VAZUM was formed in 2017 by Zach Pliska, who plays drums in various Detroit based bands including George Morris, FUR and VSTRS. As the leader of VAZUM, Pliska writes and performs the songs on recordings, while utilizing a band for live shows. The debut self-titled EP is being independently released on Saturday, February 10th, 2018. It was recorded with Zach Shipps at RV Audio Lab in Ferndale, MI.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with VAZUM about the latest project, his obsessive music playing, his work in multiple projects, challenges in the digital age and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I am from Detroit and the style of music I play is Alternative Rock. Though I am not referring to the late 90’s / early 2000’s Alternative rock of Creed or Staind, which led to nu-metal. I am drawing more from the early 90’s – bands like Smashing Pumpkins are influential to me. They were combining the classic rock musicianship of the 60’s and 70’s with new wave songwriting. Take the moodiness of The Cure and combine it with the power of Led Zeppelin. That’s kind of what I’m trying to do.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
Curiosity. You hear something at a young age you connect with, you try mimicking it on an instrument. You get excited when you learn how to play or write a song. And the learning process continues. Constant discovery and self-reflection, that’s exciting to me.
How did you come to be so involved as a drummer in multiple projects? Are you just a workaholic?
I am obsessive about playing music. I had a drumming ritual for years that involved at least 2 hours of practice per day. So some of it is being a workaholic. There’s also a lot of bands in Detroit and not a lot of good drummers that are willing to show up to practice every week and play out of town shows.
A lot of great music has come out of the Detroit area. What is the current state of the local scene?
The scene is strong. As I mentioned, there are a ton of bands and a good mixture of styles as well as age ranges. You have veterans from the garage rock days playing shows with college bands. However, Detroit and the surrounding metro area is very spread out and there is no public transit. If someone wants to see a show it’s going to be for good reason. They may have to drive 45 minutes. As a result people are not as willing to attend shows when they can stumble to the karaoke bar down the street.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
This is the first VAZUM release and my first as a vocalist, instrumentalist and songwriter. My previous releases were primarily as a drummer with other bands. It has been a very exciting process. I did have a specific sound in mind when writing these songs. I wanted them to be guitar driven, up-beat and not complicated. I wanted songs I could play live in someone’s basement without needing much equipment. Keep it simple and add things as I go along, that’s my motto.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
The news cycles are getting shorter and shorter. Bands release a record, it gets press for a day or two then it disappears. On to the next one. It’s good in the sense it keeps everyone on their toes and striving to improve. But it’s hard on the psyche. It is very discouraging to work on a record for a year or more and have it fall on deaf ears. That’s why with VAZUM I’m doing everything in the spirit of the moment. I wrote the songs quickly, recorded the EP quickly and assembled a band quickly. I’m trying to keep up with the digital age. I don’t want to get stuck. As far as technology helping, it aids in every process. You can record an album, book a tour and release a music video all from the comfort of your living room.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Soundcloud for music https://soundcloud.com/vazum
Facebook for shows https://www.facebook.com/VAZUMROCKS/
Anything else before we sign off?
Thank you very much. You will be hearing from me in the near future. I have another album in the works.
