VWMusic

Header image courtesy of Shore Fire Media

By Andrew Daly
andrew@vinylwriter.com

Recently, I caught up with the ever-dextrous, multi-faceted, Ahmet Zappa. Among other things, we touch on The Zappa Band’s upcoming headlining shows, who will be taking the stage, the influence of Ahmet’s father, Frank Zappa, where things stand with his brother Dweezil, the prospect of new music, and a whole lot more.

If you would like to learn more about Ahmet Zappa and the Zappa Band Tour, the link to his webpage is here. Once you’ve checked that out, dig into this interview with Ahmet. Cheers.

Andrew:
Ahmet, I appreciate you carving out some time with us today. The Zappa Band is about to embark on its first headlining tour. How did we get to this point?

Ahmet:
The guys have been playing gigs and we went out with the Bizarre World Tour and then with King Crimson. The band is totally kick-ass. They want to play, I want them to play, so we’re making it happen.

Andrew:
Your father played with a huge cast of characters over the years. Break down the stable of musicians who will be joining the tour.

Ahmet:
We have Frank Zappa alumni Ray White, Robert Martin, Mike Keneally, and Scott Thunes. Also joining are Jamie Kine and Joe Travers, who were in Zappa Plays Zappa. Joe is also known by fans as the “vaultmeister” and has been working with the Zappa family in preparing new album releases, among other things, for over twenty years.

Andrew:
Why did you choose the musicians you did as opposed to others who might have been left off the docket?

Ahmet:
It really comes down to availability, but I have a lot of love for everyone who played with Frank.

Andrew:
Will you be taking the stage at all for the tour, are you mostly staying behind the scenes? If you’re keeping off the stage, what went into that decision?

Ahmet:
For this tour, I sadly won’t have the opportunity to join, but I look forward to playing with these guys in the future because they’re incredible. I, unfortunately, had too many obligations in the way, but I’m just one person and the rest of the guys were available so I didn’t want to stop them from going out and having an amazing time on the road.

Andrew:
As a conservator of the Zappa Family Trust, how critical is it to you that your father’s music and legacy be preserved, and why?

Ahmet:
Frank’s truly a one-of-a-kind artist, and I might be a little biased because he’s my dad, but I do think it’s important. He’s one of the most unique musicians to have ever walked the planet and I think everyone in our family derives immense happiness from new fans discovering his music.

Andrew:
I wanted to dial it back a bit, and talk about “Frog with Dirty Little Lips.” Walk me through the track that you wrote with your dad. How meaningful was that experience to you?

Ahmet:
I loved it. It was really exciting to have Frank fall in love with this little story and drawing I was working on at the time. They inspired him to want to collaborate and turn our conversations into a song. It’s a memory I cherish.

Andrew:
90s albums Shampoohorn and Music for Pets harken back to your father’s work on many levels. How much of an influence was your father on those records?

Ahmet:
Growing up in the Zappa house and hearing Frank’s music all the time, how could it not leave an indelible mark on our musical minds?

Andrew:
In regards to your father’s work, he touched on many genres, across many eras of music. This said, which is your favorite and why?

Ahmet:
I love it all. It’s so hard to choose. I love his filmmaking, I love his “rock music,” and his orchestral music. I honestly can’t choose. It’s all good.

Andrew:
How did those favorites aid in shaping the setlist we’ll see on the Zappa Band Tour?

Ahmet:
First and foremost, the guys are playing music they feel like playing. When we can synergize between an album release and a tour, we try to make that happen, but really, for the most part, it’s going out there and playing what they’re inspired to play because the band can truly do anything.

Andrew:
The Zappa family legacy runs deep, and that includes your brother Dweezil. You’ve both notably had some hardships over the years, but early in your career the two of you made some wonderful music. Where do things between you and Dweezil stand today?

Ahmet:
He’s been nicer, we’ve had much better communication, and things are good. I feel like we’re in a much better place, and I’m grateful for that. Thank you for asking.

Andrew:
On the subject of your music, it’s been a long time since we’ve seen new music from you. Can we hope for a return to the studio from you?

Ahmet:
More music in the future for sure. People will just have to wait and see.

Andrew:
If your father were alive today, what sort of impact would he have musically, politically, and socially?

Ahmet:
I think my father was always consistent with his politics, points of view, musical ingenuity, and biting humor. I think he would be crushing more insane guitar solos, and writing more beautiful music. I think he would be saying and doing it all.

Andrew:
Last one. What’s next for you in all lanes, Ahmet?

Ahmet:
I work closely with a lot of bands and artists which brings me immense happiness. I’ve also been doing a lot of animation, which is a ton of fun. Lastly and most importantly, I’m trying to crossbreed Venice Beach street pigeons and saber-toothed tiger DNA in my basement. I don’t recommend it. It’s not working and it smells bad .

– Andrew Daly (@vwmusicrocks) is the Editor-in-Chief for www.vwmusicrocks.com and may be reached at andrew@vinylwriter.com