Brass Power House group Too Many Zooz returned to the scene where it all began on Saturday, April 6 as the trio concluded their self titled album tour in epic fashion.
Retail Therapy is the band’s first album in almost five years, and we had the opportunity to ask one of the bands founding members, Matt Muirhead, about their new album, life for a band that’s been together for 10 years, and what’s next for the acclaimed trio.
The album came together more than a year ago now…generally I think our goal was just to create as much as possible, and then spend the following months trimming the fat and deciding what we wanted to keep and sculpt out, and what to get rid of.
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz
Songs like “Subway Devil Blues” off their latest work and their previously released “Subway Gawds,” the roots of Too Many Zooz can be traced 10 years back to the bustling music scene in the NYC transit system, they all met as working musicians in the subway system. Despite their continued success, the band’s iconic brass and beats sound can still be heard echoing through the tunnels as they busk regularly to this day.
The subway is where we came from. It shaped our music and us as people equally. We’re very grateful for the people of New York for loving us and supporting us to this day.
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz
The band consists of Leo Pellegrino, David “The King of Sludge” Parks, and Matt Muirhead. They self describe their sound as “brasshouse”, and appropriately so. Leo and Matt bring brass of varying tempos while The King of Sludge provides the perpetual beat. The vibe transcends labels as it encorporates a fusion of jazz and percussion with EDM house music. Asking about their songwriting style and process, Matt said the following:
There isn’t a set formula for us-every song is different and how they come to fruition is seemingly unique each time. Of course, over the years you start to develop habits as writers, but we try to approach each song as its own and give it the love and energy it deserves.
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz
The evening at Brooklyn Bowl opened with a strong solo performance by Michael Wilbur, a long time collaborator and frequent guest star. Joining TMZ shortly after his own set, Michael was featured on Retail Therapy, and he has toured alongside them with his own band, Moon Hooch. Michael was not the only guest of the evening, as the band brought out a dynamic percussion duo that brought the evening to a whole new level.
…for me, collaboration is the thing that excites me most about the creation process…. there’s nothing more dismal than sitting in a studio by yourself . Collaborations are such a special and beautiful thing and each one is new and different so for me, I was thrilled to be able to have so many friends on the project.
Even within Too Many Zooz internally, I think what makes our bands sound so unique is the inherent creative collaboration between just the 3 of us- we all have different backgrounds and experiences and we believe in a musical democracy where those sources of inspiration can intertwine, sprout, and grow into something beautiful.
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz
Too Many Zooz went viral in 2014 when a passerby recorded their performance at Union Square Station. Whether it’s their distinguishable sound, or Leo P’s classic showmanship, its clear that they have captured the publics attention, converting viewers into passionate fans. They regularly tour around the country, in the festival circuit, and play abroad. From inside the subways, to venues to around the world, their connection to the fans is undeniable.
I love our fans and am endlessly grateful for them and their support. It blows my mind sometimes how lucky we are to have such loyal fans that continue to show love all these years later. On stage, our connection is immediate . We’re definitely a band that feeds off of energy. If the crowd is crazy, the show will probably be that much crazier. Off stage, we’ve been fortunate to meet some really cool, funny, interesting people who happen to be fans of us and generally speaking I feel confident in saying that our crowds are some of the more accepting, welcoming, and warm people I’ve ever had the chance to play for
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz
Being on the road and playing music together for so long, life and art are bound to blend together. When asked about what their biggest challenge as a band was, Matt reflected “This band as been an enormous learning experience in regards to working with people and truly understand teamwork.”
I was a kid when we started this band and I look back and laugh at who I was. Next to my parents and loved ones, I’ve learned more about myself and who I want to be from Leo and Sludge than anyone in my life. They have been and continue to be monumental sources of inspiration to me on and off stage
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz
Retail Therapy is out now and is available for streaming. For fans who missed out on their tour, you can catch them this summer as they join Coheed & Cambria and Primus on select dates this summer. Tickets are on sale now.
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