The James Zahn Conspiracy
Musically Diverse Solo Project from James Zahn
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"Though he generally writes raging, guitar-driven Metal with harshly ryhmed choruses and machine-gun drumming, there is something touching about Zahn's ballads -- especially his ode to Darth Vader." --Jesse T., Listen.com
The James Zahn Conspiracy is essentially the alter-ego of Zahn himself. Originally created to be a 50/50 solo project/band after taking a two-year hiatus from music, the Conspiracy became something totally different. The serious intent of the project was corrupted by the internet shortly after its inception. The envisionment of blazing rock music mixed with electronica was quickly turned into mainly electronica made by computer, manipulated by man, with the occasional guitar thrown in. The end result is "Every Side Is A B-Side", a collection of songs made for internet release in 2000, some of which amuse, some that annoy, some that are listenable, and some that just plain suck.
By 2001, the Conspiracy is no longer Zahn's main project, but the name used to release the Electronic Soundtracks to Zahn's other passion, short film. The first of which, entitled "The Hunt" will be finished by year's end, complete with a soundtrack by The James Zahn Conspiracy. As for the "blazing rock", a new project is on the horizon. A straight-forward band returning to Zahn's roots. Rock music. Pounding Drums, Blazing Guitars, and Booming Bass...Band/artist history
Is James Zahn musically diverse, or does he just lack focus? This is a question that has been pondered by many listeners, and Zahn himself. Since first picking up the guitar in 1992, James has primarily carved a niche writing songs that have spanned across many styles. From upbeat pop-punk, to straight out metal and "rapcore", all the way to ska, funk, and most recently electronica, even a 59 second acoustic ode to Star Wars baddie Darth Vader.
Early on in life, James' passion for music became evident, but it wasn't until 1992, at the age of 15, that things would kick into high gear. James was the young host of a music-based cable access show, and a freelance writer for three regional music publications. His TV experience would allow him to meet and interview bands such as Faith No More, Stone Temple Pilots, White Zombie, and many others. Rubbing elbows with some of the rock elite lit the fire that began Zahn's personal musical journey.
By 1994, Zahn was a founding member of the Pop-punk threesome Odlid!. From '94-'98 they would release one album, appear on three compilations, and garner minor college radio airplay. From '96-'98, Zahn also was the head of Sock Monkey Records, an indie label that he put together, releasing one nationally released compilation, "Twisted America" featuring 10 heavy bands from around the country.
After the end of Odlid! and the demise of Sock Monkey in '98, James took some time away from music, until returning to it in January of 2000, with a musical alter-ego, The James Zahn Conspiracy. Part live band, part solo effort, the conspiracy became the new outlet for Zahn's creative efforts. In addition to pursuing music, Zahn continues to branch out, working on two screenplays that he hopes to make into indie-films, and trying to break into acting.Have you performed in front of an audience?Hopefully I'm "live" when I play. Oh, play live. Not currently. Hopefully there will be some live shows this year. I miss being on stage, as I haven't played live since my last band inploded in 1998.
Your musical influences
Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Frank Sinatra, The Cure, Nirvana, Beastie Boys, Metal, Swing, Old-School Punk, Bloodhound Gang, Indie-Films & Star Wars. Too many influences to truly list...What equipment do you use?
Guitars: Fender Strat, BC Rich Warlock, Gibson SG, Charvel Electric/Acoustic. Bass, Drums, Yamaha Keyboards, a wide array of foot pedals and vintage effects, a PC equipped with Sonic Foundry's Sound Forge, and Acid Pro software, and any other sound producing devices I can get my hands on.Anything else?
What do you want to know?
Gurnee, IL
USA
ID
3458
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