Artist Feature: Why Zeds Dead Chose Missoula (Interview)
Triumphantly returning after their sold out Socotra performance last year, electronic heavyweights Zeds Dead are back at the Wilma this New Years Eve. The Canadian duo has shown no signs of slowing down and recently released their first studio album Northern Lights.
As we look forward to the upcoming NYE concert, we took the opportunity to catch up with Zachary Rapp-Rovan a.k.a. Hooks, from Zeds Dead.
With momentary flights to China and the United States for shows, let me start with asking how the road is treating you two?
Just landed from a 15 hour flight, connecting to Jakarta, it’s a bit tiring you could say.
Last year you headlined the Wilma’s sold out Socotra Party, are you excited to be coming back to Missoula?
I remember that show well, the energy there is always crazy, it was a wild show. This time we’re aiming to top that one for New Year’s.
All the local fans are excited to hear “Northern Lights” live, will the performance focus on this new music?
We will definitely be playing a lot of tunes off of Northern Lights but also some brand new ones we’ve been working on that they’ll get to hear for the first time.
“Too Young” is a fresh catch in the genre mix between EDM and Rap. With Trap being so popular, what inspired the dance feeling in this track?
It’s so hard to say what inspired it but it came together in the best way possible. When Rivers wrote the hooks lyrics for it we knew it was something super catchy and then we thought of Pusha T for some reason, and it just blended perfectly.
Deadbeats has released two label compilations so far, will you be playing these tracks for the Missoula crowd?
We’re gonna switch things up and go all over the place so ya never know but I’d be pretty sure you’ll hear some Deadbeats stuff.
With so many sold out Festival and Arena shows this year, what made you two come back to Missoula for a New Year’s Eve show?
Because we knew it was just going to be the right way to bring in the new year. Not a big festival but a real show with the fans.
Any words on Paper Diamond opening for you two?
Love Paper D, he’s a great artist and we went on tour with him on the Altered States tour so he’s the homie.
Any must hear tracks for concert goers to listen to before the New Years show?
Ya just go on soundcloud and listen to every episode of Deadbeats Radio and you might just be ready 😉
Dylan Mamid (DC) will join Hooks at the Wilma as Zeds Dead. The group will be joined by Colorado-based producer Paper Diamond with local support from Missoula native Kapture. Remaining tickets are available at The Top Hat in downtown Missoula or online while supplies last.
-Written by Alex Bardsley
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Tickets and more info HERE
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