Zero Zero

Local record label 80/20 has been on a roll lately. The label signed Future Loves Past, PALMS, and Captain Squeegee last month, and announced the acquisition of local electro fuzz poppers Zero Zero yesterday. Zero Zero, like the other three bands, is set to release a new album this year.
See also:

-The Top 10 Phoenix Albums of 2012
-80/20 Records Snags Future Loves Past, PALMS, and Captain Squeegee



Zero Zero

80/20 Records is reaping the benefits of an expanding clientele, which is likely flocking to the label thanks to its deal. As the name suggests, 80% of the profits stay with the bands, which is great compared to the 40 to 50% most artists get on the standard indie label.
"I feel that the artists are putting so much of themselves into their music and working so hard to create these works that they deserve the majority it reaps. The reason why we can sustain giving 80 percent royalties to our artists is being efficient within the label," said label co-founder Mike Zimmerlich in an interview with Christina Caldwell last year.

Zero Zero's self-produced debut album MAYDAY has already received its share of critical acclaim, landing a spot on our top 10 local records of 2012 list.

Glenn Burnsilver describes the mix of garage-rock guitars and "float-y" vocals as follows--"[the] sounds are thick and lush, but also sparkly and poppy on top, though the rhythms feel mesmerizingly primitive. The lyrics are a little dark, personal, and occasionally biting. "Drug" offers a raw edge in a pop-infused melody over Laurenne's breathy femme fatale vocals, while "Tear It Up" is a starker, gritty experience of fuzz and fur and sinister undertone, like a soundtrack for a '60s cop show, but one where the cops take acid for mystical mind-tripping revelations." - Phoenix New Times

On Saturday November 17, 2012, local Band Zero Zero opened for international touring band A Silent Film. KUKQ’s Pub Rock in Scottsdale hosted this all ages show, with no cover. Stunning when one considers that A Silent Film is touring with Blue October, playing at venue like The House of Blues in Houston, fetching up to $67 a ticket. I recalled the band name A Silent Film when I interviewed touring band IAMDYNAMITE, as being one of the bands they enjoyed playing with the most. So I checked them out, and since I’m a sucker for well-executed pop, I proceeded to gorge myself on their recordings on spotify.

Zero Zero

Zero Zero’s executed their electro fuzz set true to character: perfection. Frontwoman Nicole Laurenne dropped the bass tones and melodies simultaneously with her dancing digits on dual keyboards, while singing –with a side of sexpot. Drummer Nick Ramirez always reminds me of the character Animal from The Muppets, emphatically having his own bang party. Guitarist Michael Johnny Walker, as his namesake, is a straight up badass who simply oozes cool. Rock on Zero Zero, or should I say, dance on?



A Silent Film

If a good singer sings with their eyes, a great singer surely sings with their entire body. Lead singer and pianist Robert Stevenson delivered utter sonic delight. Stevenson’s range and vocal skills were masterfully articulated; his vibrant and captivating stage presence engaged the crowd with every note and gesture. I wouldn’t be surprised if upon his passing, the angels ask Stevenson for vocal lessons (yes, really.)



Lest I not forget the kid who sits in the back of the class –Spencer Walker, was equally as impressive with his zealous drumming and back up harmonies. Rounding out this incredible English Oxford pop-rock sound are Karl Bareham on guitar and, Ali Hussain on bass. It is evident that this is a band that is completely enraptured in bliss of the moment while performing. I give to you Exhibit A: Reaching the Potential from the Sycamore Tapes a series that demonstrates all of the above, which I would recommend you explore.

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While on stage, Stevenson mentioned to his bewitched audience that he loves Arizona, apparently so. The band relocated to AZ to record their second album Sand and Snow and filmed the videoDanny, Dakota & the Wishing Well in Arizona. With all the love this band has shown to Arizona, I’d say give them a listen. Come back soon, ASF.

“The band relocated to Arizona a few years ago to write and record our latest CD “Sand & Snow”, We chose Arizona as opposed to the more traditional L.A. or N.Y. move as we had also spent some time in AZ prior to that as our manager lives here in phoenix, living in The States, and the AZ desert landscape has really influenced our songwriting.

