Recently I was able to schedule a Zoom call with Ali Tabatabaee of Zebrahead to discuss the band’s new single, “I Have Mixed Drinks About Feelings,” and the final record in their trilogy of EPs called I. In this interview I asked Ali about the band’s touring plans, how he organizes the band’s setlists, as well as a chance to reflect on Zebrahead’s near 30 year existence. I will be released on November 13th.
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Zebrahead have returned with a new single called “I Have Mixed Drinks About Feelings.”
Read More “Zebrahead – “I Have Mixed Drinks About Feelings””
The latest EP from Zebrahead comes at an important crossroads in their history. II is the second release from the band since adding the new vocalist/guitarist Adrian Estrella, and finds Zebrahead tinkering with their sound in order to discover what works best for them for the foreseeable future. Their last record, entitled III, was a thrilling reinvention of their dynamic sound that left the realm of possibilities wide open for where this artist could travel to next. Much like a storm coming out to sea at the wrong time, this ship occasionally steers off course, when they could’ve simplified the process of crafting these songs. The band covers a little bit of new ground by adding more metal riffs in one song, and attempts a ska/punk track on the EP that goes a bunch of directions, but never in a straight path.
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MxPx have teamed up with Zebrahead and Bad Cop/Bad Cop to cover Mercy Music’s “Nothing in the Dark.”
Read More “MxPx, Zebrahead, Bad Cop/Bad Cop Cover “Nothing in the Dark””
The changing of lead vocalists almost never works for a band. Lucky for us, Zebrahead are all too familiar with shuffling this key cog in the band machine, and sound as re-energized as ever with their third lead vocalist, Adrian Estrella (formerly of Assuming We Survive), who has this beloved band back on the right track. When I last chatted with Adrian and Ali, you could tell that they were sitting on a great collection of music that they have since aptly branded III to mark the third chapter in their storied history. With such a refreshing take on their sound, it’s no wonder why it’s easy to get excited for what the future holds for Zebrahead.
Read More “Zebrahead – III” Zebrahead have released the new song “A Long Way Down.”
Read More “Zebrahead – “A Long Way Down”” A lot has changed in the world of Zebrahead since I last connected with Ali Tabatabaee. The band recently announced that longtime guitarist and front-man, Matty Lewis, had left the band, the pandemic rocked these road veterans touring plans, and the punk rockers were looking for a way to pick up the pieces in searching for their next lead singer of Zebrahead. Enter Adrian Estrella (front-man of Assuming We Survive) to take the coveted reins of the band as they begin their third chapter. In this interview, Ali and Adrian discuss the circumstances that led to Matty Lewis leaving Zebrahead, why the band chose Adrian to move forward with the recording of their new album and upcoming touring plans, as well as what they both think the future holds in store for this latest exciting version of the band.
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Zebrahead’s vocalist/guitarist Matty Lewis has left the band.
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A few days ago I was able to have a conversation with Ali of Fear No Empire, and we chatted about why he decided to form a new, politically-charged rock band after so many years with pop-punk band Zebrahead. Fear No Empire is Ali Tabatabaee – Vocals (Zebrahead,) Ben Ozz – Bass (Zebrahead,) Dan Palmer – Guitar (Zebrahead, Death By Stereo,) and Mike Cambra – Drums (The Adolescents, Death by Stereo and Common War). Their new single, “Revolt” captures their punk rock spirit with some hip-hop elements thrown into the mix. During my conversation with Ali, we discussed the formation of this new band, what makes Fear No Empire unique, and the recording process of their new self-titled EP that will be released this October.
Read More “Ali Tabatabaee of Fear No Empire” Zebrahead have released the new song “Shock and Awe by the Sea.”
Zebrahead have rebased the new song “The Perfect Crime.”
Zebrahead’s new album is out today and the band did a track-by-track breakdown over at Punktastic:
We recorded this song initially with live instruments and then went back and added some loops in order to create the rap verses. In this album, we experimented more with adding loops as the song writing progressed, rather than having them be an afterthought. I really love how the chorus kicks in and lifts the entire songs. This is one of my favourites on the album.
Zebrahead will release their new album Brain Invaders on March 8th. Today they’ve released a video for the new song “All My Friends Are Nobodies.”
Zebrahead will be releasing The Bonus Brothers, a compilation album, on November 24th. The album will contain a variety of songs that were previously only available in Japan. The band have also announced they’re currently working on a new album:
We have been recording the new album and are getting to the point where we can say we are “ALMOST” done. In December, we will start releasing studio recording videos with snippets of new songs…….excited and nervous for you guys to start hearing some of these songs.
