ZZIV: ALL THINGS ZIM ZUM: Interviews: Pulling Back the Curtains (part 1)

Pulling Back the Curtains
Part 1 of an exclusive Zim Zum interview by Rosie Green
June 1, 2004

It's been a long time since the last exclusive interview I did with Zim Zum. Four years and three months to be exact! Recently Zim has done a guest DJ spot at the Crobar in Chicago, made ZZIV the Official Zim Zum Fansite, and so many other things to do with his many projects...Zim Zum told me that it was about time for another interview to be done. And so here we are...for a bit of a change, I decided to try and include the fans/members of "The Intravenous Ultra World of Zim Zum" (this site's forum) in on this one! As I have always wanted to get Zim Zum's fans more involved in the content of this site. Enjoy!

Do you consider yourself a workaholic or perfectionist?
I dont know. I am very analytical about everything, but I never really try to understand my own methods. I like to get things done as soon they come to me and they tend to come in strange phases. I work to get to a specific point in the creative process and then I just know when something is complete, because it completes itself. I do have certain ways of doing things and I prefer those ways because they work for what I do but they change and adapt to what I need to get out of my head. They may not work for everyone but I've been doing what I do for long enough to know what works and what works for me and that's really what matters when I am writing, recording or performing as one of my projects. My application of guitar to another band or project would require me to come from a different angle and I have been quite comfortable with that in the past. There are always going to be different ways of doing things as applied to each situation. I simply prefer the most unique and artistic approach but there are probably more than a few people out there that would assume i'm being eccentric...
How hard do you think you are to work with?
It depends on who you are and what sort of head space your coming from. I'm confident in my creative abilities and when I do, I like to work with people who really know, are passionate and thrive on what they are doing because anything less is just something I am not very accepting of. I dont just jump into anything without knowing (at least to some relative proximity) where I will land and I dont take the creative process lightly. I do tend to immediately push those around me to let go of any stereotypes or preconceived notions/expectations so they can then allow themselves to see things from a completely unique perspective. Mine..lol.
You’ve described yourself as an “information junkie”. What are your favourite topics?
As a self confessed (self destructive?) information junkie I need it all, as often as I can get it. When I was in my teens I couldnt have cared less about the things that went on around my world but now I am in touch in a different way, with alot of different things and my curiosity is quite rabid. I feel that when you open yourself up to new things everything becomes much clearer and your capacity to absorb and apply information is much greater. I really dont like to limit myself because life is too short to only explore one path.
What are some of the misconceptions about you?
I guess that really depends on who your talking to and what day it is. I tune them out.
Would you like to correct any of them?
The misconceptions or the people with them?
How often do people actually recognize you?
That depends on where I am and if I left the house in a social state of mind.
How often do they actually approach you?
I have incredible luck with having very sweet fans and I cant recall the last time someone approached me as a fan and was anything less than polite and charming and they shouldnt expect anything less in return.
Describe the strangest thing a fan has ever done/sent/given or said to you?
I get alot of weird stuff and I have a ton of odd/strange and bizarre stories of encounters but those are best left to misconception..lol.
The tattoo people are some of the most interesting because it's difficult for me to wrap my mind around the confidence that they have in me, enough so to tattoo my name on their body. I can only try to give them some sort of return on that investment and the only way I know how is through my music.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed some “fan sites” (not for you in particular) are using the same template…What do you think of those types of “fan sites”?
With everything I do in the internet I have very specific visions of what I want to accomplish and I have no desire to blend with what goes on normally on the internet. There is a bottomless pit of technology out there and it's there to be used (by you) and taken further than where you found it so there is no excuse for doing what someone else has already done. Regardless of physical or digital it's a reflection on who you are and where your coming from. There are alot of ways to say and do things on the internet and lately I have chosen to say and/or do very little in the digital world because i simply felt the need to pull back the curtains a bit. To me, that makes the statement.
How do you feel about the ones in dedication to you and/or your projects?
I am always humbled and very appreciative of those who take time out of their own lives to support what I do and to let others know about it. Think about this; if you were to do something you loved to do and others appreciated it and in turn created something that told even more people about it, how would you feel?
How do your fans approach you when you are at a shopping mall, or a concert?
I dont get to shopping malls as much as I would like to but like I said above they are always extremely nice and enthusiastic. I dont assume anyone knows me or knows what I do so at times it is a bit of a surprise but that's usually in the places I least expect it.
What would you consider a waste of time/energy?
anger. resentment. jealousy. todays pop music. The way the media uses the word "artist" as applied to boy and girl entertainers. Applying a prefix to the word "Metal".
Define what a “normal” life would be to you?
Normal for me certainly is not the norm. My normal would be a bit hectic and fast paced but very rewarding. Music, design, art, love, hope, optimism and greeting the day with a sarcastic smile...those are the things I want in my normal life. maybe that is my normal life?
How do you manage to keep your private life private?
Knowing where to draw the line is very important and knowing when to smack someone for crossing it is pretty important too..lol.
I dont draw undesired attention to myself. that's not who I am and I have enough undesired attention when I go grocery shopping so I invest in disguises.
It's an amusing social experiment to dress like the people you see on TV because you would be surprised at how well you can blend when you "follow".
Do you believe that we create our own paths in life or are they preset for us?
I create my own but I am conciously aware of where life would like to take me.
Do you ever have a day where you can just sit down and relax?
Yes. But my version of relaxation could be squeezing every possible second out of a 24 hour day.
What do you do to have a break from your projects? Is it possible at this point?
I dont answer the phone. But no it's not possible at this point and i'm quite pleased it is what it is.
You’ve done a lot of creative things in your life, spanning many different areas, what would you say is your favourite and why?
Music and the art I apply to the process of making it. Behind the scenes it's design..Why? I dont know. It just makes me feel useful, like I could really do something to change the world, even if I have to do it one human at a time.
How do you think your life has changed in the past 6 years?
Immensly. For the better. Very much so. I know who I am and I really like that person for what he is and what he doesnt need to be. Obviously i'm still dealing with mpd..lol.
What do you find humorous?
My ability to seamlessly speak in 1st, 2nd and 3rd person in one sentence.
What have you been listening to lately?
June 2004: The Burden Brothers, Unknown Hinson and my ears ringing.
Are you spiritual? Do you meditate and/or do Yoga/Pilaties?
I am spiritual but not in the trendy celebrity social status kind of way. I dont do yoga or pilates but I do take care of myself and my appearance.
How would you describe Pleistocene's image?
The way we look on any given day is based on how we feel. Using emotions as a basis for style.
Who/what inspires you, in life and musically?
My grandmother, the people I love, a fans kind words hand written on a piece of paper, the bad things on television, the good things in reality...optimism....
How do you find that the internet has helped in the marketing of your music?
Personally I dont really buy into the marketing aspects of the business as I have always preferred the grass roots/punk rock approach of the underground. Give the people what you do best and if they get what your going for they will be there forever. The internet brings thousands of people from all around the planet (literally; 20+ different countries) together under a common thought, a desire for something different and a place to get it. There are no colors or genders on the internet.
Continue...

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Zim Zum for taking the time out to answer my questions.::top::