We found Arizona was wild and uninhabited. It allowed us to feel inspired and not so forcefully influenced as you would be surrounded by miles of tarmac and advertising in either L.A or New York. It’s an incredible landscape that is about as far from anything we could experience back home.” Robert Stevenson - Echocloud Entertainment

Karmin is Amy Ellis’ pronounced rap flow and searing R&B influenced pop vocals married with Nick Noonan’s multi-instrumental talent and smooth harmonies. The duo’s dynamic chemistry results in a perfect blend of hip-hop, acoustic styling and applied theatrics that have taken pop by storm.

Having gained notoriety via their superb covers on YouTube, their fans catapulted them into the mainstream where they were well received by tastemakers like Perez Hilton and Ryan Seacrest as well as entertainment heavyweights including L.A. Reid, Kanye West, Ashton Kutcher, Timbaland, Beyonce, Chris Brown, and Questlove.

Karmin’s organic approach reinforces their authenticity that resonates so strongly with fans, celebrities, and industry insiders alike.

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Zero Zero is an electro-fuzz project created by singer/keyboardist Nicole Laurenne, guitarist Michael Johnny Walker, and drummer Nick Ramirez. Zero Zero’s sound is influenced by Sleigh Bells, The Sneaker Pimps, Santigold, Beck, Magic Wands and the Ting Tings. An early demo of the single "Drug" went into regular rotation on Phoenix radio unexpectedly in June 2012 when Laurenne gave the demo to a disc jockey during a live radio interview. The demo is now spinning on commercial specialty radio shows out of San Francisco, Boise, and Berlin. The trio debuted its live show on October 5, 2012, in Phoenix, Arizona, and plans to tour select US and European cities in early 2013. Zero Zero’s debut album, MAYDAY, was released on October 5, 2012, on limited-edition collector’s flash drives and digital downloads, by Atomic A Go Go Records. - Arizona State Fair

Christmas can be stressful for some--just look at all of the fights that break out on Black Friday. The holiday shouldn't be ugly, it should be a time to celebrate with your closest friends and family.
Zero Zero doesn't have this problem, in fact, members of the electro-fuzz group look forward to the holiday every year.

"It's just a really chill, cozy kind of time around our place when everything looks and smells and sounds better," says singer/keyboardist Nicole Laurenne.

The band channeled their love of Christmas into a brand new original song, "I Know What I Want 4 Christmas." Give it a listen and find out more about it after the jump.


"I love the old classic vintage recordings of Christmas tunes. But I don't hear a lot of modern original songs that grab me. So I thought it was worth a try," says Laurenne. "Michael [Johnny Walker, guitarist and Nicole's husband] and I are big fans of Christmas together and we look forward to it all year. It's just a really chill, cozy kind of time around our place when everything looks and smells and sounds better."
The sense of staring out the window on the train is based off of Laurenne's past.
"When I was in school in Ann Arbor, Michigan, I would take the train home back to Chicago sometimes after my last final exam. That feeling of being on a train at night, looking out at the snow, knowing that you are done with the rat-race for a while and are going home to family and friends and food and music and parties...that's a very powerful feeling that I remember really well. I just really miss the snow this time of year. I miss wearing my moon boots and stomping through drifts, to get piles of Christmas cards coming in the mail...don't tell anyone I can be this sappy."

Zero Zero will bring the Christmas cheer to upcoming shows. The band plans on playing "I Know What I Want 4 Christmas" at its show on Sunday, December 16, at Rhythm Room. "If I can get Michael to wear a Santa hat on stage, I will consider this year's Christmas efforts to be a complete success. That, and finally nailing down both of our families' eggnog recipes on Christmas Eve." - Phoenix New Times

