Zen From Mars
Zen From Mars (often abbreviated as ZFM) is an American alternative rock band formed in 2015 by members of Kik Tracee, Enuff Z'Nuff, Flipp, and Fear Factory.[1]
Zen From Mars | |
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Background information | |
Genres | Alternative rock |
Years active | 2015-present |
Associated acts | |
Members |
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Background
Formation
The band was founded by Bang Tango guitarist Drew Fortier, who after demoing songs for what was intended to be Bang Tango's next studio album, decided that the songs would be better fit for a whole different project; which led to Fortier forming the group with Kik Tracee vocalist Stephen Shareaux, then recruiting bassist Chip Z'Nuff, drummer Mike Heller, guitarist Brynn Arens, and pianist Kate Catalina to complete the line up.[2] In early 2016, the band met in Chicago, Illinois for a photo shoot as well as a music video shoot resulting in videos for the tracks New Leaf, Aflame, and Downtown. Currently New Leaf has been the only video released.[3]
Recording
Recording of the band's debut album began in October 2015. Due to the fact that everyone in the band resides in different parts of the country, each member would self produce and record their parts at their respective home studios.[4] Recording for the album was finished in the Summer of 2017. As of October 2017 the album, The Ultra Head Frequency, has been in the process of being mixed and mastered by Richard Easterling for a TBA 2018 release date.[5]
Live
Although the full band has yet to make its live debut, Zen From Mars co-founders Stephen Shareaux and Drew Fortier began performing acoustic shows around the country with a setlist made up of material from Shareaux's former band Kik Tracee, Shareaux's solo album Golden as well as stripped down renditions of Zen From Mars songs[6]. Some notable appearances include performing multiple sets at the grand opening of Megadeth bassist David Ellefson's Ellefson Coffee Co. in Jackson, Minnesota, as well as opening for Mark Slaughter's solo band at Dingbatz in Clifton, New Jersey, and performing a co-headlining set at Herman's Hideaway in Denver, Colorado with the now late ex-Faith No More vocalist Chuck Mosley, with whom Fortier was also guitarist for, and is currently doing a film on.[7][8][9]
Releases
August 2016, while in the midst of recording, the band released a video snippet titled Who Is ZFM? hinting the identities of the band members[10]. Days later the band was announced and a music video was released for a Matt Wallace mix of an early version of the track New Leaf.[11]
September 2016, a teaser of the song Aflame was released.[12]
August 2017, with the announcement of their debut album in the mixing stage; the band's producer/mixer Richard Easterling shared a snippet of the track Inner Mission on his social media page.[13]
Members
- Stephen Shareaux - vocals (2015-present)
- Drew Fortier - guitar (2015–present)
- Chip Z'Nuff - bass (2015–present)
- Mike Heller - drums (2015–present)
- Brynn Arens - guitar (2016–present)
- Kate Catalina - keys (2015–present)
Discography
Singles:
- New Leaf (Matt Wallace Mix) (2016)
Albums:
- The Ultra Head Frequency (TBA)
References
- "KIK TRACEE, ENUFF Z'NUFF, FEAR FACTORY Members Join Forces In ZEN FROM MARS Project". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. 2016-08-09. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
- "Drew Fortier's ideas for Bang Tango songs ended up becoming Zen From Mars material – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
- "WELCOME TO THE AMERICAN UNDERGROUND (Pt.8) Chris Taylor talks with Drew Fortier, musician and film maker". HeadBangers Lifestyle. 2016-09-10. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
- "ZEN FROM MARS: Drew Fortier Offers A Glimpse Inside The New All-Star Band". Icon vs. Icon. 2016-08-10. Retrieved 2018-03-10.
- "Zen From Mars (ZFM) Enters The Mixing Stage On Highly-Anticpated Debut Album". Icon vs. Icon. 2017-08-22. Retrieved 2018-03-10.
- "DON'T NEED RULES: Stephen Shareaux and Drew Fortier To Embark On Acoustic Tour". Icon vs. Icon. 2017-03-26. Retrieved 2018-03-26.
- "Megadeth's David Ellefson returns to Minnesota hometown for his coffee shop's grand opening". Twin Cities. 2017-04-06. Retrieved 2018-03-26.
- bravewords.com. "MARK SLAUGHTER Announces First Solo Show In Support Of Upcoming Halfway There Album". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2018-03-26.
- "Chuck Mosley & Stephen Shareaux - Tickets - Herman's Hideaway - Denver, CO - August 27th, 2017". Ticketfly. Retrieved 2018-03-26.
- bravewords.com. "ZFM - More Details Surface About Mysterious All-Star Band; Big Reveal To Be Made On August 9th". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
- bravewords.com. "ZFM Mystery Solved! ZEN FROM MARS Featuring KIK TRACEE, ENUFF Z'NUFF, FEAR FACTORY, BANG TANGO Members Premier "New Leaf" Music Video". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
- "Zen From Mars release teaser for new song "Aflame" – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
- bravewords.com. "ZEN FROM MARS - Debut Album In Mixing Stage; Audio Preview". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2018-03-26.