Zomby
Zomby | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1980 (age 43–44) |
| Origin | London, England |
| Genres | UK garage, jungle, eskibeat |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Labels | 4AD, Cult, Werkdiscs, Hyperdub |
| Website | www.myspace.com/zombyproductions |
Zomby (born 1980) is a British electronic musician who began releasing music in 2007. He has released music on several labels, including Hyperdub, Werk Discs and 4AD. Zomby's influences include jungle music and Wiley's eskibeat sound.[1][2]
Career
Zomby's first major release was the Zomby EP in 2008 on Hyperdub.
He released his first full length album, Where Were U in '92?, also in 2008. The album's title refers to the opening line from the M.I.A song "XR2" and is a homage to the rave scene of the early 1990s,[3] reflected by Zomby's mixture of chiptune-inflected UK garage style with the more upbeat, ravey stylings of breakbeat house. Zomby used equipment from the period, such as the Akai S2000 sampler and Atari ST computer.[4]
In 2009, he released a subsequent collection of tracks, One Foot Ahead of the Other.
In 2011, Zomby signed to 4AD Records,[5] on which he released Dedication, also in 2011. In a four-star review in The Guardian, it was described as "an album of pensive, thought-provoking sadness," drawing comparisons to pianist Keith Jarrett and 1990s techno act Spooky.[6] Later that year, he released the Nothing EP.
In 2013, Zomby released a double album, entitled With Love.[7]
Plagiarism controversy
In early 2012, UK producer Reark posted a loop to SoundCloud entitled "Natalia's Song"[8] he claimed to have written in 2007 and that Zomby had plagiarised. Reark later posted a YouTube video demonstrating the track laid out in music making software Reason.[9] Reark had already reported copyright infringement in August 2011 to both 4AD and Zomby, and 4AD responded by co-crediting Reark on the single in late 2011.[10]
Discography
Albums
- Where Were U in '92? (Werk Discs, 2008) (Cult, 2012 vinyl re-issue)
- One Foot Ahead of the Other (Ramp Recordings, 2009)
- Dedication (4AD Records, 2011)[11]
- With Love (4AD Records, 2013)
EPs and singles
- Memories EP (No label, 2007)
- "Memories" (Darkstar Remix)/"Saytar" (MG77 Recordings, 2007)
- "Liquid Dancehall"/"Strange Fruit" (Ramp Recordings, 2008)
- "Mu5h"/"Spliff Dub" (Rustie Remix) (Hyperdub, 2008)
- "Rumours & Revolutions" (Brainmath, 2008)
- "Spliff Dub" (Remixes) (No label, 2008)
- "The Lie" (Ramp Recordings, 2008)
- Zomby EP (2008, Hyperdub)
- "Digital Flora" (Brainmath, 2009)
- "Natalia's Song" (4AD Records, 2011)
- "A Devil Lay Here"/"Basquiat" (4AD Records, 2011)
- Nothing EP (4AD Records, 2011)[12]
References
- ^ "Grime / Dubstep: The Year in Grime / Dubstep | Features". Pitchfork. 6 November 2009. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ "THE SELF-TITLED INTERVIEW: Zomby :: self-titled magazine". Self-titledmag.com. 29 June 2011. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ Patrin, Nate (14 January 2009). "Zomby: Where Were U in 92?". Pitchfork. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
- ^ "Zomby". 4AD. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ Fitzmaurice, Larry (8 April 2011). "Zomby Signs to 4AD". Pitchfork. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
- ^ Dave Simpson (7 July 2011). "Zomby: Dedication – review | Music". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ "With Love by Zomby". 4ad.com. Retrieved 2013-0-19.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "Natalia's Song (original pre-Zomby loop) by reark on SoundCloud – Hear the world's sounds". Soundcloud.com. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ "'Natalia's Song'-gate: Reark submits video evidence against Zomby – FACT Magazine: Music News, New Music". Factmag.com. 8 February 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ "Natalia's Song by Zomby/Reark". 4AD. 9 May 2011. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ Harvell, Jess (12 July 2011). "Zomby: Dedication". Pitchfork. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
- ^ Ryce, Andrew (30 November 2011). "Zomby: Nothing EP". Pitchfork. Retrieved 7 December 2012.