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MyVision had a chat to Joelistics from TZU prior to the band’s one year break/member separation. We talk history, honesty, travels and computers…

The down to earth group came about because two more underground acts decided to come together and form one back in 1999- and here we had TZU! Although beginning by playing shows around their home town Melbourne, they blossomed a little later in their debut album in 2004 Position Correction. The group established themselves in a leading position on the local level of the hip-hop scene straight up; as they took to the role of being an eccentric bunch of lads with a mix of hip-hop/electronic sound. Still upholding this flamboyancy, the boys are still going strong with promising progression from that debut album.

Wasting little time in stages of production the group released a second album in 2006, Smiling At Strangers. The result of this was yet another very steady step forward and ended up being nominated for an Australian Music Prize. It could be put to the group’s willingness to experiment and take a risk with their music; as this album incorporated what has been referred to as a passing nod toward 60’s psychedelic pop music.

TZU’s audience would know by now not to hold any preconceptions about what they will do next, as their third album Computer Love of 2008 validates the notion of their experimental sound. With the album incorporating an 80’s electro sound as well as a soul element from the likes of Renee Geyer, TZU still manage to stick to a fresh flow of music whilst exploring deep themes and sticking to their roots of a sense of humor.

The Boys have graced the shores of major Aussie music festivals such as Splendour In The Grass, Falls Fest, Big Day Out and Woodford just to name a few. Recent shows have been from state to state in major cities Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. It is unknown what the band’s next move will be, after all, the eccentric hip-hop crew have surprised unsuspecting fans before. Who’s to say they won’t do it again?

- Emmyrose Hobbs