Doomtree

Posted on Aug 3, 2006

by AvNatten

If you have never heard the name Steve Zing before then it's about time you did! He has been cranking out tunes for over 2 decades now and is most notable for his work in Samhain. The multi-talented musician is back again now with his newest band that goes by the moniker of Doomtree. Don't let the name fool you, this is not a doom band but rather a highly energetic fusion of rock, punk, and metal. So sit back and enjoy while Zing answers my questions about his past, present, and future.

Hello Steve, how are things doing in New Jersey?

All is going well and according to plan.

You have been busy lately with the formation of Doomtree, why did you decide to form this band?

I had gone through much frustration with Chyna and realized that it was time to move on in a different direction with new blood.

Will you please give us an introduction to the other members of the band and tell us a bit about them?

There is Steve Falco on lead guitar, Danno on bass, John Caton on drums and Ronnie Borje on rhythm guitar. Besides being close friends with Falco and Danno, these are the most talented and greatest guys I have ever played with.

Who came up with the name Doomtree and what significance does it have to you and the band?

Doomtree comes from a Japanese cartoon book called Sailor Moon. Doomtree was the tree of life.
 
The album says the tracks were recorded in yours and the other bandmembers bedrooms and basements? How did you go about this process, did you rely on traditional recording equipment or employ more advance computer based equipment? Was this a difficult task?

Yes, complete home recording using Pro-Tools. It wasn't difficult at all. We had a good time recording it like this.

Why did you choose to do the recording this way instead of going to a studio?

Basically, all of us invested in the equipment so we could take our time and not be rushed because of money.

Can you explain your song writing process to us? Do you prefer to work alone and compile ideas when you feel they are complete or does the whole band get involved from the start?

Either myself or Falco starts with a very basic idea and we work the melody around that, then we bring it down to rehearsal and let it evolve into the feel of the band.

What themes or messages do you want to get across to the listener with your lyrics?

I write what I feel. Nothing in particular.

Are you pleased with the way "Down Below" turned out?

Yes, although, you can always listen back and say "We could have done this or that….blah blah blah…"

How has the album been received by the fans, have you had lots of positive comments so far?

Everyone has been really positive about the record and is kind of surprised of our sound.

You made a video for the track 'Severed', is this the first video you have made and will you continue to make more of them?

It was our first low budget DIY video. We'll definitely do another video. I always wanted to do one for 'The Light'.

What was it like to film the video, was the band behind the direction and production of the video?

It was kind of an on the fly type learning experience. Shoot some footage and see what comes out.

Can you tell us a bit about Long Live Crime Records, how did you get together with them and arrange the recording and release of "Down Below"?

A friend of mine from the band Chalkie had a relationship with the label and turned me on to them. They have been a very supportive label.

Included on this album is 'The Light' a track which dates back to your days in Chyna, why was this song chosen to be re-recorded?

It has always been one of my favourite songs that I have written.

Will you rework and re-record any more songs from your previous bands?

Probably not.

Do you have any tracks on the album that really stand out to you? If so what are they and what do you think sets them apart from the rest?

I really like 'Seven Lives' and 'Stand And Fall'.

Have you played many gigs with Doomtree? How has the crowd reaction been?

We have done a ton of shows and we always get a great response. Our job is to blow peoples minds. We don't just stand there and play.

If you could choose a band to do a show or tour with who would they be?

Right now, The Foo Fighters.

Are you currently writing songs for the next album? Will they continue the sounds and ideas developed on "Down Below"?

Yes, we are writing songs for a new album. I don't want to say that it will be a continuation of what we have already done, we write what we feel.

The track 'Down Below' was included on the "This Is Horrorpunk..." compilation, did this spread your song to a wider audience? Have you seen positive effects from participating on the compilation?

I have received emails from around the world and it made people search out the CD.

Besides Doomtree are there any other musical projects you are currently working on?

No, this takes up plenty of my time.

How is the music scene in New Jersey? Is the punk scene still strong and growing like it was in the old days?

The music scene on the East Coast is not what it used to be. It's all about cover bands. Many of the young punk bands are renting out halls to put on their own shows.

Are there any up and coming bands that we should know about?

Chalkie!

Can you pull out a few of your all time favorite songs from your career and tell us why they are important to you?

That's a difficult one. Every song that I have had anything to do with is important and has a certain personal memory to it.

The Son Of Sam album had a great dark feeling and atmosphere, how was it to be able to perform those songs and work with the others in that were involved in the band?

The interesting thing is, we never had a rehearsal. It was all done by tapes sent through the mail and then just coming together in a studio in Hollywood. It was the easiest thing I have ever done. I'm very proud of that record.

Will there ever be a follow up to that album?

Not at this time. I'm sure Davey will be kept quite busy with AFI, but, ya never know!

Do you have any favorite gigs that stand out in your memory, what makes those shows special?

Probably would have to be any of the Samhain shows on the '99 reunion tour.

From your days in Samhain all the way up until now you have been involved in Horrorpunk, why does this subgenre appeal so much to you?

If you grew up with Doyle and lived across the street from where the Misfits rehearsed, it would be a big influence on you as well. The horror thing has always appealed to me.

What are a few of your all time favorite horror movies?

Don't Go In The House and Night Of The Living Dead.

Do you find it more challenging and satisfying to write a song that is based on a self made story than to write a song based around a movie?

Definitely a self-made story.

What are some of your favorite albums?

The Damned, Sex Pistols, Ramones (first through fourth albums), Misfits ("Walk Among Us" and all the singles) and any early punk bands.
 
The punk scene has always had a fondness for releasing special items to the fans on vinyl. Are you a fan of vinyl and will we ever see Doomtree or any of your past works vinyl?

Yes, next year.
 
How did it feel a few years back when the Samhain boxset was released?

A definite trip down memory lane.
 
It was a real treat to be able to watch the home video that was included, were you pleased with the way the boxset was put together?

I thought it was great. Hopefully, on the next go around, there will be a DVD with commentaries.

You have been referred to as being a legendary drummer, how does this make you feel?

I've heard that from time to time. I feel very honoured to know that a punk from Lodi, New Jersey had the power to influence someone else.
 
Thank you for your time, is there anything else you would like to add?

I appreciate all the support of all the fans out there. They always follow everything that all of us have done. Thanks!

Doomtree website

Review of "Down Below"

Buy the album at

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