This Sunday Joy Zipper will be opening at two of the last Luna shows ever. One bands end is another's beginning. Their latest cd was just released this month and has already become one of our fast favorites with it's smooth sonic edges. Joy Zipper is comprised of Vinny and Tabitha, a couple from Long Island. They are likely to get a lot of Jack and Meg references because of this, but the similarities end there. Harmonies that only Brian Wilson could inspire and a light airy sea breeze feel that makes us wish we were listening to them driving up the Pacific Coast Highway as the sun was setting. However on our iPod, on the F train, it helps us escape the cold, grey winter. More info on how you can transcend the weather by listening to Joy Zipper after the interview, which was a joint effort between both Vinny and Tabitha...
Let's get this out of the way...where did your band name originate?
Joy Zipper is my mothers name. She married my stepfather Jay Zipper 22 years ago and inherited that great name then we stole it.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about playing shows in New York?
My favorite is the terrible smell of the subway in the summer. I love the summer and that's how we really know its here. Least favorite is obviously 9/11.
Least favorite thing is having to lug our equipment down four flights of stairs and then of course back up. Favorite is seeing all our friends faces in the audience.
How does New York's music scene differ from other states/countries you've played?
Weve mostly played in the U.K. and Europe; we haven't been in the scene here for a while so it's hard to say.
Now it's time for some fill-in-the-blank action:
You know you've made it when...
your grandmother thinks youve made it.
It'll be time to pack up the gear for good when...
we can't hear anymore.
I'll never forget the first time I...
saw Vinny
I'll never forget the first time [insert another band members name here]...
Vinny took acid and saw someone get stabbed with a broken beer bottle.
And finally, lets have some fun with word association. Give me your immediate feelings on the following (if you've got no discernable feelings, make something up that won't embarrass you in the morning):
Yankees
Mets
Mets
dirty
Britney
who cares
Bridge & Tunnel
home
The Darkness
nightlight
Times Square
avoid
Bloomberg/Smoking Ban/Noise Laws
dont care
Questions inspired by movies...
If you will, a brief justification of the ontological necessity of modern man's existential dilemma (in less than 10 words). (Reality Bites)
I have a headache.
What came first, the music or the misery? (High Fidelity)
Cant say.
A few quickies on the music tip:
Who would be in your ultimate music supergroup, your all-star Olympic team of rock?
Keith Moon, Paul McCartney on bass, CSN&Y on backing vocals and Kevin Shields on guitar.
If you released a 7 what would you put on the cover?
A drawing of my aunt Vivian.
What was the first/last album you bought on the day it was released?
Never have.
And finally...If Josh Schwartz, creator of the OC, asked you to perform on his tv show (as Modest Mouse, the Killers and the Walkmen recently have) would you?
If the price is right.
Joy Zipper plays Bowery this Sunday at 2pm and 8pm with Luna. The shows are sold out but they'll be back April 5th with Phoenix and Dogs Die in Hot Cars at Irving Plaza.
Their cd, American Whip, is now out and can be purchased here. Their s/t debut cd is available here.
