After more than two decades of making music, touring, taking a break and finding their way back to each other, Austrian alternative trio zeronic are entering a new chapter. Their latest single, 'A String of Luck', is the second glimpse into their forthcoming album Modernism, following their comeback single 'The Hope and the Enemy'.
The new track captures the feeling of waiting for something to change — that strange mix of optimism and uncertainty when you feel like something is happening somewhere else, but you're still waiting for your own moment. Musically, it brings together the band's longstanding affection for ‘80s pop, post-punk and alternative rock, with echoes of artists such as Talking Heads, The Cure and David Bowie.
That sense of looking backwards while moving forwards is central to Modernism. Rather than treating their return as a nostalgia trip, the album brings together the emotional directness of zeronic's early work with everything they've learned over the years. Written across a year and narrowed down from around 25 ideas to ten tracks, the record explores connection, isolation, belonging, disillusionment and the challenge of staying human in a world that never seems to slow down.
zeronic have plenty of history to draw from. Emerging from Austria's alternative scene in the 1990s, the band went on to open for Bryan Adams in front of more than 10,000 people, earn an Amadeus Austrian Music Award nomination and share stages with the likes of New Order, Queens of the Stone Age, Stereophonics and The Kills. After stepping away from the band, frontman Mik Tanzos pursued a solo career, including appearances alongside Paul Weller, before eventually returning to zeronic.
With Modernism set for release on October 2nd, we caught up with Mik to get to know the person behind the music — from discovering the guitar through Back to the Future and the albums that shaped his teenage years, to songwriting rituals, dream support slots, current favourites and the realities of life as a musician
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Definitely the guitar. I started playing when I was 10 after watching Michael J. Fox do his thing in "Back to the Future“. I quickly realised it doesn't take much more than a cheap acoustic guitar and a few chords to start writing songs.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Alongside a lot of noisy alternative stuff, I always had a soft spot for distinctive voices and good songwriting, whatever the genre. If I had to pick one record, "The Bends“ by Radiohead was probably the album I played more than any other during my teens.
What was the first album you remember owning?
"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" by AC/DC. I still remember exactly where I bought it, although I have no idea why. It was already an old record by then, and I didn't know any of the songs.
What is the one song you wish you could have written yourself?
"Lost Cause" by Beck.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really. But when I'm in a writing phase, I try to come up with a new song idea every day. I'll make a quick recording on whatever's around and then leave it alone without listening back. The first few days can be difficult, but after a while it helps you get closer to what you're actually trying to say.
Who are your favourite artists you've been listening to at the moment?
I like the new James Blake record a lot. I've also been listening to the latest songs by Westend Cowboy—they've got their debut album coming out soon that I'm really looking forward to. And I still keep going back to the latest records by Blur and Wolf Alice.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Roxy Music. If they ever got back together.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Creating something out of literally nothing. On a good day, you walk into a room with no idea at all and leave with a fully formed song. And then there's playing those songs live. When the energy in the room is right, there's nowhere else you'd rather be.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Waiting. Travelling. Waiting. Travelling. Social media.
And what is the best piece of advice you've received as a musician?
Chemistry beats musicianship.