EMQ’s With ZeTA
EMQ’s With ZeTA
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with USA-based UFO Metal project, ZeTa. Huge thanks to main man Luke Gawel for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
Luke Gawel, I play guitar, bass and synth. I started this project in 2008, coincidentally that was the same year I started to believe and become interested in the UFO / alien subject matter. I thought it would be interesting to start some type of alien-themed Metal band. This was always a studio project (no band practices or live performances), but over time I realized I was not good enough and stretched myself too thin for the whole “one-man band” approach and brought in other members more proficient in drums, vocals, guitar solos so I can focus solely on rhythm guitars, bass, effects / synth, song-writing / lyrics, etc. I would say that I always wanted this project to have somewhat of a profound and spacey atmosphere that reminds listeners of aliens or UFO’s. I’ve also read and researched a ton of UFO / Alien cases since, selected the ones that I found the most interesting and believable to write songs based on.
How did you come up with your band name?
Originally the project was called “Zeta Reticuli”, which was named after a binary star system that Bob Lazar claimed that the alien “Greys” originate from. However, I noticed through Metal archives that a Black Metal band from Australia had the same name. I dropped the “Reticuili” to just name it “ZeTA” to avoid confusion, and the logo itself is far cleaner and easier to read now with just that.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
I’m from Cleveland, Ohio (US). Metal scene has always been good and consistent here, with plenty of tours coming through and local acts.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
“Binary Enigma” (LP)
Who have been your greatest influences?
Sacramentum, Arghoslent, Dissection, Suffocation, Decapitated, Immolation, Death.
What first got you into music?
Early Metallica when I was a pre-teen.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
I have plenty of heroes but not sure if I would mesh with them on a professional level.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Maryland DeathFest I guess, considering I’ve been going since 2009 and it’s always been the best weekend of the year for me. However, this is a studio only project with no live performances in the past (and none planned so far).
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Nothing I’ve been given a gift that has been weird.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
For the few of you that care, thanks.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Chuck Schuldiner.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
Being part of Metal (my favourite thing in life ever). Lack of progress or exposure, I guess.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Feel like all industries go through their natural course, whether good or bad.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Sacramentum – Far Away from the Sun.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs or Downloads?
I guess CDs since I’ve collected them my entire life, then again, I have owned any vinyl so never got a true taste of how they sound with a good sound system compared to CDs. At the end of the day, you are listening to the same music (riffs, lyrics, vocals, etc.).
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Never played live with this project.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I work in IT.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Seems kind of awkward to be honest.
What’s next for the band?
Not sure, just trying to promote the new album as much as I can.
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
https://ufometal.bandcamp.com/album/binary-enigma
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?
Muffin
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Check out the new album ZeTA – “Binary Enigma”, if you haven’t already. However, if you’re not into the project, that’s fine as well. I always encourage those into Metal to constantly research and check out bands whether it be online scavenging or going to shows featuring either local or international acts. Plenty of bands that can appeal to anyone’s taste out there in the vast and diverse world of Metal that just require some effort to discover.
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
