There are a countless amount of atoms floating around in the universe, most of which are fading away into nothingness or laying waste to the laws of entropy. But here on planet earth, atoms have decided to defy the laws of the universe and form together to make cells, tissue, organs, bones, muscles and brains. How you might ask? No one is really certain, and while their are a multitude of religious explanations, scientific theories and mystical interpretations for the creation of our wonderful world and the conscious mind, the members of Zmick feel it's more important to celebrate what IS and not worry about how it got here.
We're talking about the conscious mind here my friends!! What a beautiful thing!! This stuff doesn't happen every day on any other planet (at least that we're aware of). As far as we know it, this stuff that we call life, is only going down on this planet right here, and right now (and boy, what a party it is)!! The beautiful ability to process the world through our eyes, ears, mouths, noses, hands, heads, shoulders, knees and toes, using language to share our lives with each other via sound waves, and creating crazy experiences along the way; experiences that only happen once in the existence of the entire universe!! That's right my friend, you are only happening once. A completely unique individual, made up of all the same stuff everyone else is, but doing it in your own way, the way you want to do it, here and now. If that ain't something to celebrate, we couldn't tell you what is.
Now there are many ways to be reminded of how beautiful this life is. One way of putting appreciation in the forefront of our minds is by going off on a rant like the above. Another way, is through music, the most universal language on our planet. What better way is there to shed off all the subjective stresses of life, tap into our inner happy spots, and really celebrate the beauty of existence, than by listening to funky noises in moments in time that make us want to dance, sing, laugh and party!!
So that's where Zmick comes in, and that's why we do what we do. We make diverse colorful music for all walks of life, with the intention of celebrating this sweet existence we've been blessed with. We are the conduits that bring music to people that are ready to have fun, celebrate and appreciate new, interesting, funky sounds traveling through space in moments in time. Some people call Zmick shows a gathering of the vibes, some call them a spiritual release from the drama of everyday stress, some people call them a straight up funky dance party. We like to think of them as a place where people can get together, celebrate life with other music appreciators, and have a dirty good time.
Anyways, here's a bit of our history...
Zmick is a progressive rock/jam band formed in early 2007 in Urbana, Illinois. The music encompasses elements of jazz, progressive rock, reggae, electronica, funk, metal, Latin and world music. Zmick writes music with the intent of bringing people together and giving them an opportunity to dance, sing, laugh and bond with other music lovers. Zmick is made up of Dan Wonsover (Bass and Vocals), Brad Miller (Guitar and Vocals), Kris Ahrens (Drums and Vocals) and Don Rifkin (Keyboard and Vocals).
Since 2007, Zmick has been creating a community where live music fans can congregate and enjoy life. From fall ’07 to spring ’09, Zmick held a residency at Canopy Club on Mondays, dubbed Monday Night Rage. Zmick hosted a great number of Midwestern bands, including Raoul Duke, Jaik Willis, Herbert Wiser Band, Hunab, The Fuz, Roster McCabe, Underpaid Packy, Bill Smith, and Mathien.
During that time span, Zmick played Summer Camp Music Festival ’08 and ’09, Strip Mines Music Festival ’08, Wuhnurth Music Festival ’08, and Rossaroo Music Festival ’08. The band has shared the stage with the following headlining acts: Cornmeal, Garaj Mahal, EOTO, Lotus, Blind Melon, Tea Leaf Green, Family Groove Company, Future Rock, Vince Herman’s Great American Taxi, and Willie Waldman w/ Vinnie Amico of moe.
All Zmick members are huge fans of elaborately composed progressive rock and jazz and broadly appealing "catchy vocal music." Zmick has always strived to fuse the two different styles together with strong groove-oriented rhythms since the band's inception.
