Zopa Pursues Transcendence Beyond Limits
In the heart of chilly January nights on the Lower East Side, Zopa ends their soundcheck at the Mercury Lounge. Fresh from thrilling shows in Washington DC and Philadelphia, vocalist and guitarist Michael Imperioli can't catch his Z's. Although they're surrounded by limelight and cameras, the band's upcoming wall-to-wall Friday night crowd brings a more laid-back charm, with the lingering scent of bleach.
As Imperioli gazes at his bandmates Elijah Amitin and Olmo Tighe, he's reminded of artsy, indie shows' authenticity, even if it doesn't shine as brightly as mainstream spectacles. Recalling instances like watching The Smiths perform at Pier 84 during their The Queen is Dead tour, he sheds some light on his formative adoration for live music. "Dancing Morrissey" was such an enchanting sight that it left an indelible mark on his memory.
As a music aficionado, Imperioli's love for the genre began at a tender age. He'd attend concerts alone – his classic method for nabbing front-row seats. His desire? A moment of transcendence, a feeling when everything fades away, and reality's boundaries are shattered. The most captivating performances, he feels, provide this exact experience.
No stranger to the stage, Imperioli doesn't employ heartificial euphoria, heart-wrenching lyrics or performance-stealing antics. Instead, Zopa focuses on creating a "sonic experience" for their audiences, aiming to generate the same transcendent feelings that have forever enchanted Imperioli. The band's upcoming album, Diamond Vehicle, out on February 21st, is a testament to this goal – it's primed to bring live music experiences to life.
When asked about the album, Imperioli shares gleeful reflections on their ten-minute epic, "The Arrows of Outrageous Fortune." A monumental work-in-progress since 2008, the track blends narratives, solos and dialogues, spanning a range of emotions. The trackure starts mellow, turns tragic and concludes in exhaustion, reflecting complex human emotions.
Amitin suggests the genre "vignette rock" to classify this intricate creation, inspired by works like Lou Reed's "Street Hassle" and The Who's "A Quick One (While He's Away)."
Zopa's shows aren't one-dimensional – they employ moments of spontaneity, allowing the energy of the crowd to dictate their performance. Covering songs from legendaries like Lou Reed, they seamlessly weave the iconic "Ocean" and "Heroin," making each show feel unique.
The entertainment industry might recognize Imperioli as a prominent character in HBO's The White Lotus or The Sopranos, but real die-hards know his passion for music, spanning decades. His love for music isn't a one-time fling – he's committed to the craft with a track-record spanning most of his life. Imperioli insists that his band isn't just his backing act – "It's three musicians doing their thing," he confidently shares.
Sharing stories of his guitar collection, Imperioli fondly speaks about his trusty Fender Jaguar, which became his go-to instrument following Kurt Cobain's powerful appearance onstage. Modifying his own Jaguar with humbucker pickups, he acquired a matching serial numbered 1966 Jaguar, drawn to the chance of owning a twin.
Zopa's music exists to capture the essence of their live performances – no smoke, no mirrors. They recruited celebrated indie-rock producer John Agnello to tap into his technical expertise in the studio, producing a stunning 3-D sound for their listeners.
The lyrics, as Imperioli hints at, are often more ambiguous than explicit. For instance, take "Love and Other Forms of Violence," a song that explores themes of embracing pacification and putting an end to exquisite cycles of violence. The song's dynamic shifts, deftly carrying the listener on an emotional rollercoaster.
Zopa's weekly meditation class leader, Imperioli applies the meditative practices into his songwriting, acknowledging the symbiotic relationship between music, spirituality and personal growth. "Cathartic expression" is a term that holds immense meaning for the band, who find solace in creating music as a trio.
Of course, life experiences creep into the band's music as well. Take, for example, the track "Wrain," which takes inspiration from a close friend's tragic journey. The song named after a cherished friend who succumbed to mental illness, encourages listeners to empathize with those who are struggling, both in the lyrics and the accompanying music.
As fans eagerly await Zopa's latest album, the band remains open-minded towards their listeners' interpretations and shares a sense of vulnerability. A story that empowers and challenges, Diamond Vehicle might just become your personalized adventure––a testament to Zopa's unwavering musical prowess.
In an interview, Michael Imperioli discusses his love for indie rock and the influence of bands like The Smiths on his musical journey. During a Zopa band performance, Imperioli reflects on the authenticity of indie shows and the transcendent feelings they provide. The band Zopa, led by Michael Imperioli, is renowned for creating a "sonic experience" for their audiences, aiming to evoke the same sense of transcendence. The upcoming album, Diamond Vehicle, features a ten-minute epic track titled "The Arrows of Outrageous Fortune," which draws inspiration from Lou Reed and The Who. Zopa's shows often incorporate spontaneity, allowing the energy of the crowd to dictate their performance. The band covers iconic songs from legends like Lou Reed, including "Heroin." Michael Imperioli's passion for music is a lifelong commitment, and his love for music extends beyond his acting roles in shows like The Sopranos and The White Lotus. The producer John Agnello was brought in to capture the essence of Zopa's live performances in their studio recordings. Imperioli's songwriting is deeply influenced by his meditation practice and is a symbiotic relationship between music, spirituality, and personal growth. The band's song "Wrain" takes inspiration from a close friend's tragic journey and encourages empathy for those struggling with mental illness.
