This week, The Pier’s Artist Radar is on Oakland, CA based duo, Zion-I. Check back every Thursday for a NEW Artist Radar complete with artist background, photo & FREE Download along with Tour Dates & updated Videos.
Enjoy the read on Zion-I…
Zion-I Background:
Zion I are a hip hop duo from Oakland, California. The duo consists of producer and DJ AmpLive and MC Zumbi. The group is known to its followers for Amp’s futuristic production techniques, using a mix of live instrumentation and samples, and Zumbi’s positive and socially conscious lyrics. Zion I debuted in 1997 with the locally distributed cassette-only EP Enter the Woods. Their first single on Indie label Ground Control Records (Inner Light) paved the way for an album deal and in 2000, they released the critically acclaimed Mind Over Matter. In total, they have released seven studio albums, including the recent release of Atomic Clock.
While the group’s roots are still firmly planted in hip-hop, Atomic Clock’s cavernous, atmospheric vibe recalls both the classic roots reggae of Max Romeo and The Congos and forward-thinking dub mixing of UK artists such as Adrian Sherwood.
With Atomic Clock, the duo employed live musicians to flesh out producer Amp Live’s original beats and thicken the overall sound. For many of Atomic Clock’s tracks, Amp would create the skeleton of the beat himself for the initial direction before collaborating with the group’s live musicians to complement the sound and, in certain cases, redo the track live.
Zion I – Atomic Clock
Song: Many Stylez (Featuring Rebelution)
Courtesy of Zion-I, here is the song So Many Stylez off their new album for FREE Download.
Zion-I Tour Dates:
11.18.10 Thursday Sacramento, CA @ Dimple Records
(In-Store Performance & Album Signing)
11.19.10 Friday Modesto, CA @ Fat Cat Music House
11.20.10 Saturday San Francisco, CA @ Slims
(w/The Holdup. Atomic Clock Album Release Party)
11.21.10 Sunday San Francisco, CA @ Slims
(Atomic Clock Album Release Party)
11.26.10 Friday Lake Tahoe, NV @ Montbleu Resort Casino
11.27.10 Saturday Santa Rosa, CA @ Chrome Lotus
Zion-I Members:
Zumbi– MC/Vocals
Amp Live– Producer/DJ
Zion-I Links:
www.zionicrew.com
www.facebook.com/zionicrew
Zion-I Atomic Clock EPK, 2010