They wear skinny jeans in a size that makes most girls jealous and shoes so bright the light reflected off them threatens to burn your retinas.
Though this description fits other bands with tight pants and multihued sneakers, apparently all the rage, I’m talking about Enjoy the Zoo. This five-man band?consisting of Johnny fronting the group with some hard-core lead vocals, Shane slamming the drums, Jordan laying it down on bass, and Aaron and Kyle both rockin out the guitar?has come a long way with its musical career. Hailing from Las Vegas, an atmosphere much different than that of Middle Tennessee, the guys have resided in Nashville since July 2005, and it’s quite a drastic change from the City of Lights. ##M[read more]##
“We decided to move out here because there were huge opportunities for us,” Shane said.
Jordan agrees, “We felt like it was better suited than L.A. because we all grew up in that fast kind of lifestyle and we wanted a change.”
And they have been evolving ever since. Not long after the move they also changed their name. Originally called A Beginner’s Mind, they decided to go an entirely different route with their music and style. After contemplating several names they settled on Enjoy the Zoo.
The band has been together four years, forming when Kyle, Johnny and Shane’s band broke up and the three joined up with Aaron and Jordan after their band also parted ways.
“We met in college when we were doing the jazz program,” lead vocalist Johnny said. “And it’s history from there.”
Each member has been playing music for at least seven years, and having seen a couple of their performances live, they definitely have talent and generate amazing energy to the crowd. Unlike bands that just stand there and play their music, boring a crowd to sleep, ETZ is all over the place. Standing on speakers and staggering all over the stage, it’s a huge feat in itself no one ends up colliding.
According to Johnny, their upbeat sound is “funk driven rock with a hip-hop twist” and collectively the band’s inspiration comes from artists such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Timbaland, Daft Punk and Head Automatica. Whatever it’s called, it’s extremely fun and catchy, so be prepared to have one of their songs stuck in your head long after a show.
“We think our music definitely appeals to everyone,” the band agrees. “We have rock for the dudes and grooves for the ladies of all ages.”
As for the future of the band, all five members have different answers. Shane says he simply wants the band to grow, while Jordan wants to “get rich, or die trying.” Aaron adds, “That’s a good movie.” Johnny only wants to rule the world, but Kyle puts it more modestly when he says that he hopes “to know traveling around the world playing music is my job.”
The band has traveled a long way from home to pursue its dreams, but in the meantime, the members say they are happy with where they are in their careers.
“We have done so much as a band in the little time we’ve lived here than we could ever imagine,” Kyle said. “It’s been insane but we love it here, so it’s all good.”
The band plays most gigs in Nashville, but will play Oct. 31 at Bluesboro with Glitter Dragon and Mr. Satisfaction. In preparation for their bright ensembles, make sure you grab a pair of shades on your way out.
For more info, visit myspace.com/enjoythezoo.
