Zex are still a rather new punk band out of Canada that just released two singles, got a full-length record on the way and are about to hit the States for a two week tour, all that within a year after their formation! A lot of different bands come to mind, not so weird because the band draws influences from various musical styles from straight up female fronted punk to the new wave of British heavy metal and I loved what I have heard so far! Time to ask guitarist Jo and vocalist Gretchen some questions!

 

Hi Zex! First of all thanks a lot for doing this interview! How are you guys and girls doing? Could you introduce the band to our readers?
Gretchen Steel: Vocals
Tasha: Drums
Gab Sex: Bass
Jo Capitalicide: Guitar

Since Zex is a rather new band could you please give a brief history of the band so far?
Jo: Gretch and Jo had been working on songs for about a year and pretty much waited for Tasha to move to Ottawa from Halifax. Gab moved to Ottawa from Thunder Bay, so that worked out well also. 

Recently you guys debut with not one, but two EP’s, “Savage City” and “Wanderlust”, on two different labels. Were you excited for these releases to drop? How have the responses been to these singles so far?
Jo: As we speak right now, I havn't seen much reviews for those two singles. They're traditional rock-format singles, not EP's. Just one song and a B side each. Both songs also appear on the full length album, although a different recording.

The artwork on these releases is sick. I believe they’re done by Gretchen your vocalist? Does she have a background in artwork, if so, is any of this used for other releases or in any other way published?
Jo: Gretchen did the back of the Wanderlust 7'' single, otherwise I've done all the other Zex artwork so far.

Gretchen: I've only ever been interested in drawing faces or creepy suicide scenarios. For years I drew eyes on everything, it's some kind of weird obsession I have.

 

I also noticed both 7 inches will be bundled on a cassette tape featuring more unreleased tracks. Can you tell a bit about this release and the songs that will be on it?
Jo:  Since the 7'' sinlges are so limited, we've decided to have them released on tape with two extra songs from the same recording session. We've called that recording done in March the "Ragnarok Session" since it was recorded on the first day of Ragnarok.

You also got a full-length coming up called “Fight For Yourself”! Can you tell something about the writing and recording process? What can people expect of this album?
Jo: "Fight For Yourself" was recorded in a proper studio which is nice. The album might be a bit hard to find initially seeing as how it will be pressed in a very limited number. It’s a self release!

The title-track is available as an official video on Youtube already, I must say I love the chorus and guitar solos of it! What inspires you guys both musically and lyrically?
Jo:  Well not a minute goes by that I'm not sleeping and not listening to music. All kinds of stuff, so obviously some of that will stay in the back of my head. Zex doesn't really set out to sound like anything but people can make their own deductions. I've heard comments like 'Wow, you sound like Helloween meets the Clash" or "Accept if they where the Buzzcocks".

Gretchen: I wrote the lyrics to "Fight for Yourself" based on my experience with life. I find many people complain about where they want to be or what they wish they could've done but haven't because they just say and never do... if you don't Fight for Yourself no one will do it for you. Fight to be who you are, fight to be alive, and stand up for what you believe in. Never surrender or be controlled.

In honor of, well pretty much all these releases, you got a US tour coming up next week! You’ll be touring the country for almost two weeks. Looking forward to it?
Jo: This tour was planned a long time ago, so yes we look forward to touring. It’s frustrating how much time and effort it takes just to go play a few shows to a few people so far away!

What can US fans expect from a Zex show?
Jo: a baby.

Gretchen: a real fuckin show!

Things seem to go extremely fast for you guys. Did you ever expect all of this to happen in what, six months?
Jo: In November 2014, Zex will celebrate one year of existence. I don't think that we're working too fast. We have to do endless rehearsals just to get one simple song down.  This band is a full time job for me.

Gretchen: it's a full time job for all of us. We work extremely hard for what we have and what we're trying to build.

 

Okay, I think that’s  it! Thanks a lot! If there is anything you’d like to add, feel free to do so!
Zex August 2014 US tour:
14 thu Albany Low Beat
15 fri Boston Bat House
16 sat Brooklyn Acheron
17 sun Philly Vox Populi
18 mon Baltimore Sidebar
19 tue Atlanta 529 Flat Shoals
20 wed Orlando Peacock room
21 thu Gainesville Motor Room
22 fri Richmond Wonderland
23 sat Pittsburgh The Shop
24 sun Rochester Genesee Valley Park