Zeno and the Stoics
Zeno and
the Stoics
Cosmic Catastrophe
Madrid · Boston roots · produced by Gordon Raphael of The Strokes
I was invited to El Sol in Madrid for a live gig by one of the best new bands. The concert was amazing, full of energy and great music. They opened for Smashing Pumpkins, The Killers and Kasabian. Keep an eye out for them.
During their college years in the late nineties, James and Fran began playing guitar together in small pubs and parties in the Boston area. When they returned to Madrid, they felt it was time to put together a band and begin playing their own music. James had taken philosophy as a minor and knew that Zeno and the Stoics was a great name for a band, and also knew the music had to be at the same level.
The first to join the modern Stoic movement was Sir Ferdinand, who brought a touch of class to their guitar riffs. Then came drummer Jobs Curro with the right strength and freshness, and bassist Pipe, adding his eighties pop flavour. Last but not least, Edu joined with his keyboards, bringing smooth backgrounds to the songs. The band was set, the music was tight, and Zeno took them all for a ride.
“Gordon Raphael produced our album. He heard our demo, spoke with our manager, flew in from Berlin to meet us for a couple of days, and some months later we were in the studio recording. That man has got an incredible sense of magical balance.”
Gordon Raphael, the producer and musician from Seattle best known for producing The Strokes’ first two albums Is This It and Room on Fire, brought his distinct sonic touch to the band’s catalogue. He also produced for Regina Spektor, Skin of Skunk Anansie, and many others. They played some of the most important stages in Madrid and were chosen to open for Smashing Pumpkins, The Killers and Kasabian at the Pepe World Festival, as well as performing at Rock In Rio and DCode.
“Everything inspires. Even odd days can inspire us to make them right.”
“That man has got an incredible sense of magical balance.”
“In terms of industry, it is far superior in the States. But there is great taste and great crap everywhere.”
“Antonio Castillo, an amazing designer from the boutique Tualterego, in Madrid.”
“Apart from our music, no.”
Antakly Projects, originally Ninu Nina, has been in conversation with the most inspiring voices in art, photography, design and culture since 2003. Interview by Leila Antakly, seen live at El Sol, Madrid. Zeno and the Stoics play the way philosophy students argue: with total conviction and zero restraint.
All music © Zeno and the Stoics. Logo by Antonio Castillo / Tualterego. Thank you to Jaime for the conversation.
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Growth. ✦