Sur le dernier album des Love Me Nots, « The Demon and The Devotee », sorti en 2011, un titre nous avait particulièrement étonné. Situé en troisième position sur le cd, « Demons » prenait le contre-pied de tout ce qui avait fait la réputation des Love Me Nots, jouant sur un registre plus new wave, le groupe révélait alors des sources d’inspirations inattendues allant bien au-delà du garage rock des années 60. Plutôt que de semer le doute et la confusion chez leurs fans, le duo Nicole Laurenne et Michael Johnny Walker a préféré lancer un tout nouveau groupe, Zero Zero dont le premier album, intitulé « Mayday » est un peu la suite de ce qui avait été esquissé sur « Demons ». Ce nouveau projet s’articule autour de la cheville ouvrière des Love Me Nots : la guitare de Michael Johnny Walker et la chanteuse Nicole Laurenne qui a troqué pour l’occasion ses orgues vintages, vox et farfisa, pour des synthés. Que ceux qui attrapent une crise d’urticaire à la simple évocation des années 1980 se rassurent, le duo n’a pas tourné le dos, loin s’en faut au rock échevelé qui a fait sa réputation. A ce titre, des chansons comme « Tear it up » ou « The Pink ones » n’auraient pas dépareillées sur un album des Love Me Nots. Alors Love me nots / Zero Zero même combat ? Pas tout a fait. Mais les points communs sont suffisamment nombreux pour que les fans d’un groupe se retrouvent dans l’autre. Certes, le contexte est différent, plus pop (« Go » ; « Two Wrongs »), des synthés tout droit sortis des 1980s et des boîtes à rythmes font leur apparition sur certains titres, la voix de Nicole semble aussi différente, plus modifiée ou moins naturelle qu’à l’accoutumée. Mais l’exigence en matière de composition reste la même, « I’ll wait », une des grandes réussites de l’album à tout du tube potentiel. Le rock n’roll est tellement ancré dans les gênes du duo qu’il est totalement impossible pour eux de s’en éloigner tout à fait. Quoi qu’il fasse, le rock est toujours là tapi dans l’ombre, prêt à rugir. Idem pour le groove et le swing qui a fait la réputation des Love Me Nots. Il n’y a dès lors aucune raison pour ne pas suivre le duo dans cette nouvelle aventure. D’autant qu’il a accouché, une fois de plus, d’un excellent disque.
Sortie le 5 octobre. - My Head Is A Jukebox (France)

If I were to tell you that Zero Zero includes Nicole Laurenne and Michael Walker of The Love Me Nots, maybe you would think that this is some kind of spinoff of The Love Me Nots, complete with fuzzy guitar and Farfisa. Quite the contrary, loyal reader. Mayday seems like it was made by the alter egos of Nicole Laurenne and Michael Walker.

How else could you explain the two of them making a pop album? Furthermore, you know we’re not usually fans of pop here at Incognito. However, you have to give credit where it is due. Laurenne and Walker have made a good pop album with incredibly catchy songs. Just listen to “Go.” And then try to get the tune out of your head. It ain’t easy, I’ll tell you that. So yes, I am admitting that I like a pop album (take that, all you folks that call me a music snob!) and I think if you like The Love Me Nots, you’ll like this album too. Is it different? Completely. But if you appreciate the considerable talents of Nicole Laurenne and Michael Walker, then you’ll appreciate this album even without the fuzz and Farfisa. - Incognito Magazine (CA)

Full-page story includes these quotes: "simply stunning," "Laurenne's seductive vocals recall as style of precocious girl pop that is rarely found these days, save for the likes of April March, Ting Tings, and a few others." "Zero Zero will be on everyone's mind by the end of the year and will certainly reach the upper echelon of booty shaking, club crazed, dance madness in no time - if they haven't already." - Java Magazine

Zero Zero is an electro indie-pop band from Phoenix in the USA. The three piece of Nicole Laurenne (synths / vocals), Michael Johnny Walker (guitar) and Nick Ramirez (drums) began life in early 2012 and are already gaining considerable notice. Laurenne and Walker are no strangers to the music scene having previously been involved with The Love Me Nots.

Zero Zero
While there is a certain degree of airplay readiness to the material, there is also an earthy grittiness that captures the listener to take sharper notice. With a smart blending of synths and instruments the trio who make up Zero Zero is able to deliver a sound that contains depth and throwing on top of that a delightful vocal it is of little surprise they have made such fast progress.



