’s passing. All proceeds are forever connected to BLM, Color of Change and NAACP Legal Defense Fund. So if anyone reading this has not yet donated to a cause, stream or download the song, and lend your help to a cause that is way beyond overdue.”
Q: What are some of your goals going forward, either with this song or with your career as a whole?
A: “I would love to see “ZIMINY” become a regular fixture in the Alternative music scene.”
Q: Where can our listeners find you and your music?
A: “Currently, on all digital platforms. The single “Summer Nights” will be available July 24th and I will also be selling physical copies of the “Love Language” on both CD and Vinyl starting August 24th.”
Nicole Hindberg can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @HindbergNicole.