An Interview With Former Awolnation Bassist Turned Solo Artist, DAVID AMEZCUA On His New Musical Project Entitled ZIMINY!

David Amezcua is a Los Angeles native and former member of Awolnation. He recently stepped back in to the spotlight with his latest solo effort, “ZIMINY.” The first single “She (Zoey Deutch)” (https://soundcloud.com/ziminy/she-zoey-deutch/s-TszSCZTuey6) harkens back to the beloved tones of 80’s, surf and R&B music, (think Bill Champlin, Beach Boys, Toto) with a modern twist. Later this summer, he also put out “Summer Nights.” (https://soundcloud.com/ziminy/summer-nights-1/s-A4YKUprLidm)

“Professionally, my instrument has always been bass. But piano has remained as my first love. It feels good to get back to it. Sitting back down to write songs on the piano, the first one I wrote was ‘She (Zoey Deutch),’ so it felt appropriate to make it my first offering. Ironically this song literally has nothing to do with Zoey Deutch, yet everything at the same time.” 

Both of these tracks and more can be found on his debut solo album, “Love Language” released TODAY!

Connect With David Amezua Online Here: WEBSITE

Learn more about David Amezua in the following All Access interview:

Thank you for your time. So given these unusual Covid-19 times, what does a typical day look like for you? How have you adjusted to these times?

Thank you for having me! Life has been pretty weird for all of us in one form or another. I have three kids, and with schools closed, life has become a little more hands on than before. Home schooling, juggling work and music…The flip coin to that is I’ve had more precious time to spend with my kids. And that’s very nice. 

What has been the hardest/most challenging part about being quarantined? Is your city starting to open up more now? 

I live in Los Angeles and we have a mayor that has been hardcore about remaining closed. I agree in most aspects with the shutdown, but it’s also been super hard on small businesses, which includes a lot of my friends and even family. If everyone can just hunker down, wear a mask and do their part, we can all get on with the show.

How have you been able to use social media during these unprecedented times? Are you finding that you use it even more now to stay connected to fans and other musicians? 

It’s been everything. Mainly I’ve used Instagram as a medium between myself and the listener. But yeah, I also use Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. 

What has it been like having to reschedule your spring, summer and fall shows? What shows in 2021 are you already excited for?

As it sits right now, I’ve had the good fortune of receiving a few FM station ads of my current single “Summer Nights.” So the current focus for me really is to just build up a new listener base for this brand. I haven’t really been sweating the live show thing as much at the moment. With enough momentum, I hope to be in full swing by 2021 with a tour. I’m just excited to see live events become a thing again really! 2021 can’t get here fast enough. 

Since we are all desperately missing live music, can you recall a favorite show of yours from the past? What do you think ultimately makes for a great show for you? What about a favorite show of someone else?

I’m a sucker for my first few experiences. My first real concert ever was Primus on their “Tales from the Punchbowl” tour and Smashing Pumpkins “Mellon Collie” tour both in 1995. These were grounding breaking events for me that I’ll never forget. What makes for a great show is when the artist is genuinely having a good time. We did that in Awolnation. I do that in ZIMINY. One of my favorite recollections is anytime my former band Under the Influence of Giants would play a song called “Day Sleeper.” We didn’t give a fuck if anyone in the audience was having a good time, because we were always having a good time when we’d play that song. It’s infectious, and we would win over any crowd we’d play for, every night. 

What was it like getting into the studio alone as ZIMINY for the first time instead of as the band, Awolnation? Was there an adjustment period? What has it been like getting back into playing the piano specifically which I read was your first love and not the bass?

So this is the first time that I literally played and sang every note that is found on this record. I prefer it this way now, as I used to hire session guys to play drums and what not. Having the technology/musicianship myself and not having to convey a vision, and to be able to just knock it out myself has been really gratifying. 

Let’s talk about your just released newest song, “Summer Nights.” How would you say that it compares to anything else that you have put out? What has it been like working on material outside of Awolnation? 

“Summer Nights” is a departure in the sense that it’s the most full throttle “synth based” song I’ve ever attempted. I’ve always enjoyed the 80’s era of groups like Toto and Chicago, and this track embodies some of the characteristics found in that era of music. 

How would you say that your already released tracks, “She (Zoey Deutch)” and “Summer Nights” prepare listeners for more music from you? Why did you decide to put together your full-length collection, “Love Language”?

I think She and Summer are both good indicators of what I am all about and, Yes! the ZIMINY “Love Language” album is out today (August 21). I felt the urge to make a full length mainly because I don’t paint with just one color. There are many shades found on this upcoming release that definitely represent who I am as a songwriter, and what ZIMINY is all about. 

How do you think future music is going to be influenced by this incredible and absolutely necessary Black Lives Matter movement that the US and even the world is going through now? Is it inspiring you and your music today at all?

We desperately need to change the way things are going in the United States. In the wake of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, I wrote a song called “Turn on the Light” which is available on all digital platforms and connected to three causes, NAACP Legal defense Fund, Black Lives Matter and the Color for Change. 

If you could get into the studio with any artist today and collaborate on a new song, who would it be and why? 

If I could pick from “my wildest dreams” musical basket, I think it would be amazing to work with Jeff Lynne on a ZIMINY track and or record. I think he would get me. I also would love to work with Robert Lamm of Chicago. He’s brilliant. 

What would your dream music video look like right now? 

I might still try to make this video I have in mind so keep an eye out!

Would you like to share anything else about yourself or your music with our readers?

I hope the takeaway with ZIMINY is that of an escape for the listener.