Electronic Artist Zer0ne

There is a social networking site, still immensely popular, that has put hundreds of previously unknown musicians on the map. What site is this? Myspace, of course! Though they share the web space with widely known artists like Trent Reznor, Jello Biafra, and DJ Spooky, newcomers arguably have a much greater shot at success through the site.

Among the sea of experimental electronic artists is zer0ne, a DJ/composer still in the process of crafting his vision of electronica. zer0ne is in somewhat of an experimental stage, building a fan base and tossing ideas into a virtual blender. Located in Eden, Utah, he has had to utilize not only the Internet, but whatever personal connections happen to come his way, in furthering his music career. Unfortunately, there wasn't much of a scene for his mixing talents in the Beehive State. "Utah has a pretty horrible music scene," he says, laughing. "Some fans set up a show for me, [but] that's about as far as we could take it."

Listeners may be surprised to learn that zer0ne shares a name with the director of Clerks and Chasing Amy (not that it's an uncommon name.) Though most in the industry don't refer to him as Kevin Smith, he still goes by it in casual company. Smith currently produces all of his music from home. "I own a marketing company based in Phoenix, so I can focus a lot of time [on my music]," he explains. I [unfortunately] don't have a vocalist...I need a vocalist to really take it somewhere."

Is it possible to make a name for oneself on Myspace? Yes and no. "I target a certain demographic," Smith replies. "I pull off friends from Nine Inch Nails; [however], I make music for me. It's very strange and unique." Visitors to zer0ne's music page (http://www.myspace.com/bigsmithut) will find a remix of NIN's "The Beginning of the End," from their Year Zero album. Trent Reznor, ever since departing from his major label, has made some of the tracks from his most recent album, The Slip, available for anyone to remix.

Smith still feels that electronic music is more advanced than people give it credit for, not unlike a child prodigy. "No one knows what to do with digital media," he explains. "There's a lot of bloat. Electronic rock is ahead of its time." Fans of such experimental artists as Orbital, The Prodigy, and Squarepusher would likely agree.

Though he is familiar with some of his contemporaries, Smith tends to focus on his own music. "I used to be in discovery mode," he responds, "[but] I spend more time on my own stuff. The majority of [my] time is spent on making music I like."

Smith is also a married man; while his wife recognizes his talent, he finds that his style isn't exactly what she'd choose to listen to in her spare time. "She appreciates the creativity," he elaborates, laughing. "Your ears are a palette...it's like enjoying beer as a teenager. As a kid, [if you were offered] a gourmet steak burger vs. McDonald's, you'd pick the McDonald's." How many of us can disagree with him?

In terms of receiving media exposure (and gaining a following), zer0ne has collaborated with "a lot of local bands. [It's] definitely no one that's making money. But if I can bring a specialist in, I will." Among the "specialists" zer0ne has worked with is Kevin Hawkins, a skilled guitarist who adds some needed textures to the generally electronic feel of the music. Hawkins is a member of Monarch, a Salt Lake City-based alternative/progressive rock band who list Led Zeppelin, System of a Down, and Pink Floyd among their influences. The band has been featured on such stations as KBER 101, a Utah rock channel; to give them a listen, visit their page at Monarch on Myspace. Several bands in the area have enlisted zer0ne to add aural layers to their work.

When it comes to fans and curious listeners downloading his music (on sites like LimeWire, etc.), Smith says, "I have no problem with it. I put it out there for people to enjoy...let them download music for free! If they really want your media, they'll buy it." As for remixing the work of others (with their permission, of course), Smith says "I [usually] take one or two components [of a song] and just remix those."

To many music "purists," so to speak, electronic music lacks "soul." Smith pauses at the concept, then replies, "That's a tough one...I'm not too sure how to respond. [It might help to] bring in real drums and real guitars. If you put soul into it, [you can] make it sound good." Supporters of major artists such as The Chemical Brothers, Moby, and others can likely relate; Moby (a.k.a. Richard Melville Hall), in fact, played all the instruments on his 1999 album Play. Though he sampled a number of songs, his original take on them made the tracks into innovative pieces.

Smith, too, has experience with acoustic instruments. "[I play] cello and guitar, as well as some bass guitar. [I usually] mic it or run it through effects processors. The most difficult [to incorporate] is the keyboard; two hands have to be focused. All the rules are off!" Although the drums on his tracks may sound real, they are almost always synthesized. "I program [the drums]...via tedious and complicated step programming to make them sound real."

Though you may have yet to hear one of zer0ne's tracks, he has been reviewed (and criticized) a number of times. "[Some listeners] have come to the site and say they hate the music. People's sound palette is very limited...[yet] the only time I was offended was when someone said I was copying other artists. Most of it is original, though I've done a couple of remixes."

If you are curious to hear more of zer0ne's work, visit one of his sites:

zer0ne: Electo-Infused Rock

zer0ne Recordings

Smith welcomes your feedback...and if you happen to be in Arizona, drop by and see the man perform! Your support is appreciated.