Nick Tiringer/Flickr
Most people coming out of the great quarantine of 2020 were set back a few steps and had little motivation, however, the indie group from Vancouver, BC, the Zolas, were quite the opposite. Not only were they able to release their fourth album in 2021, but they have also found a way to plan a Canadian tour this November!
The Zolas formed in 2009 with founding duo Zachary Gray (vocals and guitar) and Tom Dobrzanski (piano) after leaving their previous act, Lotus Child. In November of 2009, Gray and Dobrzanski released their debut album, Tic Toc Tic. A fun fact about this album is that a majority of it was recorded in a studio built in Dobrzanski’s parents’ basement while the duo was studying at the University of British Columbia.
Off this initial album, five tracks were played on CBC Radio 3 as well as XM satellite radio station, The Verge. Despite being new to the music scene, The Zolas were the 4th-most heavily tracked band on the Verge in 2010, getting them nominated for Album of the Year at The Verge XM Awards in 2011. Proof that a bit of creativity and a lot of dedication can take you a long way – even if you are still living with your parents!
The Zolas continued to find success in their following albums are releases, landing their music on the radio, in television series and finding them a profound fan base as well as a few new faces to their group. In 2015, they added in Cody Hiles and Dwight Abell before their second tour and third album release for Swooner (2016).
Bringing us to the present day. You might say, ‘damn, they took a long break!’, which is true. BUT, to promote their latest album, Come Back to Life (fitting right?), they launched a campaign called, ‘Z Days’ where they released a new single from Come Back to Life on the second day of each month. The full album was released by 2021 and it hooked fans back into the infectious grooves that make you want to get up and dance.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRhJH-YsyS3/
With their Canadian tour around the corner, get your tickets and get vaccinated so you can enjoy some beats that are truly worth dancing to! It’s been a while since we have been able to hear live music like this, and I believe The Zolas is the best place to start!
Get your tickets here to see The Zolas live on November 26th at the Vogue Theatre!