There is almost a garage fuzz feel to the music – if you think of a garage lined with a thick pile wool carpet – you will be in the right space.
With a smart stage presence garnered through their prior iteration Zero Zero has the ability to engage both at home listeners and live audiences and I have little doubt that this combined with a high degree of professionalism will see the band make take some smart strides in the non too distant future. Their 8 track debut MAYDAY is an excellent place to start to get to know the band and discover the sounds that they bring in to the mix.
I rarely get over excited about electro-indie pop, but on this occasion, I look forward to hearing how far these musicians are able to take their undoubted abilities. - Indie Bands Blog (UK)

#20 The Wiley One – UFO Man
#19 Gospel Claws – Teenage Kicks
#18 Bad Lucy – Knife
#17 A Life of Science – Phantom’s Descend
#16 Zero Zero – Drug
#15 All My Friends – Anything
#14 Doctor Bones – Take Me Home
#13 Reubens Accomplice – I Love you, but I’m Tired
#12 The VeraGroove – Eastside
#11 Black Bottom Lighters – Right Time
#10 Future Loves Past – Mercury
#9 Palms – Oasis
#8 Ruca – Hands Off
#7 Snake! Snake! Snakes! – The Outsider
#6 Zero Zero – Tear It Up
#5 Banana Gun – Shake
#4 MERGENCE – Harvest
#3 The Technicolors – Sweet Time
#2 Japhy’s Descent – Answer 42
#1 KONGOS – I Want To Know - KWSS 106.7 FM (Phoenix)

#20 The Wiley One – UFO Man
#19 Gospel Claws – Teenage Kicks
#18 Bad Lucy – Knife
#17 A Life of Science – Phantom’s Descend
#16 Zero Zero – Drug
#15 All My Friends – Anything
#14 Doctor Bones – Take Me Home
#13 Reubens Accomplice – I Love you, but I’m Tired
#12 The VeraGroove – Eastside
#11 Black Bottom Lighters – Right Time
#10 Future Loves Past – Mercury
#9 Palms – Oasis
#8 Ruca – Hands Off
#7 Snake! Snake! Snakes! – The Outsider
#6 Zero Zero – Tear It Up
#5 Banana Gun – Shake
#4 MERGENCE – Harvest
#3 The Technicolors – Sweet Time
#2 Japhy’s Descent – Answer 42
#1 KONGOS – I Want To Know - KWSS 106.7 FM (Phoenix)

Zero Zero, Mayday
Experimenting with "synth-ier ideas," garage-rock guitars, swirling organs, minimalist drumming, electro-pop elements, hip-hop, float-y vocals, and whatever else seemed interesting, Love Me Nots singer Nicole Laurenne and guitarist/husband Michael Johnny Walker formed Zero Zero, bringing drummer Nick Ramirez into the mix.
The result is Mayday, a debut album of "electro fuzz" that sounds modern, danceable -- occasionally unforgettable in that song-stuck-in-the-head way -- while drawing from a myriad of retro influences that play off each other in cat and mouse fashion.

Sounds are thick and lush, but also sparkly and poppy on top, though the rhythms feel mesmerizingly primitive. The lyrics are a little dark, personal, and occasionally biting. "Drug" offers a raw edge in a pop-infused melody over Laurenne's breathy femme fatale vocals, while "Tear It Up" is a starker, gritty experience of fuzz and fur and sinister undertone, like a soundtrack for a '60s cop show, but one where the cops take acid for mystical mind-tripping revelations.

"We basically poured our instincts onto the tracks and tried not to second-guess ourselves too much," Laurenne says. "You're getting a tiny taste of the musical chaos going on in our heads when you listen to this stuff."

While their heads may be filled with chaos, listeners will have something much more pleasurable taking place inside theirs with each successive spin of Mayday. --Glenn BurnSilver - Phoenix New Times

"Ben Bethel, owner of this chic CenPho Hotel, will be holding his annual swanked up Halloween Bash, which is bound to feature much costumed revelry. The party will feature a gig by Zero Zero (the synth-pop side project from a few members of the Love Me Nots) who will also be shooting their latest video at the event. Be sure to both dress to impress and avoid getting too hammered. Members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will also judge costume contests at 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. DJ Shane Kennedy and electronica act Vial of Sound will also perform during the evening." - Phoenix New Times

"If hearing that garage rock favorites the Love Me Nots were taking a break felt like a swift kick to the balls, then learning that Nicole Laurenne and guitar maestro Michael Johnny walker were doing so to create a new project that explores savory synth-laden beats is the rush of endorphins that immediately follows such a blow. Joined by drummer Nick Ramirez, the newly formed trio is taking their cue from other genre-mashers such as Sleigh Bells, Santigold, and the Ting Tings to form all new swathes of dance rhythms. #azmusicwinning" - Phoenix New Times

"Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Apache Lake Resort & Marina touts majestic views and a tranquil atmosphere. However, this weekend will be a bit different when over 50 local bands pile in for this year’s Apache Lake Music Festival.
Nicole Laurenne and Michael Johnny Walker of The Love Me Nots, and drummer Nick Ramirez, will be in attendance but with their new project, Zero Zero – a crazy electro-pop dance fest. An unstoppable force, Laurenne balances being a vixen onstage with a Gilbert Municipal Court judge. In between two synthesizers, she rocks out while belting into the microphone. Zero Zero released its debut album, Mayday, last week, but they are ready to conquer the world." - College Times

"Zero Zero, a new group led by Love Me Nots Nicole Laurenne and Michael Johnny Walker, hold a release show, as does steel-guitar hero Jon Rauhouse, in a month where other local highlights range from '60s soul veteran Stan Devereaux & the Funky Suns to two nights with Tucson's Calexico.
Nicole Laurenne and Michael Johnny Walker of the Love Me Nots have gone surprisingly electro-pop as Zero Zero. And the seemingly effortlessly pop sensibilities that made the Love Me Nots such darlings of the local, national and international garage-rock scenes have served them well on "Mayday," Zero Zero's debut album, with Laurenne's vocals in particular bringing a vintage New Wave flavor to the table. They're joined by Peachcake, Doctor Bones, A Life of Science and the Madera Strand. Interview: Nicole Laurenne of Zero Zero.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/music/articles/20121004phoenix-local-shows-october-zero-zero-stan-devereaux.html#ixzz2AS6MyLfl
- The Arizona Republic

"A Farfisa-rocking force of nature, Nicole Laurenne and husband/guitarist Michael Johnny Walker have toured the world with the Love Me Nots, playing to the rock-and-roll side of the sensibilities they share from here to France and back while cutting albums as inspired as "The Demon and the Devotee," which hit the streets in 2011.
But this week brings the first release by Zero Zero, a group that finds Laurenne and Walker turning their attentions to a more electro-flavored brand of pop.
Here's Laurenne on Zero Zero, the making of "Mayday" and how it compares to the Love Me Nots.


Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/music/articles/2012/10/03/20121003zero-zero-mayday-interview-love-me-not.html#ixzz2AS5x5qwK - The Arizona Republic

Zero Zero is an electro-fuzz project created by Nicole Laurenne and Michael Johnny Walker (both of The Love Me Nots).

The project's sound, influenced by The Sneaker Pimps, Sleigh Bells, Magic Wands, Santigold, The Ting Tings, and Beck, is based on electronic drum beats, retro synth sounds, snarling rock guitars, and sweet, layered vocals.

The demo of the single "Drug" went into rotation on Phoenix radio unexpectedly in June 2012 when Laurenne gave the demo to a disc jockey during a radio interview.

Zero Zero's debut album, MAYDAY, was released on Oct 5, 2012, on Atomic A Go Go Records. The band's first music video was released on YouTube in September 2012.

As the team behind garage rock powerhouse The Love Me Nots, Laurenne and Walker have written and released five albums, toured the world, appeared in feature stories in Rolling Stone, Spin, Village Voice, Austin Chronicle, LA Weekly, and UK's Classic Rock, among many others, achieved regular rotation on Sirius/XM Radio and commercial radio specialty shows worldwide, and saw their entire discography re-released by french label Bad Reputation Records. Laurenne was named Best Frontperson of 2010 by The Arizona Republic and Walker was featured in Fender's Soul of Tone film. - TAXI A&R

“One of my most eagerly anticipated releases of the coming Autumn.” - Sounds Around Town (Phoenix)

“'Tear It Up' is too good not to share. Can’t wait to see them on tour.” - Radio Valencia 87.9 FM (San Francisco)

"We have a trifecta. We're spinning “Drug” for the third time in a row right now." - KWSS 106.7 FM (Phoenix)

“Chart-ready modern electro-pop, deadly fuzzbox guitar, brilliant dance beats, and breathy vocalizations that recall Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot. Pure danceability.” - Echocloud Entertainment

"Brilliantly hook-heavy, catchy-as-hell, sexy, unstoppably infectious electro-pop. Its cross-genre appeal is going to blow minds across the globe."
- Java Magazine