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In the Zone
An interview with Ken Erb and Ron Emig
of Zone Eleven
By Bob
Ignizio |
Guitarist Ken Erb has already done what most musicians
only dream about. In the eighties, his band Shok Paris was one of the
biggest bands in the Cleveland metal scene. That ultimately led to the
coveted major label deal, videos on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball, and touring.
Ken says, “It was a learning experience. One thing I learned was you have
to pick your producer well. We picked a producer who did Y&T. We thought,
“man they had an awesome sound on that album.” The record he produced for
us, our last, has layered vocals like a chorus of angels. That’s not what
we’re about. He was trying to shape us in his vision instead of listening
to our sound to make it better and bring it together. Having the right
producer can make or break you.” After Shok Paris called it quits, Ken kept
a low profile in the music scene. He played in a Scorpions tribute band
called Lovedrive, but always maintained a desire to make original music. He
just couldn’t find the right vocalist. Enter Ron Emig.
If nothing else, the story of how Zone Eleven came
together shows just how important having the right girlfriends can be.
“I’d been looking for a singer forever, and my ex-girlfriend hooked me up
with Ron. I checked him out with his cover band Paradox. I thought, “This
guy is good, but let’s see if he can write.” For a beginner he’s pretty
damn good. He’s writing all the vocals and stuff,” says Ken. Eventually
Ken and Ron recruited Paradox bass player Scott Hennings, ex-Paradox and
Purgatory (another great Cleveland metal band from the eighties whose
vocalist is now in Mushroomhead) guitar player Greg Perry, and drummer Bryan
Zarins. Ken says, “As it turns out Greg and I work really well together.
With my last band, Shok Paris, the other guitar player was more a rhythm
player. We’d have harmonies on the record but when we’d go to play ‘em live
it was missing something. We stumbled across Zarins at The Bottom Line. My
girlfriend gave me his card. He’s more a blues drummer, but he likes
metal. That’s good, the blending of different styles. That’s what makes a
unique band I think.”
Certainly Zone Eleven sounds very different from either
Shok Paris or Purgatory. Ken says, “Ron’s a more melodic singer than [Shok
Paris vocalist] Vic Hix was. Vic’s an awesome singer but I like Ron, he’s a
little more diverse I think. He’s got the melody and he’s got a cleaner
voice. Your singer shapes your sound and that’s the first thing you focus
on. I didn’t want to come out being a copy of previous bands; I wanted to
do something new. Right now Ron and I are the core writers but in the
future I really want to get Greg involved in the writing process. The newer
stuff we have in the works is going to be awesome.” Concerning his lyrics
Ron says, “I listen to what Ken comes up with and it gives me an idea. He’s
really my inspiration. Whatever feeling it brings out in me I try to match
my lyrics to that. I’d say it’s more reality based. For example the song
“One More Touch” is about losing somebody, whether it’s somebody living or
somebody dead. That one brings out a lot of feelings in me.”
So far the band has recorded a song for the forthcoming
Auburn records compilation ‘Heavy Artillery II’, and plan to start work on a
demo soon. Ken says, “We’re working on a CD. There’s some stuff floating
around which is our working demos where I program drums and bass. Some
people have their hands on those. Right now we’re just doing our recording
on my computer. I think it will work out good if we can get a good live
drum sound. Hopefully for the next show I want to have something with all
the members on it.” The band also plans to step up their presence on the
club scene. When I spoke with Ken and Ron at the WJCU Metal Benefit Concert
at the end of March Ken told me, “This is our first show in 10 months, since
last July at the Metalfest. We hope to have more coming.” No doubt so do
the metal fans who were in attendance at the Revolution that night, many of
whom were shouting for more as the band left the stage.
Comparing the music scene of today with his stint in
Shok Paris Ken says, “It’s definitely different. Our type of music back
then was targeted at the kids. The kids these days are listening to Linkin
Park. My girlfriend has two teenage daughters, and you listen to what
they’re playing and it’s just screaming. I can’t relate to that. At the
same time they’re playing the crap out of Metallica. They’re not as good as
they used to be, but still it’s more towards our style. They’re still going
out and selling out places, and there are still bands that are kind of like
us so there’s still hope for this kind of music.” Ron adds, “There seems to
be more of a market for it overseas. I don’t think they’re as trendy over
there.” Regardless of music industry trends, Ken remains optimistic saying,
“If you write good songs people will listen to them. We’re just having
fun. I’m not looking to make a million dollars because you can’t these
days. I just love playing music. I’ve missed it.”
Visit Zone Eleven's
website.
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